Michael N. Sheetz, a commercial litigator at Cooley LLP in Boston, has been elected the new board chair for the Anti-Defamation League New England region.

Sheetz has been involved with ADL for more than 20 years. He previously served as national vice chair of development, chairman of ADL’s civil rights committee and vice chair of ADL’s New England regional board.

"Michael long ago came to define the very best in lay leadership for ADL," said Derrek L. Shulman, ADL New England regional director. "Michael’s active involvement with a wide variety of civil rights initiatives and his leadership of the successful campaign to introduce an antibullying law in Massachusetts will enhance ADL’s work to confront anti-Semitism and secure justice for all people."

"I am honored to serve in such a historically significant role in this exciting time of growth for ADL New England," said Sheetz. "ADL New England is now poised to build upon the critical partnerships it has developed with other organizations and communities, and we will increase our leadership in the shared fight against hatred."

Sheetz, a Needham resident, recently joined Cooley LLP in Boston as a partner in its litigation department. He has more than 20 years of business litigation experience in state and federal courts throughout the country, with a significant focus on non-competition and trade secret matters.