Secretary Benson names Khyla D. Craine as chief legal director

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has named Khyla D. Craine (pronounced

Key-la) as the new chief legal director for the Michigan Department of State (MDOS). 

Craine has served as deputy legal director since 2019 where she provided high-level legal counsel to the Secretary of State and department leadership and developed new departmental procedures for data-sharing agreements with state and federal agencies, and private entities. She represented MDOS during the expedited procurement process of the accessible online absent voter application tool during the 2020 election cycle. For the 2020 and 2022 elections, Craine managed legal guidance and logistics for the Secretary of State’s ground support units, coordinating three regional teams to ensure smooth operations on Election Day. 

One of Craine’s most significant achievements is the development and management of the Road to Restoration program, which provides free driver’s license restoration clinics in communities throughout the state. Now in its fourth year, these innovative Road to Restoration clinics have served more than 10,000 Michiganders, many of whom have successfully regained their driving privileges with the help of volunteer attorneys and staff. Craine established and managed partnerships with nonprofit and corporate entities and consulted on the implementation of similar clinics in Hawaii and Kansas. 

“Khyla leads with clarity, purpose, and a deep commitment to justice,” Secretary Benson said.  “She contributes greatly to our efforts to protect democracy, expand voter access and ensure equity across Michigan’s election system. Khyla’s leadership and legal acumen has helped transform our department and has made a positive impact on the lives of millions of Michiganders.” 

Prior to joining MDOS, Craine served as assistant general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she was responsible for reviewing and editing legal briefs involving civil rights claims for argument before state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Craine worked directly with local counsel and partnering organizations to identify potential litigants, monitor cases and amicus briefs, and prepare witnesses for case depositions. 

"I'm grateful to continue my service to the department and Secretary Benson in this new role as chief legal director,” Craine said.  “It has been a privilege to serve for the past six years as deputy to Mike Brady. His tireless service and focused leadership are a tremendous legacy to follow."  

Craine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from South Carolina State University and a Juris Doctor from Howard University. Craine holds Federal Bar Certificates from the United States Supreme Court and United States District Court of Maryland. She also holds State Bar Certificates from the states of Michigan and Maryland. 

Craine replaces Brady, who recently announced his departure from MDOS after 6 years.