FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2019
CONTACT: Mark McCormick, Director of Strategic Communications, 913-490-4113, [email protected]
OVERLAND PARK, KS - Nadine Farid Johnson, a former United States diplomat and constitutional law professor, will lead the ACLU of Kansas, the affiliate announced Monday (July 8). Johnson’s first day in the Overland Park office will be July 15.
Johnson succeeds Dr. Micah W. Kubic, who resigned last year to lead the ACLU of Florida.
“I’m delighted to be joining the ACLU of Kansas, and to be working with this strong, passionate team to partner with stakeholders across the state as we continue to address the most pressing issues of equity and justice and ensure the protection of civil liberties for all Kansans.”
Susan Estes, president of the ACLU of Kansas board of directors, said, the affiliate’s ability to attract someone of Johnson’s caliber said a lot about the affiliate’s stature as well as its potential.
“Micah built up our membership, our programs and hired a great group of people to protect and defend civil liberties across the entire state,” Estes said. “The board understood the importance of finding the right person to take the organization to the next level. We are thrilled to welcome Nadine to the organization. She has an incredible background and will be a great leader for the ACLU of Kansas.”
Johnson comes to the ACLU of Kansas from Google, where she managed strategic operations and community engagement efforts for the company’s Los Angeles site.
Previously, she served as a United States diplomat, with postings in West Africa, the Middle East, and Washington, D.C.
Prior to entering public service, Johnson was a professor of law and political science, teaching constitutional law, comparative constitutional law, international law, and intellectual property law courses at Gonzaga University. She began her academic career at Harvard Law School as a Climenko Fellow and Lecturer on Law.
Johnson takes over for interim Executive Director Lauren Bonds, who will return to her role as the affiliate’s legal director. Over the past seven months, Bonds accelerated the affiliate’s legal activity while managing the staff, setting budget priorities, and leading other important in-house initiatives.
“I’m very grateful for Lauren’s steady leadership during the transition,” Estes said. “She managed the interim role with aplomb while leading the legal department through some significant cases.”
Born and raised in Indiana, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law.
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About the ACLU of Kansas: The ACLU of Kansas is the statewide affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU of Kansas is dedicated to preserving and advancing the civil rights and legal freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For more information, visit our website at www.aclukansas.org.