The ACLU of Alabama is proud to announce the election of executive leadership and three new members to its Board of Directors, unanimously approved on May 3, 2025. The newly elected leaders bring a wealth of experience in civil rights, nonprofit governance, philanthropy, strategic communications, advocacy, and community engagement to the organization’s leadership at a critical moment in the fight for justice across Alabama and the nation.
“We are thrilled to welcome this incredible group of leaders to the ACLU of Alabama’s Executive Committee,” said Executive Director JaTaune Bosby-Gilchrist. “Each brings a powerful commitment to equity and justice as well as a deep understanding of the urgent threats we face. In an environment where effective storytelling, strategic communications, and relationship-building with philanthropy and donors are essential, we cannot afford not to tell our stories—and build key relationships and partnerships–our way. Kindred’s leadership to date has already made a significant impact on our strategic approach to all three, and I am excited to build on that impact as he steps into the role of Chair.”
“The ACLU of Alabama has always been a powerful voice for justice in the South,” said Kindred Motes. “Under JaTaune’s visionary leadership, that voice has only grown. I’m honored to continue working to support the incredible staff, partners, and communities advancing civil liberties and protecting the rights of all Alabamians.”
The 2025-2026 Executive Committee of the ACLU of Alabama includes:
- Chair: Kindred Motes, Founder and Managing Director of KM Strategies Group, a social impact advisory firm, and Founder and Managing Advisor of The Etolia Fund.
- Vice Chair: Carmen Chambers, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen PC in the product liability litigation practice group and Co-Founder of The Bevy, a queer social and professional network.
- Secretary: Yamini Bhat, Founding Executive Director of Birmingham Corps, a workforce equity and community leadership initiative focused on recruitment, training, and career placement.
- Treasurer: Ana Delia Espino, Director of Inclusive Economies–South at United for a Fair Economy and the CEO of Espino Consulting, LLC.
- Equity and Inclusion Officer: Dr. Denise Davis-Maye, Professor and Department Chair of Social Work at Alabama State University, with decades of leadership in global civic engagement.
- Immediate Past Chair: Glory McLaughlin, Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham, a nonprofit providing free civil legal aid to low-income residents of Jefferson County and former Dean of Public Interest at the University of Alabama School of Law.
- National Board Representative: Kira Fonteneau, Co-Owner of The Workers’ Firm, a law practice focused on employment and civil rights law.
In addition to the Executive Committee appointments, the ACLU of Alabama is also pleased to welcome the following new members to its Board of Directors:
- Pastor Richard Williams, Lead Pastor of Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Montgomery
- Carlos Javier Torres, Director of Policy at the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!)
- Jerome Dees, Alabama Policy Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)