MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama is pleased to announce that Kira Fonteneau has been elected its new Board President.
Fonteneau has been a Birmingham-based attorney for 14 years, starting with employment discrimination and then expanding into a private practice focusing on criminal and civil defense. In 2013, she became Jefferson County’s first Public Defender, managing 57 attorneys tasked with ensuring all criminal defendants received adequate legal representation regardless of wealth.
Executive Director Randall Marshall said, “Kira has been a valuable member of the Board and has been a leader in Jefferson County. We are pleased to have her take the reins as President.”
Throughout her career, Fonteneau has been a staunch advocate for equal rights for women at work, and for challenging racial and economics inequities in Alabama’s criminal justice system. She brings this experience and perspective with her to lead the ACLU of Alabama’s ongoing work in protecting and advancing civil liberties in the state.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge to help continue the ACLU’s forward progress in Alabama,” said Kira Fonteneau.
Fonteneau replaces former Board President Mark Lester.