As many of you know, after more than eight years at the helm, former Executive Director Ryan Kiesel stepped down from leading the ACLU of Oklahoma. Ryan’s time at the affiliate is marked by an impressive list of victories and advances on a wide range of political and legal issues. In short, he left big shoes to fill. And after an extensive search, the ACLU of Oklahoma Board of Directors found just the right person to fill them.
Today, we are excited to welcome a new era in leadership. Tamya Cox-Touré has been named the next Executive Director for the ACLU of Oklahoma.
As some of you might remember, Tamya served as the first Legislative Counsel for the affiliate. She graduated with an undergrad degree from Oklahoma State University and went on to continue her education at Oklahoma City University School of Law. She joins us from Planned Parenthood Great Plains where she served as Regional Director of Public Policy and Organizing, overseeing the Public Affairs departments in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Tamya is committed to civil rights and civil liberties. She has traveled across the state and country speaking directly to communities on issues that impact their daily lives, as well as presenting on numerous panels covering a variety of topics, including race equity. Her dedication to the work is best summarized through her favorite Alice Walker quote, “Activism is my rent to live on this planet.”
Tamya’s first day with the ACLU of Oklahoma will be November 23rd. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming her and continue to support our efforts as we remain as committed and determined as ever in the fight to protect the rights of all people.
Read our press release annoucing Tamya as the next Executive Director here: https://www.acluok.org/en/press-releases/aclu-oklahoma-announces-new-era-leadership