Texas Freedom Network Names Kathy Miller As New President
Former TFN Deputy Director to Take Helm from Samantha Smoot in January
December 8, 2004AUSTIN Kathy Miller, a former deputy director for the Texas Freedom Network, will return as president of the organization in January.
Miller served as deputy director of the organization from 1996 to 2000. She replaces Samantha Smoot, who followed founder Cecile Richards as TFN’s second president in 1998.
“We are very happy to welcome back someone who did so much to help build the Texas Freedom Network in its early years and who has worked with its first two presidents,” said Terry Kenyon, chairman of TFN’s Board of Directors. “Kathy’s experience and her positive vision for the future will ensure that TFN remains an active and influential voice for mainstream Texas values.”
Since leaving the Texas Freedom Network in 2000, Kathy has served as communications director of the Texas Council on Family Violence and National Domestic Violence Hotline. She was public affairs director for Planned Parenthood Federation of Austin from 1994 to 1996. Kathy is also the mother of two daughters, Olivia and Caroline, who attend public schools in Austin.
“TFN has established a high standard for effective political action and grassroots organizing,” Miller said. “I am honored to follow Sam as president. She has demonstrated intelligence, commitment and energy in leading this organization. With the help of TFN’s amazing supporters, grassroots activists and truly gifted staff, I hope to continue this tradition of excellence and effectiveness.”
In the last six years the Texas Freedom Network’s membership has tripled while its budget doubled. Each year the organization has been on the front lines in the battle against textbook censorship, efforts to weaken public education and the growing danger and influence of religious extremism.
“We will continue the important fight in the coming Legislature against vouchers and other efforts that threaten our neighborhood schools,” Miller said. “I look forward to pushing ahead in our work for a Texas that values all faiths and protects all its citizens and families from intolerance and discrimination.”
