Growing up, my father was also my school’s principal. I’d find myself in his office quite a bit. Sometimes because I had gotten into trouble. But most often just because I was waiting for him in the quiet hours before or after school, or I wanted to share with him something that had happened. 

In those times and throughout my childhood, my dad always pushed me to discover my talents — and then use those talents to honor God. He said I’d waste my life if I didn’t find and pursue God’s purpose for it.  

After many of those talks, at the age of 12 or 13, I knew God was calling me to protect religious freedom. 

As I went from high school to college to law school, I realized why: Religious freedom is our first freedom, and our other liberties are directly connected to it. I wanted to be able to freely share the Gospel, and to ensure that others — including my own children and future grandchildren — would be able to live out their faith. 

When I came to Alliance Defending Freedom in 2013, I never thought I’d one day serve this ministry as CEO, president, and general counsel. But God had other plans. I stepped into my new role on October 1. And as I look to the future, I’m filled with excitement, anticipation, and a deep, solemn resolve. 

Even before coming to ADF, I appreciated the ministry’s comprehensive strategy to protect freedom inside and outside our nation’s courtrooms and legislative halls. That’s not something any organization can accomplish alone. It takes a strong alliance. 

As all of us at ADF have co-labored with alliance partners and Ministry Friends, God has helped us take on some challenging issues together. I believe He’s about to call on us do even more, in counterpoint to a culture that’s lost and increasingly hostile to our core convictions. 

There is often a cost to standing for freedom. But — as we’ve seen many times over the years since ADF’s founding — embracing that cost can result in significant legal victories. And it always results in eternal ones. 

I’m incredibly thankful for our partners who stand with us to protect religious freedom, free speech, life, marriage and family, and the rights of parents. My promise is that, in the challenging days ahead, ADF will always run toward the fray, not away from it. And we will be faithful to Christ in working to keep the door open for His Gospel.