Announcing Our New Executive Director

HARTFORD — Following a nationwide search, the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut (ACLU-CT) has named longtime staff member David McGuire as the organization’s new executive director. McGuire joined the ACLU-CT in 2007 as a staff attorney. In 2015, he became the organization’s first legislative and policy director. Throughout his tenure with the ACLU-CT, he has been instrumental in passing first-in-the nation laws to regulate police use of Tasers and to protect cellphone privacy, as well as other policies to advance LGBT rights, racial justice, criminal justice reform, and police accountability.

“In his nine years with the ACLU-CT, David has proven himself to be a steadfast and effective champion of civil liberties for all people,” said Andy Schatz, president of the organization’s board of directors. “We are thrilled that he will be taking on a new role to lead the ACLU-CT’s fight for freedom, justice, and equality in our state.”

“David has dedicated his career to defending civil liberties in Connecticut,” said Ben Solnit, vice president of the organization’s board of directors and chair of its search committee for a new leader. “We can think of no better person to advance our work to defend our Constitution’s promises.”

“Since 1949, the ACLU-CT has pushed Connecticut to be more fair, equal, and just. I am honored to build upon that legacy,” said McGuire. “Right now, Connecticut has a chance to be a beacon of hope for civil liberties. We will not go back on the hard-fought victories we have achieved, and we will keep advancing the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our state and federal Constitutions. In the past week, we have heard from hundreds of people looking to volunteer their time and services to the ACLU of Connecticut. This outpouring of support shows the renewed sense of urgency to protect the Constitution in the Constitution State, and the ACLU of Connecticut is ready to remain liberty’s watchdog in the courts, at the capitol, and in communities throughout the state.”

In addition to his work with the ACLU-CT, McGuire serves as chair of the Connecticut Special Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and as a member of Connecticut’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Advisory Board. A 2006 graduate of Western New England College School of Law, McGuire clerked for the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court and is admitted to the Connecticut state and federal bars. Among his many achievements and accolades, McGuire is a recipient of  Connecticut Magazine’s 2016 “40 Under 40” award and the Keep the Promise Coalition’s 2016 policy leadership award in recognition of his efforts to advance laws that respect the rights of people living with mental health conditions.