RALEIGH, N.C. - The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina today announced the selection of Chantal Stevens, a 20-year veteran of nonprofit leadership and management, as its executive director. Stevens, who has served as the organization’s interim executive director since February, takes the helm at a time of unprecedented activity and impact for the venerable civil rights organization. 

“Chantal Stevens provides the vision and leadership that will allow us to continue the important work of defending the fundamental rights of everyone in North Carolina and pushing America to make good on its promise of liberty and justice for all,” said Kenneth Wade, President of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of North Carolina. 

In 2020 alone, the ACLU of North Carolina has launched litigation and advocacy campaigns to protect vulnerable people in state prisons from COVID-19, preserve access to the ballot box, challenge the use of force against protesters, and combat police violence against communities of color. More on those cases and campaigns can be found at acluofnorthcarolina.org. 

Chantal Stevens offered this statement after being selected as the executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina:

“We are at a pivotal moment, not just in North Carolina, but in our country. How we respond to calls for racial justice and attacks on our democratic values will shape our future. The work of the ACLU of North Carolina has never been so important.

"We are facing challenges both old and new. We continue to battle against racism, voter suppression, and attacks on free speech. We are also confronting newer challenges - including those highlighted by a global pandemic, acts of police violence, and the consequences of mass incarceration. 

“I truly believe that we will triumph in these fights for liberty and justice, and I know that the ACLU of North Carolina is going to be instrumental in bringing about these victories. It is an honor to serve the ACLU of North Carolina in this next chapter as we dare to create a more perfect union for all.” 

Stevens brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit organizational leadership, fundraising, and management. Previously, she worked in progressively senior roles in nonprofits serving young people of color and economically neglected students including GO Project, Oliver Scholars, and A Better Chance. 

In August, the ACLU of North Carolina also welcomed Dustin Chicurel-Bayard as Communications Director. Chicurel-Bayard previously served in leadership roles for the North Carolina Sierra Club and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.