ACLU of Indiana Announces New Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana today announced the appointment of Claudia Peña Porretti as Executive Director, effective July 17, 2006. Porretti succeeds Fran Quigley, who has accepted a position as Director of Development and Operations for the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Kenya Partnership.

“Claudia Porretti has an extraordinary blend of commitment, achievement and passion for the cause of protecting all Americans’ civil liberties,” said Catherine Gibson, President of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Indiana. “Her understanding of minority rights, the legal process, and her experience in fund raising and non-profit management will allow her to continue to ‘carry the torch’ for Hoosiers. Fran Quigley was an exemplary Executive Director for this organization, and we all look forward to ensuring that Claudia continues the group’s fine work.”

Porretti comes to the ACLU of Indiana from Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (HVAF), where she has served as Director of Development and Communications since 2005. HVAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating homelessness for veterans and their families. Prior to that, she was Director of Development and Special Events for La Plaza, Inc, a non-profit Hispanic organization that provides programs and services in the areas of health, social services, education, arts and culture, and economic development to the Central Indiana Latino community.

“I could not be more proud to further the mission, goals and great work of the ACLU, especially in today’s climate,” Porretti said.

Porretti is a 2006 graduate of the Indiana University School of Law. During her studies, she served as Secretary of the Hispanic Law Association, and was a member of the Black Law Student Association. She is currently attending Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and expects to earn her Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management in May 2008.

In addition, Porretti has completed two courses at the IU Center on Philanthropy’s Fund Raising School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Indiana Institute of Technology (Fort Wayne) in 2001, and an Associate in Science (Business Administration) from Norwalk Community College (Norwalk, Connecticut) in May 1993.