KANSAS CITY, MO – The ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri has hired Dan Winter as its new executive director. Winter, who will begin work Dec. 17, will lead the staff, volunteers and board of directors in efforts to protect every person’s civil rights throughout the region.

“I am very excited about our new Executive Director Dan. He has shown a longtime commitment to civil liberties issues in Kansas City and has proven a willingness to fight for the less popular or weak when the cause is just,” said Bill Raney, President of the Board of Directors. “I would also like to thank our interim E.D. Kay Johnson who ably served the ACLU in a time of great need. Her skills and passion were greatly appreciated.”

Winter has been Chairman of the Board of People’s Inc., a Colorado-based bank holding company since 1985. He is active as a volunteer with Planned Parenthood, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the ALS Association and numerous other civic groups.

“For 20 years, I have worked in the community, both as a professional and volunteer, to help provide access to needed social services for people in all walks of life,” said Winter.  “I am incredibly flattered that the Board has chosen me to lead the ACLU’s efforts to ensure basic civil rights in Kansas and Western Missouri. Our first order of business will be to expand awareness of the great work that the ACLU does and to get more people from the heart of the country involved in that work.”