ACLU of Delaware's executive director Kathleen MacRae announces retirement after 8 years

Brittany Horn
The News Journal

The ACLU of Delaware is looking for new leadership following the retirement announcement of Executive Director Kathleen MacRae effective Monday.

Until her position is filled, David Bever – who has served as the organization's director of development since 2016 – will take on the role of interim director.

MacRae's departure comes after eight years of leading the ACLU of Delaware through lawsuits, legislation and education efforts. Now, she's heading to Florida to enjoy retirement in the sunshine, according to the organization.

Kathleen MacRae, then the Executive Director of the ACLU of Delaware, speaks during a rally in Wilmington, Feb. 2010.

“Because our organization is so strong both in talented staff and finances, I believe that the time is right to turn the work over to new leadership that can steer this organization to even greater heights," MacRae said in a statement.

The ACLU of Delaware is known for challenging issues that include criminal justice reform, LGBT equality, prisoner rights and First Amendment protections, all of which MacRae has influenced during her time with the organization.

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Most recently, the ACLU filed a landmark lawsuit against the state Department of Education last year over how it funds education, with the argument that the system gives more support to affluent children than those living in poverty.

Kathleen MacRae, executive director of ACLU Delaware speaks during a press conference concerning a lawsuit challenging the state's allocation of resources to schools in 2018.

"For too long children from low-income families, students whose first language is not English, and children with disabilities have been left behind," MacRae said at a press conference announcing the lawsuit. "Every child deserves a chance to succeed. All students have a right to an education that prepares them adequately for college and the world of work."

Before coming to Delaware, MacRae worked as the development director at the ACLU of New Mexico, where she was the executive director of the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty. Her efforts were successful in March 2009, when after a 10-effort, the death penalty was repealed.

In Delaware, her latest efforts have gone toward cutting Delaware's prison population in half as part of the Smart Justice campaign.

David Bever will serve as the interim director of the ACLU of Delaware until the organization officially fills the position.

"Kathleen has a unique passion for social justice and has been tireless in advocating for the people of Delaware,” said Kathryn Jakabcin, president of the ACLU of Delaware. 

Bever, who will serve as the interim director while the organization looks to fill the position, previously led two Pennsylvania nonprofit victim service agencies. 

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Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.