NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) announced today the appointment of Miriam R. Nemeth as its new executive director. A seasoned civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader, Nemeth began her role on Monday (September 15, 2025). She will succeed Phyllida Burlingame, who has served as interim executive director since November 2024.
Nemeth comes to ACLU-TN with a distinguished career dedicated to protecting civil rights. Most recently, she was the deputy litigation director and chief counsel at Rights Behind Bars, a legal advocacy organization focused on eliminating inhumane conditions of confinement for incarcerated people. Her background includes roles with the Advancement Project, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, and a boutique law firm in Detroit where she litigated cases involving police misconduct and government abuse of power.
“With rising attacks on the fundamental rights of Tennesseans, we are confident that Miriam, with her strategic vision and experience, brings the leadership needed to move us forward and defend those who have been historically denied justice,” said David Taylor, president of the ACLU-TN board of directors. “With Miriam at the helm, the ACLU of Tennessee will continue to work with partners and supporters across Tennessee to advance justice in the courts, the legislature, and our communities.”
The ACLU-TN board also extends its sincere gratitude to Phyllida Burlingame for her leadership during the transition period. Burlingame, who formerly served as legal-policy co-director at the ACLU of Northern California, provided continuity and expertise, working closely with the board to prepare the organization for its new chapter under Nemeth’s direction.
Nemeth’s clerkship for Judge Ronald L. Gilman on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Memphis and her prior representation of the Highlander Research and Education Center inform her interest in ACLU-TN. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, she also served as a law clerk for Judge David M. Lawson on the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“I am honored to lead the ACLU of Tennessee as we navigate the critical civil rights challenges facing our state and country,” Nemeth said. "I look forward to partnering with the dedicated staff, board, supporters, and community members to champion the rights and dignity of all in Tennessee.”
About the ACLU of Tennessee:
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) is an affiliate of the national ACLU. A non-partisan non-profit organization, for more 50 years, ACLU-TN has been dedicated to defending the principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all embodied in the U.S. Constitution. For more information, visit www.aclu-tn.org
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