Kristen Waggoner
CEO, President, and Chief Counsel
Kristen Waggoner is CEO, president, and chief counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, the world’s largest legal organization advancing every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth. Leading a team of more than 450 people across 11 offices worldwide, Waggoner directs ADF’s work on the most consequential legal and cultural issues of our time—advocating for free speech, religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights.
Under her leadership—first as head of U.S. litigation and now as CEO—ADF has won 15 cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, including Dobbs, the historic decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Waggoner has personally argued several landmark cases before the Court, including Masterpiece Cakeshop and 303 Creative. ADF currently has four cases before the Court, with decisions expected this year.
Waggoner also leads ADF International, which operates in more than 80 countries and has achieved significant success before international tribunals. Current high-profile cases include the defense of British veteran Adam Smith-Connor, Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen, and Canadian advocate “Billboard Chris,” who face government censorship and prosecution for silently praying or speaking truth. The European Court of Human Rights will also soon hear ADFI’s cases challenging the Turkish government’s expulsion of pastors and missionaries without cause.
In recognition of her leadership, the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal awarded Waggoner the 2025 Richard D. McLellan Prize for Advancing Free Speech and Expression. She was also appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve on the advisory board of legal experts to the Religious Liberty Commission. A sought-after speaker, she has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed the United Nations, and regularly appears in national and international media.
Waggoner clerked at the Washington Supreme Court and practiced law for over 15 years at a Seattle-based firm before joining ADF. She is Peer Review Rated AV® Preeminent™ in Martindale-Hubbell and is passionate about defending truth and freedom to ensure human flourishing.