FOG names new executive director

Published Monday, August 24, 2009 3:58 PM MDT

The Board of Directors of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government announced on Friday, Aug. 21, the appointment of new executive director Sarah Welsh.

“This is a fascinating and challenging time to lead the fight for transparency and accountability in government,” Welsh said. “Unfortunately, New Mexicans can turn on their televisions or open their newspapers each day and learn of corrupt and shameful practices by their public officials. Secrecy is the soil in which corruption sprouts, and it's time we stood up and demanded full transparency. It's also time for us to keep an extra close watch on government spending. From bailouts and the stimulus package to the debate over health care reform, I believe New Mexicans are anxious about what their government is up to and hungry for answers. I'm here to make sure they get those answers.”

Welsh, 31, brings to FOG experience in both journalism and non-profit advocacy work. She was formerly assistant news editor for the Rio Grande SUN, in Española, and communications coordinator for KaBOOM!, in Washington, D.C. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa.

“We're delighted to be the beneficiary of Sarah's considerable talents,” said FOG's president, Kip Purcell. “Sarah brings great vigor and vision to the executive director's job. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more ardent and thoughtful advocate of open government.”

Welsh will take over fully as director on Aug. 28, at which time FOG will relaunch its free open-government hotline service. The service provides information and support to anyone seeking public records or access to public meetings. It is backed by a volunteer panel of attorneys and fields hundreds of calls each year.

About FOG

FOG is New Mexico's leading advocate for First Amendment rights. Its mission is to defend the public's right to know and to educate citizens and government agencies about their rights and responsibilities under New Mexico's open-meetings and open-records laws. Founded in 1989 by veteran Associated Press reporter Bob Johnson, FOG has a strong record of bringing sunshine to the halls of power. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, member-supported organization that draws broad membership from the general public, business community, elected officials, journalists and lawyers.

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