Michelle Freridge of the Free Speech Coalition Steps Down

CANOGA PARK, Calif. – Two years after joining the Free Speech Coalition, Executive Director Michelle Freridge has officially resigned, XBIZ has learned.

Freridge announced her decision after declining the option of signing another two-year contract with the FSC at a recent board meeting.

A national search for her replacement will be underway shortly, FSC Communications Director Tom Hymes told XBIZ. The FSC expects to replace her as soon as possible and is encouraging adult industry professionals to consider applying for the position.

The job requires experience in the nonprofit sector as well as business, political, administrative, fiscal, fundraising and member services skills.

“Building the organizations’ capacity, getting to know and work with industry leaders, developing the federal lobbying and member services, working with the attorneys on litigation, and initiating the code of ethics and best practices has been exciting and fulfilling work," Freridge said.

Freridge joined the FSC at an uncertain time in its history, when the organization’s membership was at an all-time low and former Executive Director Bill Lyon resigned over allegations of misappropriating membership funds.

Prior to Freridge’s hiring, Legislative Affairs Director Kat Sunlove came on board to serve as the interim executive director.

During Freridge’s stewardship with the FSC, she helped turn the organization around, made it more accessible and useful to the online adult community and helped get membership numbers into the thousands.

Freridge holds a master’s degree in public administration and has several years’ experience in grant-writing for nonprofits, program management, event coordination and membership development.

Freridge is said to be applying to law school for the next chapter of her professional career.

She will be in attendance at Internext in Florida, where the FSC plans to hold a membership meeting.

The FSC is now accepting applications for Freridge's replacement. A job description can be found at the FSC website in the About Us section, under Employment Opportunities.

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