About
The ACLU of Utah envisions a state where all persons enjoy the civil rights and liberties promised in the United States and Utah Constitutions and laws.
Our Mission
The ACLU of Utah operates through public education, legal action, and legislative and community advocacy to enhance and defend the civil rights and freedoms of everyone living in or visiting Utah. We are an inclusive, nonpartisan, statewide organization powered by our members, donors, and volunteers.
Meet Our Staff
Our dedicated staff is committed to protecting civil rights and liberties in Utah. Led by Executive Director Brittney Nystrom, we have five departments: Administration, Communications, Campaigns & Organizing, Development, and Legal.
Brittney Nystrom
Executive Director
(She/Her/Hers)
Brittney Nystrom joined the ACLU of Utah as Executive Director in August 2016. Previously, beginning in 2012, Brittney served as Director for...
Jason M. Groth
Legal Director
(He/Him/His)
Jason M. Groth joined the ACLU of Utah in October 2024 as the Legal Director. Jason received his bachelor’s degrees from the University of...
Alison Griffith
Director of Community Engagement
(She/Her/Hers)
Alison joined the ACLU of Utah in November 2024, after two decades living and working among diverse communities in the U.S., Middle East, Central...
Ellie Menlove
Director of Policy
(She/Her/Hers)
Ellie (she/her) joined the ACLU of Utah as the Legislative & Policy Counsel in December 2023. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Ellie earned her...
Jun 16, 2025
Tyrell-Aagard
Tyrell joined the ACLU of Utah as the Development Director in March 2022. Previously, he worked in development positions at Utah Food Bank and...
Malyssa Egge
Indigenous Justice Organizer
(She/Her/Hers)
Malyssa, based in rural southeastern Utah, joined the ACLU of Utah as our San Juan County Voter Protection Organizer and has continued with the...
Molly Karasick
Legal Fellow
(She/Her/Hers)
Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, Molly earned her bachelor's degree in Communication and Spanish & Latin American Studies from Westminster...
Abigail Cook
Staff Attorney
(She/Her/Hers)
Abby (she/her) joined the ACLU of Utah as a Staff Attorney in June 2023. A New Hampshire native, Abby earned her bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac...
Thomas Ford
Staff Attorney
(He/Him/His)
Tom (he/him) joined the ACLU of Utah as a Staff Attorney in January of 2024. Originally from Massachusetts, Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in...
Sarah J. Balland
Intake Program Manager
(She/They)
Sarah J. Balland grew up in their parents' hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming (the ancestral homelands of the Sioux, Arapaho, Lipan Apache, and Cheyenne...
Jun 16, 2025
Sam-Cypert
Sam Cypert (she/her) joined the ACLU of Utah as a Paralegal in July 2024, although she has been eagerly waiting for an opening since moving to Utah...
