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The Standing For Freedom Center exists to uphold the Christian faith and defend America’s Constitution. We honor human dignity, individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. The Center serves to inform all Americans in matters of faith and liberty, and then deploy these faithful men and women across every medium and platform to protect and defend our strongest-held beliefs in every facet of society.
Ryan Helfenbein is the executive director of the Standing for Freedom Center and the vice president of communications and public engagement at Liberty University.
Prior to his tenure with the center, Ryan worked in various political capacities advancing conservative values and messaging. His positions range from deputy executive director for communications and public information with the office of Governor Matt Bevin, R-Kent., public information officer for the Department for Local Government (DLG), and project manager for a federal study of state occupational licensing practices. The project sought to decrease the barriers to entry into the workforce imposed by occupational licensing as well as recommend the optimum structure for board autonomy and state regulation. As part of the project, Ryan organized training for members of the states’ licensing boards to help guide them in best practices as well as provide ethical and legal advice to prevent any possible issues.
He holds an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a BA in economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
If you're interested in having Ryan speak at your next event, contact us at freedom@liberty.edu!
Follow Ryan on Twitter at @RHelfenbein
Connor Nash, a 2020 graduate of Liberty University, is the Creative Director for the Standing for Freedom Center. Prior to working for the center, Connor worked with multiple professional sports teams doing video and marketing work as well as directing broadcasts for Liberty University.
James Black is the Research Assistant & Analyst at the Standing for Freedom Center. He graduated from Liberty University in May of 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Individualized Studies, and in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Promotion & Video Content. Before coming to the Standing for Freedom Center, James served as an intern at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and has been featured in multiple stories in the News and Advance and the 2022 edition of Inside Lynchburg Region Magazine. James also worked as a video shader for Liberty Broadcast Experience (LBX) while completing his master’s degree. James is passionate about prioritizing his Christian faith and pursuit of Biblical values through understanding and analyzing data related to local and national political trends.
Michael McCartney, a 2020 graduate of Liberty University, is a videographer and editor for the Standing for Freedom Center. Before working for the center, Michael worked at Bellevue Baptist Church as a live video associate, directing various broadcasts and events.
Maggie Donica, a 2021 graduate of Liberty University, serves as the Event and Student Engagement Manager for the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University, where she orchestrates high-impact events that shape the next generation of bold, freedom-loving leaders. From managing Liberty’s 1,000+ student trip to the March for Life to executing the Freedom Center’s annual Summit and high-profile campus speaking events, Maggie loves creating opportunities for students to learn about and engage in political action.
Her passion? Equipping students to step up, speak out, and take action in the fight for truth and liberty. Before joining the Freedom Center, she worked as a Regional Field Coordinator at the Leadership Institute, training conservative campus leaders to build stronger organizations, recruit with confidence, and push back against liberal bias. During college, she also worked as a writer for ToddStarnes.com.
Allen Moro, a 2023 graduate of Liberty University, is a Social Media Manager and organizer for the Standing for Freedom Center’s Student Engagement initiative. Prior to working for the Freedom Center, Allen worked as a writer for ToddStarnes.com. Additionally, he contributed to the Starnes Media Group’s conservative talk radio shows.
Julia Ball, a 2023 graduate of Liberty University, is the Digital Creative Specialist for the Standing for Freedom Center. Before working for the Freedom Center, Julia worked as a freelance graphic designer for various small businesses. Additionally, she interned at the Career Center at Liberty University. It is Julia’s passion to use her gifts and talents in the arts for God’s glory.
Amy Snead is a dedicated wife, mother of four boys, and a passionate patriot. During the pandemic, she led the charge in Bedford County, VA, by starting at a chapter of Moms for Liberty and serving as the chairwoman for 3 years. She rallied voters to elect conservative leadership through hundreds of hours of grassroots engagement within her local community and statewide. With a background in hospitality and having previously worked as the Director of Hotel Industry Research at The Pennsylvania State University, Amy brings a variety of operational, organizational, and networking skills to the team. As Director of Operations at Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center, Amy continues to fight by equipping the next generation to defend life, liberty, and truth.