Get to Know Our New FIRE Staffers: Communications Coordinator, William Rickards

This week, we’re introducing you to a big new crop of FIRE staffers ready to defend individual rights on America’s campuses.

Today, meet William Rickards, our new communications coordinator.

Based in our Philadelphia office, Bill comes to FIRE from a communications position at the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C. His new position is part of FIRE's Speech, Outreach, Advocacy, and Research (SOAR) project.

A native of the Philadelphia suburbs, Bill has a journalism degree from Temple University, where he covered Philadelphia’s city council and a range of issues—from civil asset forfeitures to soda taxes—for both the student newspaper and his personal blog.

“As a journalism major and reporter at Temple, I had always been interested in civil liberties issues,” Bill said of his path to FIRE. “Becoming an advocate for these issues felt very natural, especially after seeing firsthand how they can be taken away or taken for granted. When I found out there was a job opening at FIRE in my hometown of Philly, I jumped at the opportunity.”

As for what he’s looking forward to in his new position helping spread the word about student rights on campus?

“Honestly, the best kind of job is one you can finish at the end of the day and be proud of what you’ve done or the cause you’ve chosen to take up,” he said. “Contributing to this fight in my own way feels good. I think that’s more than most people can say about their jobs.”

Welcome, Bill. We’re glad to have you joining us here at FIRE.

Check our website this week as we continue to post introductions to our great new team members.