Kelley McLean serves as Deputy Director of Government Affairs for First Liberty Institute in the Washington, D.C. office. In this role, she develops and implements First Liberty’s strategic initiatives at the federal level with external entities and allies on Capitol Hill. As a principal strategist, McLean provides important feedback on religious freedom to members and staff of the U.S. Congress, the White House and federal agencies.

Prior to joining First Liberty, McLean served as Legislative Assistant to Senator James Lankford where she oversaw the Senate Values Action Team and advised several members of U.S. Senate. She served as Government Affairs Fellow at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. McLean also ran the House Values Action Team under its founding chair Congressman Joseph Pitts, where she advised multiple members of U.S. Congress.

Prior to that, she worked as the Government Relations Coordinator for a non-profit committed to promoting human rights and religious liberty abroad. During college, McLean helped another international non-profit committed to promoting religious freedom and rule of law in China, open their Washington, DC Government Affairs office.

McLean received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Asian Studies from Austin College.

Hiram Sasser is Executive General Counsel for First Liberty Institute, where he oversees First Liberty’s litigation and media efforts. Sasser’s practice focuses primarily on First Amendment and other constitutional and civil rights issues. His practice includes a substantial emphasis on seeking and defending against extraordinary remedies in federal court. Sasser successfully argued before federal and state appellate courts, federal and state district courts, and the Texas Supreme Court. His past and present clients include The American Legion, VFW, Association of Christian Schools International, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Falun Gong, a Native American sweat lodge, Jewish Educational Center, Southern Baptist Convention, National Association of Evangelicals, synagogues, and various state and local government entities and officials.

In addition to his legal duties, he develops, coordinates, and implements successful media strategies on behalf of his clients. This includes numerous appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, CNN, and the BBC as well as being heard on various radio stations throughout the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Prior to joining First Liberty, Sasser graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he received recognition as the “Outstanding Graduate.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. His military service includes serving as Headquarters Commander, a Company Executive Officer, and Training Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

In 2016, Sasser took a leave of absence to serve a temporary assignment as the Chief of Staff for the Attorney General of Texas.

Mr. Sasser currently serves as an adjunct law professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law and at Oklahoma City University School of Law.

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