Kristen Waggoner

Kristen Waggoner is a constitutional lawyer and the CEO, President, and Chief Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), one of the largest legal advocacy organizations focused on defending religious liberty, free speech, parental rights, and human life. In her role, she leads over 450 team members across multiple global offices and guides strategic litigation, public policy efforts, and advocacy at the highest levels of the judiciary and in international forums.

Waggoner has played a central role in numerous high-profile legal victories, particularly before the United States Supreme Court. She personally argued major cases, including Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, securing important rulings for free expression and religious freedom. Under her leadership, ADF has also been involved in landmark litigation contributing to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, and the organization has won many cases at national and international courts defending fundamental liberties.

Before joining ADF, Waggoner clerked for a Washington Supreme Court justice and spent over 15 years in private practice, gaining extensive experience in constitutional, civil, and nonprofit law. She is a sought-after speaker and commentator in national and international media, where she advocates for legal protections rooted in human dignity and freedom of conscience.