Ann Beeson

Ann Beeson is the Southern Poverty Law Center’s chief program officer, where she oversees programs to dismantle white supremacy, advance learning for justice, and preserve and continue the legacy of the civil rights movement. An experienced civil rights lawyer, nonprofit CEO, and philanthropy executive, Beeson has transformed institutions and embraced a wide range of innovative strategies to promote social change.

Before joining the SPLC, she served as CEO of Every Texan, the leading social justice think tank and public policy organization in Texas, which advocates for accessible and equitable health care, education, quality jobs, and financial security. Beeson was previously the executive director of U.S. Programs at the Open Society Foundations. She developed the distribution strategy for $150 million in annual grants to promote human rights, justice, and accountability nationwide. She began her career at the American Civil Liberties Union, where she ultimately served as associate legal director of its National Legal Department.