We're thrilled to announce Erik Martínez Resly (he/him) as the new Communications Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. He has led extensive campaigns already at the ACLU of Texas and in his previous work with Muslim Advocates, the Justice for Muslims Collective, and The Sanctuaries. Now Martínez Resly will lead the ACLU of Texas communications department into the new year and a new legislative session as civil rights and liberties face serious threats in the state.
"Erik’s particular set of skills and experiences in advocacy communications make him uniquely qualified to lead this team,” said Oni Blair, Executive Director of the ACLU of Texas. "He brings significant management experience, a track record working with diverse racial and faith audiences, creativity as an artist, and a deep commitment to our mission. I am thrilled to welcome Erik to this role."
Martínez Resly joined the ACLU of Texas in May 2021 as the senior communications manager and then moved into the role as the acting communications director. He has piloted multi-faceted campaigns like the Choosing Our Future: Block Party and Mural Unveiling in Houston’s Third Ward and the ACLU of Texas Students’ Rights Hub.
Prior to the ACLU of Texas, Martínez Resly designed communications strategies for Muslim Advocates that mobilized diverse stakeholders from across the country to advance the rights of Muslims, immigrants, and religious minorities. Previously, Erik founded and co-directed The Sanctuaries, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. that equipped and placed artists on the front lines of grassroots organizing campaigns and national social movements.
Martínez Resly received a bachelor's degree from Brown University and a master's degree from Harvard Divinity School, where he was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and the Peter J. Gomes STB '68 Distinguished Alumni Honor. He grew up in Frankfurt, Germany, and currently lives with his family in Houston.
Three new hires join Martínez Resly on the ACLU of Texas’ communications team:
- Kristi Gross (she/her) — Press Strategist
Gross brings a decade of broadcast journalism experience to the affiliate, having worked as a local news reporter in central Texas, southwest Florida, and northern California. She is now based in Houston.
- Victoria Guerrero (she/they) — Digital Communications Coordinator
Guerrero has cultivated a depth of digital advocacy experience at Texas Freedom Network, Advocates for Youth, and Progress Texas, among others. She’s based in Brownsville and Austin.
- Brianna Rodríguez (she/her) — Digital Communications Coordinator
Rodríguez excelled at a wide range of digital communications roles at Texans Care for Children, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, and the Texas House of Representatives, among others. She’s based in Houston.