Zach Talley

Originally from South Carolina, Zach first became acquainted with FIRE during his time as an undergraduate at Clemson University. As a student journalist, FIRE was a vital resource during the turbulence of the 2016 election and aftermath. 

Now Zach is excited to serve as part of FIRE’s development team, where he connects supporters to the work of defending free speech and free thought. Zach was drawn to FIRE because of his belief that, in order to truly think and be complete human beings, people must be able to speak freely. For more than a decade, Zach has known FIRE as an organization that doesn’t just defend this idea in theory — it wins concrete victories for the students, faculty, and citizens whose voices are too often silenced by government pressure and institutional overreach.

Before joining FIRE, Zach spent his career in communications, marketing, and development across the liberty movement, including roles at Atlas Network, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Institute for Humane Studies. 

Outside of the office, Zach can be found rock climbing, falling down a YouTube rabbit hole, or exploring D.C. with his wife.