About Us
The Freedom to Learn Foundation (FTLF) is dedicated to protecting our public libraries and institutions of learning and democracy that provide essential services to our communities, safeguarding intellectual freedom, educational equity, and access to information for all. We believe that every individual—regardless of background—deserves the right to read, learn, and explore ideas without censorship or restriction. Our mission is simple but urgent: to defend our libraries, support allies dedicated to educational opportunities for all, push back against book bans, and empower communities to stand up for the freedom to learn.
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Steve Potash – Chairman, Freedom to Learn Foundation Steve Potash is the Chairman and Chief Advocate at Freedom to Learn Foundation, leading our efforts to protect our libraries and support the essential services they provide to our communities, while also working to combat book banning, censorship, and attacks on educators and librarians. Steve is also the President and CEO of OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for ebooks, audiobooks, and digital media, which he founded in 1986. A pioneer in the digital content industry, Steve has been instrumental in advancing digital reading solutions for libraries, schools, and institutions worldwide. |
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Rory Steele – Executive Director, Freedom to Learn Foundation At FTLF, Rory leads national efforts to defend libraries, fight censorship, and protect educators from attacks. He oversees strategic campaigns, coalition development, and organizational growth to ensure access to diverse books and ideas in schools and communities. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Rory brings over two decades of experience in political organizing, nonprofit leadership, and legislative strategy. He has held senior roles with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Priorities USA, and With Honor Action, and played key roles in President Obama’s 2008 Iowa caucus and other major campaigns. |
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Katrice Williams – Legal Director, Freedom to Learn Foundation Katrice brings experience in government, philanthropy, policy, and international women’s rights. Most recently, she served as Senior Criminal Justice Fellow at the Cleveland Foundation, where she led efforts to reform Cuyahoga County’s criminal legal system.Katrice has held roles at the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry and the ACLU of Ohio, where she worked on criminal justice reform and voting rights. Her jail voting toolkit remains in use today. Internationally, she has worked on women’s rights and humanitarian projects in Zambia, China, and South Africa. She holds a J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law, dual master’s degrees from Case Western Reserve University, and a B.A. in international relations from Stanford. She passed the Ohio Bar in October 2023. |
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Megan Baechle – Senior Advisor, Freedom to Learn Foundation Megan serves as a Senior Advisor for the Freedom to Learn Foundation (FTLF), where she helps advance the organization’s mission to defend libraries, combat censorship, and support educators by leading strategic operations, event coordination, and inclusive organizational practices. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), human resources, operations, event planning, and executive-level support. In addition to her role at FTLF, Megan serves as Co-Chair of the Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Committee, where she helps design and implement programming for LGBTQ+ and allied individuals under 40 in the greater Cleveland area. She is deeply committed to DE&I education and creating more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and other underrepresented communities. |
