A watchdog for all Washingtonians.
Citizen Action Defense Fund is a watchdog for all Washingtonians, helping to ensure that state and local governments play by the rules and that the public’s constitutional rights are protected. We achieve these goals by supporting and pursuing strategic, high-impact litigation in cases where we have an opportunity to defend your constitutional rights, restrain government overreach, and protect free markets.
We are a nonprofit corporation and registered charity with both the IRS and Washington state. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and we receive financial support from donors across the state.
Working tirelessly to preserve your rights.
Washingtonians need a watchdog for constitutional rights and governmental accountability, and a team that isn’t afraid to fight for those causes in court. There are other legal organizations that are are dedicated to advancing progressive causes, that have a national scope, or that focus only on particular issues. We are focused on Washington State, litigation is our primary tactic, and we advocate for all manner of constitutional causes.
Defending your rights by winning legal battles.
As a watchdog over state and local government, we file lawsuits, represent affected parties and intervene in other cases when the state enacts laws that violate the state or federal constitutions, when government officials take actions that infringe upon First Amendment or other constitutional rights, or when agencies promulgate rules in violation of state law.
If you know of a case where our team might be able to help, let us know.
Experienced leaders fighting for your rights.
Citizen Action Defense Fund is overseen by a board of directors and guided by the expertise of over a dozen highly-experienced attorneys practicing throughout Washington.
Want to get in touch? Contact us here.
CADF Staff
Jackson Maynard
Executive Director
Jackson has practiced law in the public and private sector for over 20 years. He is a former prosecutor and worked as a staff attorney to the Washington State Senate. Prior to joining CADF in a full-time capacity, he served as General Counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington.
Sam Spiegelman
Associate Counsel
Sam is an expert on constitutional law who has litigated cases before local, state, and federal courts, including as an amicus before the United States Supreme Court. He received his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Paige Jaramillo
Director of Communications and Operations
Paige is an expert in strategic communication, with experience in the legal field, politics, and crisis management. She has her BA in Mass Communication & Media Studies from Arizona State University and handles operations for CADF in addition to her communications duties.
Kendralee Correa
Paralegal
Kendralee has dedicated much of her career to helping better the lives of Washingtonians. She has vast experience with different branches of government and its agencies, and has served as a former legislative assistant and a former elected official. Prior to joining CADF, she worked as a full-time Senior Paralegal at a high litigation law firm.
Board of Directors
Steve Gordon
Director
Steve was COO of Gordon Trucking for 25 years and is now serving as principal at Gordon Truck Centers. In addition, he serves on several boards, including not only CADF, but the Washington Trucking Association, American Trucking Associations, and UW Supply-Chain Master’s Program.
Paul Graves
Director
Paul is general counsel for a large family-owned transportation company. He previously worked at a world-class law firm in Seattle and represented Washington’s 5th Legislative District in the House of Representatives.
Dann Mead Smith
Director
Dann Mead Smith has served as President of Washington Policy Center, the state’s premier public policy think tank, since 2001. He has testified at dozens of legislative hearings in Olympia and appeared on numerous radio and TV programs around the state and the nation.
Craig A. Williamson
Director
Craig is an accomplished business executive with experience as a CEO in the engineering and construction industries and later, running his own business. He has been active in the realm of public policy for over two decades, serving as a board member and two term Chairman of the Board at the Washington Policy Center. In addition, he authored the thought-provoking book, Regarding Things That Matter.
Sally Poliak
Director
A veteran of marketing, strategic communications and public affairs, Sally Poliak has extensive experience successfully helping organizations achieve their goals. Sally is recognized as an innovative thought leader and was named best executive at the 2010 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. She has served as CEO and President of the Poliak Group for over 14 years and has extensive communications and marketing experience, including over a decade at Microsoft.
Attorney Advisory Board
- Ashley Burman, Seattle
- Bill Maurer, Seattle
- Callie Castillo, Seattle
- Caesar Kalinowski IV, Seattle
- Chris Corry, Yakima
- Dan Brady, Bellingham
- David DeWolf, Spokane
- Diane Tebelius, Issaquah
- Harry Korrell, Seattle
- Heather Burgess, Olympia
- Hunter Abell, Seattle
- Jay Smith, out of state
- Joel Ard, Bainbridge Island
- Paul Graves, Seattle
- Rob Maguire, Seattle
- Ronald Berenstain, Seattle
- Saul Gamoran, Vashon Island