First Freedom Center

Staff
	Ambassador Randolph Marshall Bell President Ambassador Randolph Marshall Bell was appointed President of the First Freedom Center in April of 2010. He possesses a long and distinguished record of diplomatic and public service. He is the former Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues for the United States Department of State (2002-2003). He served also as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for NATO and Bilateral Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs (2001); Director, German, Austrian and Swiss Affairs (2001-2002); Acting Ambassador, U.S. Embassy, Bern (1999-2000); Director, UK, Ireland and Benelux Affairs (1996-1999); Director, Russian and Eurasian Analysis, Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1993-1996); Counselor for Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Brussels (1989-1993); and as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy, Prague (1985-1988). Ambassador Bell led the U.S. team that helped organize the London Conference on Nazi Gold in December 1997, negotiated the successful closeout of the postwar Tripartite Gold Commission, and also played an important role in establishing the $61-million Nazi Persecutee Relief Fund. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the German Foundation, “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future”, and as an observer to the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims. He is currently on the board of the Virginia Holocaust Museum and a member of the International Council of Austrian Service Abroad. In 2004, Ambassador Bell received the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria from the Austrian Order of the Silver Star. From 2003-2009, Ambassador Bell was President of the World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond. He is a graduate of The College of William and Mary and of Cambridge University.
	William L. Sachs, Ph.D. Director of Education William L. Sachs became Director of Education at the First Freedom Center in 2011. He has extensive experience in the non-profit world and in interfaith initiatives. He has served as visiting or adjunct faculty at several universities, notably Yale University in 2006. He has also addressed academic and interfaith conferences across the United States and the Middle East. Sachs has served the Episcopal Church locally and nationally, including research on grassroots religious life. He has also conducted research on religious leadership and the social impact of religious initiatives on several continents. Sachs is the author of five books and more than two-hundred articles, reviews, columns, book chapters, and op-ed pieces. He is one of the five editors of the forthcoming Oxford History of Anglicanism. Sachs earned his PhD at the University of Chicago (modern British history) after earning degrees at Baylor, Vanderbilt, and Yale. Sachs is a native of Richmond, Virginia.
	Sharon Durham Financial Officer Ms. Durham joined the staff in March of 2006. In her position as CFO/HRD, she is responsible for the controls, management, and reporting of the Center’s financial and administrative matters. She also serves as the Human Resource Director, with responsibility for developing and implementing employee policies and managing the organization’s employee relations. Prior to joining the First Freedom Center, Ms. Durham held the position of Executive V.P. Finance/HR for Lumber, Inc., an international electronics manufacturer. She was the number two person of the senior management team responsible for the US division’s growth and development from a three person Sales/Distribution activity to a 100-person Sales/Manufacturing Operation. Ms. Durham is a native Richmonder, with an entrepreneurial spirit, who has worked and travels both nationally and internationally.
	Chris Payton Development Officer Chris Payton joined First Freedom Center in 2010 to help the organization maintain and expand its base of financial support. As the Center institutes dynamic programs to advance its mission, he seeks to connect them to individuals and organizations that are equally as passionate about First Amendment freedoms. Mr. Payton left the business sector in 2006 to follow his desire to promote positive social change. Following two years as Fund Development Manager at William Byrd Community House, he began his own business to concentrate on grant writing, for which he has a strong affinity. In this capacity, he helped a variety of Richmond area nonprofits to successfully position themselves for grant funding. Mr. Payton is honored to be working with the First Freedom Center to advance religious freedom and freedom of conscience around the world—principles which undergird the polity of free nations. He also enjoys poetry and kayaking.
	Sandra M. Poulsen Outreach Programs Coordinator Ms. Poulsen joined the First Freedom Center staff in 1996. She implements the National First Freedom Student Competition; manages and communicates with the National Program Advisory Board, Education and Programs Committee and teacher focus groups; participates in and represents the Center in short-term, off-site educational programs; and assists the Education Director with correspondence and other administrative tasks. Since the late 1960’s, Ms. Poulsen has served as student coach, judge and organizer for middle- and high-school competitions within the western and southern United States. She has taught elementary through high-school age children and conducted research at the university level for comparative analysis of education programs and strategies. Ms. Poulsen has been active in interfaith relations in Central Virginia and been a youth speaker, primarily addressing peer relations and other areas of general teen interest.

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