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The Standing For Freedom Center exists to uphold the Christian faith and defend America’s Constitution. We honor human dignity, individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. The Center serves to inform all Americans in matters of faith and liberty, and then deploy these faithful men and women across every medium and platform to protect and defend our strongest-held beliefs in every facet of society.
Ryan Helfenbein is the executive director of the Standing for Freedom Center and the vice president of communications and public engagement at Liberty University.
Prior to his tenure with the center, Ryan worked in various political capacities advancing conservative values and messaging. His positions range from deputy executive director for communications and public information with the office of Governor Matt Bevin, R-Kent., public information officer for the Department for Local Government (DLG), and project manager for a federal study of state occupational licensing practices. The project sought to decrease the barriers to entry into the workforce imposed by occupational licensing as well as recommend the optimum structure for board autonomy and state regulation. As part of the project, Ryan organized training for members of the states’ licensing boards to help guide them in best practices as well as provide ethical and legal advice to prevent any possible issues.
He holds an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a BA in economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
If you're interested in having Ryan speak at your next event, contact us at freedom@liberty.edu!
Follow Ryan on Twitter at @RHelfenbein
Jared Vallorani, a 2000 graduate of Liberty University, is the Director of Operations for the Standing For Freedom Center. Prior to working for the Freedom Center, Jared served as CEO of Liberty Alliance, a conservative media company that was an Inc 5000 fastest growing business for five consecutive years. Jared also spent 10 years as an executive in non-profit ministry with Answers in Genesis and Creation Ministries International.
Connor Nash, a 2020 graduate of Liberty University, is the Senior Creative Specialist for the Standing for Freedom Center. Prior to working for the center, Connor worked with multiple professional sports teams doing video and marketing work as well as directing broadcasts for Liberty University.
Pastor Travis Witt is the Director of Strategic Outreach at Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center. He graduated from Liberty in 1986 with Master's Degrees in Counseling and Religious Education. Travis has served as a Counselor, Pastor, Headmaster, and Chaplain to inmates and officers in Bedford County, VA. He is married to Sharon Francis, LU ‘84, they have two adult children (Jeremy and Sarah LU ‘15), and one grandchild. Travis loves teaching and studying American history, performing to churches with living history portrayals of Revolutionary era characters, and working to develop strong relationships between pastors, churches, and Liberty University. It is a blessing for Travis to return to LU where he can encourage pastors and congregations to reclaim their cultural relevance in the marketplace.
James Black is the Research Assistant & Analyst at the Standing for Freedom Center. He graduated from Liberty University in May of 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Individualized Studies, and in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Promotion & Video Content. Before coming to the Standing for Freedom Center, James served as an intern at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and has been featured in multiple stories in the News and Advance and the 2022 edition of Inside Lynchburg Region Magazine. James also worked as a video shader for Liberty Broadcast Experience (LBX) while completing his master’s degree. James is passionate about prioritizing his Christian faith and pursuit of Biblical values through understanding and analyzing data related to local and national political trends.
Michael McCartney, a 2020 graduate of Liberty University, is a videographer and editor for the Standing for Freedom Center. Before working for the center, Michael worked at Bellevue Baptist Church as a live video associate, directing various broadcasts and events.
Maggie Donica, a 2021 graduate of Liberty University, is a social media manager and organizer for the Standing for Freedom Center’s student engagement initiative. Prior to working at the Freedom Center, Maggie operated as a regional field coordinator at the Leadership Institute where she trained conservative club leaders to better engage their fellow students, recruit new members, and stand up to liberal bias on campus. Additionally, she has worked as a writer for ToddStarnes.com and as a field coordinator for American Majority Action.
Allen Moro, a 2023 graduate of Liberty University, is a Social Media Manager and organizer for the Standing for Freedom Center’s Student Engagement initiative. Prior to working for the Freedom Center, Allen worked as a writer for ToddStarnes.com. Additionally, he contributed to the Starnes Media Group’s conservative talk radio shows.
Julia Ball, a 2023 graduate of Liberty University, is the Digital Creative Specialist for the Standing for Freedom Center. Before working for the Freedom Center, Julia worked as a freelance graphic designer for various small businesses. Additionally, she interned at the Career Center at Liberty University. It is Julia’s passion to use her gifts and talents in the arts for God’s glory.