The National Freedom of Information Coalition is pleased to announce the Class of 2024 Heroes of the 50 States: The State Open Government Hall of Fame.
Randy Evans has dedicated 58 years of his 74-year life to journalism, driven by a commitment to public service and government transparency. His career began at the Bloomfield Democrat, continued at The Des Moines Register, where he advanced through key editorial roles, and culminated in his current position as the first full-time executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. Known for his deep understanding of public records law, Randy serves as an invaluable resource for journalists statewide, guiding them through access issues and standing firm against closed meetings, withheld documents, and uncooperative officials. Colleagues turn to him when faced with transparency roadblocks, knowing he’ll remind them they’re all fighting on the same side for the public’s right to know. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Iowa FOI Council’s “Friend of the First Amendment” award, the Iowa Newspaper Association’s Distinguished Service Award, and the League of Women Voters of Iowa’s Defending Democracy Award. As one of the letters written in support of Randy’s nomination, “Randy does not have the power to stop government agents from acting wrongfully, but through his tenacity and expertise, he has kept them from doing so in secret.”
As an attorney in the legislative branch of Virginia government, Maria Everett drafted countless FOIA bills, including the bill that established the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council in 2000, and such was her respect among lawmakers, public employees and access advocates that she was the obvious choice to take the reins of the fledgling agency. As the council’s director, she dedicated herself to making government transparency accessible and approachable. Known for her humor and personal touch, Maria led hundreds of FOIA training sessions across Virginia, easing government employees’ concerns about FOIA’s complexities and emphasizing that openness is fundamental to public service. Following retirement in 2017, Maria joined the board of directors for the Virginia Coalition for Open Government and currently serves as president. She was recently named to the FOIA Council, the very board she directed, where she is quickly establishing her voice as one for the public good. As noted by NFOIC board member Colleen Murphy of Connecticut, who met Maria at an NFOIC conference in 2002, Maria “blazed her own path, with grit, enthusiasm and a brilliant sense of humor. She was deeply focused on the need to ‘do better’ as citizens and government officials.”
According to the nomination for Richard Griffiths of Georgia, “he has become the closest thing the state has ever had to an open government pop star.” With a journalism career spanning investigative work and producing for CNN, CBS News, and various regional outlets, Richard earned two Emmys, five Peabody awards, and two IRE medals. He has mentored countless journalists across Georgia, emphasizing the importance of persistence and integrity when pursuing public records and information. Upon retirement, he became a pivotal figure in the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, serving as president and transforming the organization through financial stability efforts, endowment creation, educational resource expansion, and leadership development. His dedication has strengthened the foundation’s programs and ensured its lasting impact on promoting open government and free expression in Georgia. Richard has popularized the foundation’s principles, and citizens have come to rely on Richard’s appearance on local print, radio or TV news—and sometimes all of the above—as he calls out the latest attempt at government secrecy.
Deborah Katz-Levi has led efforts to increase police transparency and accountability in Maryland, initially advocating for access to Baltimore Police Department internal affairs files while working at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. She expanded this work statewide, forming a special litigation team focused on reducing police violence and promoting misconduct litigation and reform. Her persistence helped repeal Maryland’s Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights and pass Anton’s Law in 2021, removing barriers to accessing police disciplinary records. Debbie’s advocacy included lobbying, public testimony, and collaboration with legislators and public figures to highlight the need for transparency. Recently, she partnered with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) to establish Maryland’s Full Disclosure Project—the first statewide database of police misconduct records in the U.S. This resource aids defense attorneys and, eventually, the public in holding police accountable. Through public records requests, training, and database management, Debbie has built a powerful tool for justice and has set a precedent for nationwide reform.
The State Open Government Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made a substantial, sustained and lasting contribution to open government or freedom of information within their state. NFOIC solicits nominees and assembles a review committee. Nominations who are not chosen in any given year are eligible for reconsideration the next two successive years.