WINGROVE NAMED CAPITOL HILL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AMERICAN ATHEISTS

New lobbyist will give Atheists another voice on key First Amendment,
related issues in Washington, D.C.

January 17, 2006

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Wingrove
as its new Washington, D.C. lobbyist.

WINGROVE NAMED CAPITOL HILL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AMERICAN ATHEISTS

New lobbyist will give Atheists another voice on key First
Amendment, related issues in Washington, D.C.

January 17, 2006

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick
Wingrove as its new Washington, D.C. lobbyist.

Mr. Wingrove, 56, has served as Virginia State Director for American
Atheists for over two years. He has been an Atheist since the age
of 16. Rick attended the University of Texas, served with the
United States Navy Seabees during the Viet Nam era and has worked in
the computer-IT field for over 30 years.

Mr. Wingrove is well known as an activist for the First Amendment
and state-church separation. His duties will include contacting
legislators in the nation s capital; networking with advocacy
groups on issues of common concern; issue briefings and representing
American Atheists on matters of political importance.

Given the current political atmosphere, it is urgent that
Atheists establish a voice and visibility in our nation s
capitol, said Mr. Wingrove. Religious groups have an
established presence here and aggressively lobby on behalf of their
interests. It s only fair that Atheists have more of a role in
crafting public policy. We have to make sure that our views are
represented concerning the role of religion in the public square,
the use of tax money to benefit religious groups, special rights for
organized religion, and First Amendment issues.


For further information, Mr. Wingrove can be contacted through
rwingrove@atheists.org.