About Us:  Staff

Katherine Garner

Katherine Garner is the Executive Director for the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. She has been with the Foundation since 1994 and also serves as the Treasurer for the National Freedom of Information Coalition.   Garner came to the Foundation with a background in reporting, copy-editing and layout design from several colleges and local papers. She also gained management experience in various retail organizations and as a Junior Volunteer Coordinator for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children by supervising more than 150 junior volunteers. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business journalism from University of North Texas and a Master of Arts from the University of Texas at Dallas with emphasis in business and nonprofit management and communications.   She served two terms as president for the Dallas Pro Chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists and is currently serving as treasurer.   Garner also served as secretary and director of public relations for the Dallas/Riga Sister Cities Committee.

Sally Van Gee

Sally Van Gee is Director of Education for The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. In her position Van Gee oversees the First Amendment Institute program, supervising the participants, faculty, curriculum, special programs/activities and its newly formed alumni group. She also coordinates other programs of the Foundation such as the Education for Freedom teacher workshops, Speakers Bureau and Responsible Rights: Government in the Sunshine Seminars. On behalf of the FOIFT, Van Gee collaborates with the office of the Attorney General and the Texas Association of Regional Councils to present a series of open government seminars. She produces the FOIFT's annual state conference. Van Gee earned Bachelor's Degree in Education from Louisiana State University and a Master's Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University with an emphasis in Educational Administrative Management. She has worked with public schools as a teacher, substitute teacher and parent volunteer, earning her the 1983 "Friend of Education" award from Region XII. She has worked as an educational consultant for the Collin County Farm Museum and as Volunteer Coordinator at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Van Gee has many years experience with community organizations, serving on the board of directors of The Navarro County Agency for Retarded Citizens, Columbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Camp Fire Girls, Inc.. She also served on the Speakers' Bureau for the Navarro County Sesquicentennial Celebration