Meet the Team

Elizabeth Melton is a founding member of Banish Big Brother, focusing on education and strategy. She became deeply involved in government surveillance issues after attending a local smart city meeting that left her shocked and outraged. She is also the founder of The Gray Matter Project, an initiative that creates video content and documentaries on important issues that deserve greater attention. Her multi-faceted career includes work as an activist in the liberty movement, political consultant, writer, teacher, and documentation specialist in the tech industry. She holds a BA in History from Columbus State University.

Zach Varnell is a cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience in various aspects of information security, including vulnerability management, penetration testing, and red teaming. His career has seen him excel in diverse roles from hands-on engineering to management, equipping him with both technical knowledge and a broad strategic outlook.

Zach’s approach to security and data privacy is personalized; he believes in understanding the unique challenges and objectives of each individual and organizations to ensure that solutions are not only effective but tailored to specific needs. His methodology prioritizes realistic threats, focusing on vulnerabilities that pose actual risks, and he strives to provide clear, actionable insights over generic data.

In addition to his technical expertise, Zach is a staunch advocate for individual liberty and privacy. He has collaborated with various non-profits and organizations to enhance their communications and security posture, helping to safeguard their donor data. Zach actively shares his knowledge online and through contributions to publications such as Infosecurity Magazine, Threatpost, ZDNET, and the Washington Examiner. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Assurance from Kennesaw State University, which laid the academic groundwork for his practical skills.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Zach is a traveler, tech enthusiast, and hobby homesteader. He also enjoys spending time with his dogs and exploring nature. Zach values meaningful connections and is always eager to collaborate with others who share his commitment to securing our digital landscape.

Warren Cunningham, born and raised in Northeast Ohio, served for 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring. Now, he is a passionate advocate for privacy and against mass surveillance. As the Treasurer of Banish Big Brother, Warren ensures financial integrity while supporting the organization’s mission to combat invasive surveillance technologies. His dedication to protecting individual freedoms is evident in his work, making him a vital part of the fight for privacy rights.

James Dutton is a dedicated attorney and a passionate advocate for his hometown of Griffin, Georgia. Beginning his academic journey at Gordon State College at just age 15, James traveled the world as a missionary, gaining invaluable global insights from interactions across 93 different countries. This broad perspective fueled his academic achievements, leading to a bachelor’s degree in international economics, a master’s in public policy, and a JD from Georgia State University College of Law.

Choosing to forego lucrative offers from major Atlanta law firms, James returned to Griffin to serve as a public defender, where he has defended over 1,600 clients with an impressive record of success. He continues his commitment to the community as a Spalding County Commissioner and as a private practice lawyer at Dutton & Dutton Law Firm, tackling significant legal battles against invasive surveillance technologies.

James’s deep-rooted dedication to his community extends beyond the courtroom. He actively participates in local initiatives aimed at improving public safety and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. His efforts include advocating for transparent governance and promoting policies that safeguard civil liberties. As a firm believer in giving back, James often conducts free legal workshops to educate the public on their rights and the legal system. His personal experiences and professional expertise have made him a respected figure in both the legal community and among the residents of Griffin, who trust him to represent their interests and fight for justice.

Michael Maharrey serves as the national communications director for the Tenth Amendment Center, bringing a wealth of experience from his extensive career in journalism and a deep commitment to constitutional education. He earned his B.A. in Mass Communications and Media Studies from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, complemented by a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. Notably, Michael continued to pursue his passion for ice hockey by playing for the USF team at the age of 40, earning Academic All-American honors.

An accomplished author, Michael has written four books that explore aspects of constitutional theory and history. These include Constitution: Owner’s Manual, which offers insights into constitutional clauses through the lens of the ratifying conventions; Our Last Hope: Rediscovering the Lost Path to Liberty, which makes a case for nullification based on historical, philosophical, and moral grounds; and Smashing Myths: Understanding Madison’s Notes on Nullification, focusing on James Madison’s later views. His collaborative work, Nullification Objections: Dismantling the Opposition, systematically addresses common criticisms against nullification. Additionally, Michael has authored several e-books that delve deeper into historical constitutional debates and principles.

Michael’s journalism career has seen him cover state and local politics for prominent publications like the St. Petersburg Times and the Kentucky Gazette. He has also been recognized for his sports journalism, winning two Kentucky Press Association awards in 2009. Beyond writing, Michael is a regular speaker at events nationwide and frequently appears on media outlets advocating for constitutional fidelity and liberty through decentralization.