Escondido Woman Named to Replace MADD Founder

Norma Phillips, an Escondido businesswoman and president of the San Diego chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was named Friday as president and chief spokeswoman of the national organization, replacing Candy Lightner, the ousted founder of the organization.

Phillips, 47, whose only son was killed by a drunk driver on Thanksgiving Day, 1981, founded the San Diego chapter a year later.

Lightner, who founded MADD after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver in 1980, will remain with the organization as a consultant for media and legislative relations, directors said.

The directors announced the leadership change after their meeting in Grapevine, Tex., near the group’s national office.

Phillips said she envisions no changes in the group’s direction under her leadership. She said she would not draw a salary--Lightner was paid $76,000 a year--but would be reimbursed for expenses.