Head of Largest Gay Organization Resigns

[Khephra]

BOSTON -- The president of the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian civil rights organization, announced her resignation Tuesday, citing "a difference in management philosophy" with her board.

Former Massachusetts state senator Cheryl Jacques headed the group less than a year. She said she'd achieved her goals.

"My priorities were to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment, expand the organization's membership and fund-raising capacity, increase our diversity and maintain a strong voice in the media," she said in a statement.

Jacques was selected last November after a 10-month search. She left her legislative seat Jan. 4. Organization officials praised her leadership.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-jacques-resignation,0,2819713.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

[foreigncorrespondent]

1. Wow!

I remember when she first took the job on.

I wonder who they will get to replace her now?

[Unstuck In Time]

2. They're searching for a replacement...

... meanwhile have two interim co-directors.

Here's an e-mail the HRC sent out to members today:

Dear _____,

We wanted to update you about some important changes that are taking place at the Human Rights Campaign. On November 30, the HRC boards and its president, Cheryl Jacques, announced that she will resign from her position. We understand that for many of you this is surprising news. Recently there have been conversations between the board leadership and Cheryl around management philosophy, and Cheryl has decided that it is a good time to move on. We deeply respect that decision.

The staff and boards are united in our commitment to keep HRC strong through this time, as we have over the past 25 years, and going forward into the future. We are making sure that our work continues without missing a beat, and we've already begun the search for HRC's next president.

Hilary Rosen and Michael Berman, two of the most respected leaders in Washington, will be running the organization as we progress through this transition. Hilary has over 20 years of experience in the GLBT civil rights movement and helped HRC defeat the FMA earlier this year. Michael is a co-chair of the HRC Board of Directors and is president of The Duberstein Group in Washington.

The HRC boards are gathering this weekend at their annual winter meeting to strategize about the challenges ahead. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions. Please feel free to email us at [e-mail].

We sincerely value your support of HRC. Thank you for keeping HRC strong, and for all you do for the GLBT community.

Sincerely,

The Staff and Boards of HRC

[hippywife]

5. If they are seriously considering

Hillary Rosen, the members should rise up and say no!!

[David Zephyr]

3. Elizabeth Birch Is A Hard Act to Follow!

When Elizabeth Birch resigned from HRC she left such a large vacuum behind that anyone would be hard pressed to to fill it.

C-SPAN aired the tribute given to Birch for her work on behalf of HRC. It was moving and powerful.

Here's hoping HRC will find someone to steer such a sterling organization soon.

[MrPrax]

4. Fiery Liberal Debate...

more fodder here...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1036839

Is the Gay debate in America...as opposed to OTHER debates, more necessary to the Left or Right?