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The news release list is available for persons who would like to receive HRC new releases on GLBT-related issues. The releases can come as frequently as several times a week.

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NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036-3278
email: hrc@hrc.org
http://www.hrc.org

___________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Nov. 3, 2003

Contact: Mark Shields
(202) 216-1564
Cell: (202) 716-1637

Contact: Michael Cole
Phone: (202) 216-1553
Cell: (202) 716-1651

NEW HRC PRESIDENT SEEKS TO PROTECT AND EMPOWER GLBT AMERICANS FROM YOUTH TO SENIORS

Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques Becomes HRC’s Next President and Executive Director

WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign today proudly announced that Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques (pronounced Jakes) has been appointed by the HRC Board of Directors and the HRC Foundation Board to be the organization’s next president and executive director. The announcement came this morning after a vote by the full boards on Sunday evening in Denver.

"When we work for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality, we are working for a stronger America," said Jacques. "From the genesis of this nation, GLBT Americans have been an important part of this country’s fabric making important contributions at every level of our society. We have to continue HRC’s tradition of taking that message to Middle America."

"At every age and at every level GLBT people face challenges because our laws discriminate against them. From children in schools who face daily taunting and teasing, to seniors who face awful choices without full access to social security or pensions, there is great work to be done to protect and empower our community," said Jacques.

Jacques has served in the Massachusetts State Senate since 1992, and has a reputation for being a visionary leader and a strong bipartisan coalition builder. Jacques was selected by HRC’s executive search committee after an exhaustive ten month search.

"We send our profound thanks to the search committee and board members who worked so tirelessly on this multifaceted search. This selection was many months in the making, and called on the combined efforts of so many of HRC’s best and brightest leaders," said HRC Board Co-Chair Tim Boggs. "We had an outstanding pool of top-notch candidates for the job. It was a difficult decision, but we firmly believe that Cheryl has the right mix of experience and vision to write this next chapter in our civil rights history."

Jacques will start work with HRC when Elizabeth Birch, the organization’s current leader, steps down at the end of the year.

"Cheryl and Elizabeth have already started working together to ensure a smooth transition for the organization and our members," said HRC Foundation Board Co-Chair Lawrie Demorest. "Elizabeth has been an outstanding leader, and is leaving an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of so many in this country."

"Serving as the executive director and president of this amazing organization has been the thrill and honor of a lifetime. I’m so glad to be leaving HRC as a strong, muscled organization, ready to meet the challenges ahead, and in Cheryl’s very capable hands," said Birch.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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