FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC – (Aug. 19, 2013) – Gabriel Blau has been named as the new Executive Director of Family Equality Council- the nation’s most effective advocate for the three million parents in the U.S. who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and their six million children.
Blau will take the helm of the organization on Monday, August 19th, 2013 and in a strategic shift for the three-decade-old organization, be based in its Washington DC offices.
Family Equality Council Board Chair Alan Bernstein said Blau was a clear choice to lead the organization and to build on the momentum it has achieved in the last several years.
“We believe Gabriel represents the new generation of LGBT leaders in our country – one whose personal experiences and passion for social change can inspire our families and policymakers,” said Bernstein. “He is uniquely qualified to lead Family Equality Council at this pivotal moment in our organization’s history and in the LGBT movement. We look forward to having him lead the organization’s efforts from our nation’s capital where we can continue the progress we’ve made in being recognized as the leading national voice on issues related to LGBT family equality.”
Blau’s selection by Family Equality Council’s Board of Directors followed a rigorous national search led by a committee comprised of current and past elected officers of the Board and a professional transition consultant.
Blau first joined Family Equality Council as Deputy Director of Strategic Advancement. In that role, his efforts made an immediate and measurable impact on the organization’s network and donor base. His work on behalf of Family Equality Council drew the attention and recognition of our Board members, major donors, institutional funders and allies in the LGBT movement and helped distinguish him from the wide and diverse pool of candidates who were reviewed by the search committee.
Prior to joining Family Equality Council, he served as Director of Development and Communications at New York’s Congregation Beit Simchat Torah- one of the country’s oldest and most influential LGBT congregations, known for its work furthering civil rights. Blau also brings to the position eight years of valuable experience in the private sector, having co-founded and operated VisibleU – an Internet marketing consultancy firm. He also founded the well-respected God and Sexuality National Academic Conference and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Bard College.
“It is with great enthusiasm, excitement, and humility that I take the reins of this incredible organization,” said Blau. “For over thirty years, Family Equality Council has fundamentally shaped how this country thinks about the family and how LGBT families are treated. The recent decisions from the Supreme Court on marriage, along with major policy victories at the federal and state level were only possible because Family Equality Council clearly articulated how the laws of this country should protect all children and families. But the fight is far from over. There are renewed attacks on our families from anti-LGBT organizations and leaders. Many of our families are living in states that provide the least amount of legal protections. I am deeply honored to be part of our continued growth as we work to achieve full legal and social equality for all families.”
Blau added, “I look forward to working closely with Family Equality Council’s Board, Emeritus Board, major supporters and remarkable staff to achieve those goals. I am grateful to the founders of Family Equality Council, past leaders like former Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler and our partners in the movement who did so much work to help position this organization for continued success in the future.”
“Most importantly of all, I must thank my wonderful husband Dylan and our incredible son, Elijah,” said Blau. “Their love and support lift me up and remind me what an important role the work of Family Equality Council plays in the lives of families like mine.”
###
CONTACT: Sean Carlson | 202.550.2315│scarlson@familyequality.org