Longtime Family Equality Board Co-Chair named as Interim President & CEO and the search for the next President & CEO is underway.
New York, NY — Family Equality announces that Jaymes Black, President & CEO, is taking on a new role with LGBTQ+ movement partner, The Trevor Project – the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. Black will be The Trevor Project’s new CEO.
As the organization’s first African American CEO, Black has been a pivotal leader at Family Equality, steering the organization through significant milestones and achievements. Their tenure has been marked by growth and a strengthened sense of community. Black’s vision and dedication have built a strong foundation that will support Family Equality’s continued success and impact.
“Leading Family Equality has been an absolute privilege,” said Black. “It was difficult to make the decision to take on a new leadership opportunity. I have immense respect and love for this organization and the impactful and life-changing work we do to protect LGBTQ+ families. I know the talented Family Equality team will continue to ensure families all across the country are seen, celebrated, connected, and protected.”
The Board of Directors expressed their deep gratitude for Black’s service and leadership.
“We are profoundly grateful for Jaymes’ contributions and the legacy that she leaves behind,” shared Scott Gatz, Board of Directors Co-Chair. “Today, Family Equality and its team are stronger than they have ever been and we’re not skipping a beat. We look forward to building on the foundation Jaymes leaves behind to further deliver upon Family Equality’s unique mission.”
Longtime Board Member and most recently Board Co-Chair, Alexis Kantor will step in as Interim President & CEO, ensuring the continued momentum of Family Equality’s critical work to protect and advocate for LGBTQ+ families. Kantor brings more than two decades of executive global operations in a Fortune 100 enterprise where she led multiple teams around the globe. Kantor will ensure the smooth transition and continued momentum of Family Equality’s critical work to protect and advocate for LGBTQ+ families.
“As I step away to my new role, I’m honored to pass the torch to Alexis and know she’ll be an incredible leader for Family Equality,” said Black of Kantor’s appointment. “It’s reassuring to know the organization will be in great hands. They will continue to grow and thrive, along with fresh energy and ideas. I wish Alexis and the entire Family Equality team the very best and look forward to all they will achieve together.”
The executive search firm, Cooper Coleman, has been hired and the search for Black’s permanent successor is underway.
“Though I’m stepping into a role with a new organization, my family and I will still be around,” said Black. “At the end of the day, I’m still a queer mom and Family Equality will always have my heart.”
Related Images/Graphics
Head shots of Jaymes Black and Alexis Kantor along with the Family Equality logo can be downloaded for use from Dropbox.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Vice President,
Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org