Gay Today: World

New Executive Director
Leads National Stonewall Democrats

Compiled by GayToday

Chad Johnson

Washington, D.C.-- National Stonewall Democrats have announced their decision to appoint Chad Johnson as the political group's new executive director. Johnson has already assumed his new responsibilities.

"Chad Johnson brings remarkable strengths and experience to a very demanding job," said Julian Potter and Rick Trombly, NSD co-chairs, in making the announcement.

"He shares our passion first as a loyal Democrat, along with his unshakeable commitment to our community's civil rights. We were encouraged to see all of our aims met in one outstanding candidate."

Johnson was selected by the full board of directors, following an 8-week search and review of several well-qualified candidates. Trained as an attorney, he has frequently provided pro bono legal counsel and support to leading gay and lesbian civil rights and political groups - including his services to prepare the original steps necessary to incorporate the National Stonewall Democrats as a national, nonprofit group.

He has given similar, valuable pro bono counsel to such groups as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the National Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).

In his political roles, Johnson also volunteered his time and expertise during the 1992 and 1996 Clinton-Gore campaigns, and in 2000, served as National Vice Chair for Business Outreach on behalf of the Gore-Lieberman campaign. He also is a founding member of the Democratic National Committee's Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council. Chad Johnson earned his undergraduate degree as well as his law degree from Harvard University, and now makes his home in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the plaudits from NSD board and chapter leaders, Chad Johnson's appointment this week has been met with widespread support from a number of community leaders:

"As a thinker, Chad Johnson is skilled at resolving difficult problems. As a person, he is down-to-earth. In fact, what I appreciate most about Chad is his style. He is relaxed but diligent, confident but humble," noted Keith Boykin, former White House official and formerly executive director of the National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum.

SLDN co-founder Michelle Benecke, a fellow attorney, said, "I know Chad will bring to Stonewall his substantial managerial experience, his formidable legal abilities and intellect, his mature political sense, his activist nature, his grassroots and political connections, as well as his agreeable and effective manner."

Jeff Trammell, who led Vice President Gore's campaign in the gay community as well as among business leaders during the last campaign, said simply, "Stonewall has made a great choice. While a daunting challenge awaits him, Chad will put Stonewall squarely on the map."

Massachusetts Democratic state legislator Jarrett T. Barrios, added, "As a Democrat who wants to see a strong, effective voice for lesbians and gay men in Washington and in communities around the nation, Chad is the natural choice to lead Stonewall."

AIDS activist and former Clinton appointee Bob Hattoy, said, "Chad provides the best combination of grassroots activism and political professionalism. He'll be a great leader for the Stonewall Democrats. I can't wait to work with him."

Related Sites:
Stonewall Democrats-New York City

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Chad Johnson succeeds Paul Yandura, who served as the National Stonewall Democrats interim Executive Director. Yandura skillfully managed NSD operations during the executive director search process and will now return to his consultancy practice.