South Dakota native named Exec. Dir of Stonewall Dems

Give a rouse for a South Dakota native son, and one of the most remarkable people I have been proud to work with since Rep. Gordon Howie inspired me to become involved in South Dakota politics (not just talking about it and voting) in early 2004. (Thanks, Gord!)

Jon has infectious enthusiasm and is one of the most gracious people I have ever known. It's thrilling to "one of our own" on the national stage, and it's especially wonderful to have someone sitting in his seat that understands the realities of GLBT folk in places like South Dakota, and the challenges they (and their allies) face.

Stonewall Democrats Board Names Jon Hoadley as Executive Director
South Dakota Native Brings National and Grassroots Experience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Marble
(202) 436-5966, office
(202) 436-5966, cell
johnmarble@stonewalldemocrats.org

Monday, September 17, 2007

Washington, DC – Today, the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors named Jon Hoadley as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoadley officially accepted the offer this morning. He will begin his tenure on October 1.

Jon Hoadley comes to National Stonewall Democrats from Gill Action, an issue advocacy organization working to secure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. At Gill Action Jon focused on legislative and political programs at the state and local level.

"Jon Hoadley's established credibility and results-driven passion are a motivating and complementary fit for the work of the members of National Stonewall Democrats," said National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Laurie McBride. "Our search process returned highly qualified candidates and among them Jon’s talent, passion and experience uniquely qualified him to lead our organization as we continue our growth. We are extremely enthusiastic about this choice."

"At the intersection of LGBT and Democratic politics, National Stonewall Democrats is an organization exceptionally positioned to change the political landscape and fight for equality," said Hoadley. "As we return to our focus of grassroots growth and results, our members have already begun to move our party into greater inclusion, accountability, progressive policies and winning strategies. That is why I am excited to deepen my personal partnership with Stonewall Democrats."

Before joining Gill Action, Jon Hoadley served as Executive Director of South Dakotans Against Discrimination (SDAD). Hoadley built a broad network of advocates who implemented one of the most accomplished ballot campaigns on LGBT issues in American history. Working with both Democrats and Republicans, Hoadley created a statewide infrastructure that stunned the nation by winning 48.18% of the vote on a marriage initiative in one of the most conservative states in the country. Following the 2006 election, Hoadley helped South Dakotans turn the infrastructure they built during the ballot campaign into a lasting statewide LGBT organization - Equality South Dakota.

"Jon Hoadley intuitively understands how our membership uses momentum on the local level to create change on the national stage," added National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Stephen Driscoll. "He has worked within our movement on the ground and he is ready to utilize his abilities to strengthen the impact of our chapters and members throughout the country."

Hoadley served as a member of the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors from 2004 until 2007. While a student at Michigan State University, he also served as Chair of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party. Additional professional experience has included consulting work on LGBT and Democratic campaigns and professional fellowships with People for the American Way and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force.

Jon Hoadley is a native of Vermillion, South Dakota. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Relations from James Madison College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's Studies from the College of Arts and Letters, both with highest honors.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Governor Howard Dean - Chair of the Democratic National Committee

"Jon has already demonstrated that he is one of our party's most aggressive and accomplished leaders," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Howard Dean. "He understands that our party can win everywhere if we commit the resources needed to build and strengthen our party in every state. Jon will bring this commitment to Stonewall Democrats along with a dedication to communicating our values everywhere."

Matt Foreman - Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"I know Jon as a movement leader who uses collaborative leadership to actually achieve goals which directly improve the lives of LGBT people," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "He isn't just needed by the Stonewall Democrats, he is needed by our entire movement. I've worked with him on national efforts and local campaigns in his native South Dakota and I am thrilled that he has accepted this position."

Patrick Sammon - President of the Log Cabin Republicans

"We don’t agree on most political issues, however Jon and I understand that much work remains in both parties to achieve equality," said Patrick Sammon, President of the Log Cabin Republicans. "Jon will do an excellent job leading National Stonewall Democrats."

Toni Broaddus - Executive Director of the Equality Federation

"Statewide leaders across our country know Jon, and we know he shares our understanding that the majority of the results and work of our movement is being realized at the local level," said Toni Broaddus, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, a national network of statewide LGBT organizations. "He is not only familiar to us, but he is familiar with our own goals and strategies and we are enthusiastic that an advocate of statewide work will be leading one of our national partners."

Robin Brand - Chief Operating Officer of Gill Action

“Jon is a talented up and coming leader in the movement for equality,” said Robin Brand, Chief Operating Officer of Gill Action. “He has been an important part of the political team that launched Gill Action and developed its strategic vision. We are happy that he will continue working to secure equal rights for all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”

Chuck Wolfe - Chief Executive Officer of the Victory Fund

“Jon’s strong commitment to equality for all Americans is matched by his energy and enthusiasm for electoral politics. He has worked hard, even in challenging political environments, to make sure our community has a voice," said Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Victory Fund. "I am proud that openly LGBT officials will be able to continue their partnership with Jon in his new role as Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats.”

National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.