Task Force names new leader

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force on Friday named Matt Foreman as executive director. Foreman, the current executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda in New York, is a longtime activist for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights. He will take the helm from movement veteran Lorri L. Jean after her contract expires in May, following a two-week transition period. "I am incredibly proud to be joining the Task Force team," Foreman said. "Lorri and the talented NGLTF staff and board have worked hard to position this organization in such a way that my job becomes that much easier. The Task Force is strong and focused, and it has been enormously successful in advancing the cause of freedom, justice, and equality for GLBT people, especially at the state and local level. Their extremely effective programs are inspiring. I'm looking forward to continuing the legacy that so many Task Force leaders have created." Added Jean: "Matt's dedication to social justice issues fits perfectly within the mission of the Task Force. No other organization is doing the work the Task Force is doing, few are achieving the kinds of results that NGLTF has achieved, and as a longtime fan and soon-to-be-former employee of NGLTF, I am excited by Matt's leadership and the many successes I know he will help to achieve." NGLTF also announced on Friday that it had received a $1.1 million anonymous gift of support for its field work. "Clearly this is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work of the Task Force and in Matt's leadership," Jean said. "Of this, $500,000 is earmarked for the new NGLTF Community Impact Fund to be re-granted to community organizations over the next two years. It's a great way to welcome Matt to the helm!"