Noble to step down as Stonewall Democrats head

Dave Noble will step down as executive director of the gay rights group National Stonewall Democrats in February, the group announced Friday. Stonewall will immediately begin a search for a replacement. "National Stonewall Democrats has flourished under the leadership of Dave Noble," said board cochair Steve Driscoll. "Dave has excited our activists, built up our institutions, and secured a strong future for our organization. Our membership, and our board of directors, is enthusiastically grateful for what Dave has accomplished." Noble took the helm of Stonewall in January 2003. Under his direction, the group increased its national operations and grassroots structure by creating more than 30 local chapters, taking the current number of chapters to more than 100. "I felt the time was right for me to do something different," Noble said of his decision, adding that he wanted to make the announcement now to give the group time to find a new executive director. "I look forward to working for LGBT equality in the future in one way or another."