Equality
Illinois appoints new executive director

Equality Illinois has appointed Amy Bloom as its new executive director. Her duties will include direct fund-raising, operational oversight, and working with the organization's board of directors and volunteers in coordinating an annual fund-raising gala.

Bloom was previously a senior manager of special events at the Howard Brown Health Center, a top LGBT health care institution in the region.

"We are extremely excited to have someone with Amy's experience and dedication to LGBT causes join our staff," Arthur Johnston, president of the organization's board of directors, said in a statement. "This is a crucial time in the history of LGBT rights in our state. We are confident that Amy will help Equality Illinois expand our base of support as we lead the fight for civil unions and equal relationship rights for same-sex couples."

Equality Illinois was founded in 1992 and worked to enact a 2005 statewide ban on discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. (The Advocate)