Task Force Names
New Director

Rea Carey, longtime leader and activist in the LGBT rights movement, has been appointed executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"We were searching for someone who is both visionary and practical, has an understanding of our movement's history, and can take advantage of new opportunities that lie ahead," said Alan Acosta, board cochair in a press release. "There are very few people who have the right combination of voice, skills, passion, fearlessness, and relationships in and outside the movement to take the Task Force to the next level. We've found that person in Rea Carey."

Carey said she was honored and energized by the opportunity to lead the Task Force at a crucial time in the struggle for LGBT equality. "I believe our movement is on the cusp of taking the gains of the last 40 years and translating them into permanent and society-changing advances," Carey said.

The appointment was announced by the Task Force board following a four-month national search to replace Matt Foreman, who left the organization in April for a senior position at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.

Carey served as deputy executive director to Foreman for four years. With both Foreman and Carey at the helm, the Task Force became an organization with more than 50 staff and a $10 million budget. Under their leadership, the Task Force focused the work of the Policy Institute think tank to produce analysis that is even more useful to activists on the ground; served as the movement's progressive voice on Capitol Hill; helped a record number of states pass LGBT-positive legislation; and established the Academy for Leadership and Action to provide more cohesive and strategic leadership and skills development to activists nationwide. (The Advocate)