SLDN & OUTServe Launch Search For Executive Director

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe announced the search process for an Executive Director, who will lead the new organization, OutServe-SLDN, upon completion of the combination of the two organizations. The executive search firm, McCormack & Associates of Palm Springs, CA, has been retained to manage the national recruitment process in collaboration with a designated search committee of the two existing boards. The search for an executive director for SLDN, launched earlier this year, was dramatically changed when the boards of OutServe and SLDN voted to combine at their July 2012 board meetings.

"The search for the first person to lead this newly combined organization comes at a critical moment in the fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces. That fight marches forward - including for those legally married gay and lesbian service members who today do not receive the same recognition, support or benefits for their families as their straight, married peers. We will not rest until we overcome existing inequities and ensure full LGBT equality in the military," said SLDN Board Co-Chair April Heinze, who is on the search committee.

"In light of the combination of OutServe and SLDN, we wanted to launch the search anew in order to attract the best and brightest individuals to lead the way at an unprecedented time for LGBT service members. The first Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN has a great challenge in front of him or her - but also a great opportunity to finish the job we started with the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and build an organization that will endure as a place for LGBT service members to go for support, information, connectivity, and growth," said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe, who is on the search committee.

Tweet