Herndon Graddick is GLAAD's New President

GLAAD have chosen Herndon Graddick as their new President. Herndon has a solid background in media and has worked in GLAAD for years.

Here's more about him:

Herndon is the current Vice President of Programs and Communications at GLAAD, a position he assumed in 2010. In his role, he has lead GLAAD's media initiatives and oversees the organization's National & Local News; Entertainment; People of Color; Religion, Faith & Values; Advertising; and Spanish-Language Media programs. Under his leadership, GLAAD has engaged in numerous highly visible and impactful campaigns including 'Stand Up For Ellen,' which prompted the group One Million Moms – a project of the American Family Association – to end their call for J.C. Penney to fire Ellen DeGeneres as its new spokesperson because she is gay.

Herndon also oversaw GLAAD's work on the Commentator Accountability Project – an initiative launched in March to highlight the extreme rhetoric of anti-LGBT activists who currently appear in national news outlets. He is leading efforts with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) on the “I AM: Trans People Speak” video series as well as with film director Brett Ratner to develop a series of videos with GLAAD featuring high-profile celebrities and public figures speaking out for LGBT equality. Herndon has also put resources behind GLAAD's work to share stories of LGBT people of color and allies with African American media, sports media, and Spanish-language news outlets, among others.

Prior to his work at GLAAD, Herndon served as the Executive Producer of the Global Observatory, a media and communications effort which aimed to bring public awareness to the climate change crisis. He also served as Supervising Producer at E! Networks and the day-of-air news division director at CURRENT TV, the youth-oriented news and entertainment network created by former Vice President Al Gore. As a producer at CNN, Herndon also contributed to the creation of daily primetime programming such as "Paula Zahn Now," "Anderson Cooper 360," and "Live from the Headlines." 

Good luck, Herndon!

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READ: The HRC President Job Description

If you think you got what it takes, check it out and apply
Job Description President HRC

HRC: Who Will Lead Them?

As most of you know, the HRC will be looking for a new president of their organization. They have until March of 2012 to do this, so you know the search will be interesting.

But as the search begins, I wanted to give my 45 cents on what I think they will and won't look for.

• WILL: Someone who can raise money. The HRC is known for their fundraisers. This person will need to know where and who to use to keep the money flowing.


• WON'T: Someone with a personal agenda. This person will have to remember that it's not about them. They have a job to do for the public.


• WILL: Someone who's political savvy. This person will have to be on the good side of politicians. They don't have to kiss their asses, but they will need to know how the work it in the White House and other places.


• WON'T: Someone who's a 'Johnny One Note'. They can't be fixated on one particular issue, they have to look a the bigger picture and weight out what's doable and what's needing back-up.


• WILL: Someone who's realistic. My biggest problem with progressives is their lack of big picture vision. This president has to be realistic and transparent with the decision making process.


• WON'T: Someone who's not ready for prime time. As I said in other posts, you can't expect grassroot philosophies to work in a political setting. They can shape deals and measures, but it has to be made to hit multiple pieces of the issue.


• WILL: Someone who's likeable.


• WON'T: Someone who's just too much.


• WILL: Someone with a strong organizing background and solid leadership skills.


• WON'T: Someone without those skills.


• WILL: Someone who can see the big picture.


• WILL: Someone who can make the tough decisions.


• WON'T: Someone who takes things personally.


• WON'T: A deeply rooted Progressive.


• WILL: Someone like Keith Boykin.

NAACP Worcester elects an Openly Gay Chapter President

Great news! The NAACP in Worcester, MA has elected Ravi Perry, an openly gay man, as the new president of its chapter. 

Ravi Perry, a political science professor at Clark University, was elected Saturday with a slated of new officers. The 28-year-old says he hopes that as an openly gay man he can help the storied civil rights group address long-ignored gay and lesbian issues in minority communities.

Perry also said that most on the newly elected Worcester board are 40 years of age, signaling a generational shift within the NAACP.

Perry's election marks the second time a Massachusetts NAACP chapter elected a young candidate to revive local group. In November, 42-year-old attorney Michael Curry was elected over 73-year-old ex-State Senator Bill Owens to lead the Boston chapter.

Congrats, Ravi! Looking forward to hear great things from you.

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