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Jon Hoadley heads Stonewall Democrats

Tuesday, 18 September 2007 06:23

On September 17, the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors named Jon Hoadley as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoadley will begin his tenure on October 1.

Jon Hoadley comes to National Stonewall Democrats from Gill Action, an issue advocacy organization working to secure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. At Gill Action Jon focused on legislative and political programs at the state and local level.

Before joining Gill Action, Jon Hoadley served as Executive Director of South Dakotans Against Discrimination (SDAD). Hoadley built a broad network of advocates who implemented one of the most accomplished ballot campaigns on LGBT issues in American history. Working with both Democrats and Republicans, Hoadley created a statewide infrastructure that stunned the nation by winning 48.18% of the vote on a marriage initiative in one of the most conservative states in the country. Following the 2006 election, Hoadley helped South Dakotans turn the infrastructure they built during the ballot campaign into a lasting statewide LGBT organization - Equality South Dakota.

"Jon has infectious enthusiasm and is one of the most gracious people I have ever known. It's thrilling to have "one of our own" on the national stage, and it's especially wonderful to have someone sitting in his seat that understands the realities of LGBT folk in places like South Dakota, and the challenges they (and their allies) face," said Curtis Price, treasurer of Equality South Dakota on his blog site.

"At the intersection of LGBT and Democratic politics, National Stonewall Democrats is an organization exceptionally positioned to change the political landscape and fight for equality," said Hoadley. "As we return to our focus of grassroots growth and results, our members have already begun to move our party into greater inclusion, accountability, progressive policies and winning strategies. That is why I am excited to deepen my personal partnership with Stonewall Democrats."

"Jon has already demonstrated that he is one of our party's most aggressive and accomplished leaders," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Howard Dean. "He understands that our party can win everywhere if we commit the resources needed to build and strengthen our party in every state. Jon will bring this commitment to Stonewall Democrats along with a dedication to communicating our values everywhere."

Jon Hoadley is a native of Vermillion, South Dakota. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Relations from James Madison College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's Studies from the College of Arts and Letters, both with highest honors.

Hoadley served as a member of the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors from 2004 until 2007. While a student at Michigan State University, he also served as Chair of the LGBT Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party. Additional professional experience has included consulting work on LGBT and Democratic campaigns and professional fellowships with People for the American Way and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force.