When I decided to begin the next chapter of my career, I could not have imagined a better successor as president of the Human Rights Campaign. Just a few minutes ago, HRC's board of directors appointed Chad Griffin, a brilliant visionary and strategist, as the organization's next president.
While you know him as the mastermind behind the federal lawsuit to overturn California's
Proposition 8,
Chad's spent his career taking on the toughest fights against entrenched, well-financed interests. He's passionate about our equality and more importantly, has a proven track record of consistently delivering results. Already, the fight to overturn Prop. 8 has prevailed in two federal court rooms.
Chad Griffin has the leadership qualities critical to propel our movement for equality forward and I am so proud that he will succeed me this June leading HRC.
A native of Arkansas and a veteran of the Clinton White House, Chad was inspired by young people in taking on this new endeavor. He told the board this morning, "All over this country in big cities and small towns, there are families and young people who long to be accepted for who they are, and who want be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Today's generation of young people, and each generation hereafter, must grow up with the full and equal protection of our laws, and finally be free to participate in the American dream. As HRC president, I'll approach our work with a great sense of urgency because there are real life consequences to inaction."
With your support, HRC has won historic victories over the past several years. In addition to passing marriage equality in New York, the District of Columbia, Washington and Maryland, repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, and convincing the Obama administration to stop defending DOMA, HRC also spearheaded successful efforts to pass hate-crimes protections, secure equal hospital visitation rights for same-sex partners, and much more.
But following our recent string of advances, anti-LGBT leaders are trying to dismantle what we have built, brick by brick. That's what makes Chad's leadership – and HRC's work in Congress and in communities across the country – and your voice – even more crucial.
I think of HRC as a family. Over my seven years as president of this great organization, you've been there to help us make tremendous progress for our community. I know that you'll continue to be there as Chad fights to propel our movement forward. He is uniquely qualified to lead HRC into the future.
Sincerely, 
Joe Solmonese
President
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