Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute Announces 2005 Fellows; Civic Leaders to Attend Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School in July

WASHINGTON, July 19 -- The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute, the only national organization solely committed to the leadership and professional development of the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) public, private and not-for-profit leaders, announced the selection of seven Leadership Institute Fellows in the summer 2005 classes at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. The Fellows are recognized for their commitment to and accomplishments in the pursuit of establishing equal access to the American dream for LGBT citizens.

Among those chosen, two fellows, Stephen Glassman and Mario Acosta-Velez, are being co-sponsored by both the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute and the Fannie Mae Foundation. Demonstrating commitment to both LGBT rights, and advances in the field of affordable housing, the candidates’ recognition from both organizations marks a great achievement.

“The fellows we are sponsoring are a part of the most talented and motivated individuals entering the world of public service today,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute. “This educational opportunity will serve to amplify their talents and bring the day closer when all LGBT citizens are provided the equal rights to which they are entitled as American citizens.”

The fellows will attend an intensive, three-week course, which runs July 10 - 29, designed to enhance leadership skills, develop new management techniques, and cultivate relationships among public sector colleagues.

The following is a list of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute Fellows in the 2005 class:

-- Michael Fleming, executive director, David Bohnett Foundation

-- James McKissic, public education programs manager, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

-- Mario Acosta-Velez, human rights commissioner, DC Commission on Human Rights

-- John Brady, recorder of deeds, Sussex County Government, Del.

-- Stephen Glassman, chairperson, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

-- Mark Kleinschmidt, town council member, Town of Chapel Hill, N.C.

-- Annise Parker, city controller, City of Houston

The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute has collaborated directly with Harvard since 2001 to offer the Senior Executives in State and Local Government programs to leaders from the LGBT community. The Leadership Institute provides partial and full scholarships to meet the costs of the program to LGBT individuals who have been accepted by Harvard and require some financial assistance.

The program curriculum focuses on political management, policy analysis, performance management, negotiations and strategic management. Harvard University’s Kennedy School selects the participants, who represent all areas of public-sector management, public works, health, public safety, housing, budget and administration.

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About the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute

Founded in 1993, the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute is the only national organization solely committed to the leadership and professional development of the nation’s LGBT public, private and not-for-profit leaders. The Leadership Institute strives to provide the best educational and professional development opportunities possible for LGBT leaders, working collaboratively and with a strong sense of community, through a variety of specialized programs and projects. These include: Candidate & Campaign Training, Fellowships to the JFK School of Government at Harvard University, SmartBrief, the Leadership Institute Forum, and the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference and International Network of Lesbian and Gay Officials (INGLO).

Contact Information

Dave DeCicco

Media Contact

Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute

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