March 8, 2005 – WASHINGTON, DC – Will Halm and Allison Bauer, co-chairs of the Family Pride Coalition board of directors, today announced that Jennifer Chrisler has been selected to serve as the organization’s new executive director.
Chrisler will begin her tenure in April. She replaces Aimee Gelnaw, who served as head of the organization for four years.
“We are excited to have Jennifer lead our team, especially at such an important time in the organization’s history,” said Halm. “The Family Pride Coalition recently celebrated our 25th anniversary, and we look forward to the beginning of our next 25 years under Jennifer’s leadership.”
“As a married gay mother of twin boys, I am honored to be leading the Family Pride Coalition at such an important moment in our struggle for full equality for LGBT parents and their children,” Chrisler said. “More and more LGBT people are becoming parents, and the Family Pride Coalition’s mission is vitally important to ensuring that those families -- numbering in the millions -- have the support and protection they need to remain strong.”
“As the Family Pride Coalition continues to grow, it is critical that we have a leader who understands the importance of equality for our families and who brings a commitment and dedication to our issues,” said Bauer. “Jennifer brings a diverse range of experiences – from fundraising and policy to communications and operations. We are enthusiastic about the future of the organization with her at the helm.”
Currently a fundraising consultant, Chrisler previously served as director of operations for SoftBank’s i-Group and as director of corporate communications for American Science & Engineering, Inc. Chrisler also spent five years serving as a staff director in the Massachusetts State Senate.
Chrisler is a graduate of Smith College with a degree in education. She and her spouse, Cheryl Jacques, a national LGBT civil rights activist, reside in Washington, DC with their three-year-old twin sons, Timothy and Thomas.
The Family Pride Coalition is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families.