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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2009
Equality Maryland Welcomes New Executive Director
Experienced Leader to Guide Organization at a Critical Juncture for Maryland's LGBT Community
CONTACT:
Scott Davenport, Board President
Cell: (347) 266-0501
Email: wsdavenport@yahoo.com
EQUALITY MARYLAND
CONTACT: Scott Davenport, Board President
Cell: (347) 266-0501
wsdavenport@yahoo.com
MARYLAND - Equality Maryland announced today the appointment of Morgan Sheets as its new Executive Director. Morgan was chosen by the Board of Directors following an extensive national search. A resident of Ellicott City, she comes to Equality Maryland after serving as the Director of Government Relations & Public Policy of the Amputee Coalition of America.
"We are thrilled to have found someone of Morgan's experience, caliber and knowledge," said Equality Maryland Board President Scott Davenport. "Morgan brings commitment, determination, community awareness, communication and fundraising know-how, along with political savvy to her life's work as a non-profit advocacy leader. Her many years of executive experience at the helm of state-wide and national progressive organizations and issue campaigns, ability to build quick rapport with the community, and knowledge of the political and social landscapes in Maryland makes her an ideal leader for the LGBT and straight supportive community."
In her most recent position with the Amputee Coalition of America, Ms. Sheets built a nation-wide advocacy program from the ground up, successfully shepherding bills focused on healthcare access in Maryland and in thirteen other state legislatures. "As the lead sponsor of prosthetic parity legislation in 2008 and 2009, I witnessed first-hand Morgan's keen advocacy skills and legislative abilities in Annapolis. I know she will be a strong advocate for our family and the LGBT community across our state," said Delegate Heather Mizeur, who represents District 20 (Takoma Park and Silver Spring) in the Maryland House of Delegates. During her tenure, she was also successful in securing introduction of legislation to enhance healthcare access in the United States Congress.
Ms. Sheets served two years as Executive Director for the Montana Affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. She also managed field and training programs for NARAL Pro-Choice America's national field department. She was Field Manager and Canvass Director for the State PIRGs/Fund for Public Interest Research, focusing on civic engagement and grassroots organizing.
She graduated summa cum laude from Trinity College with a degree in English with a concentration on Women's Studies, Education and Public Policy.
"With vision, enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit, Morgan Sheets will work to advance equality, respect and acceptance of LGBT people in Maryland," said Equality Maryland Foundation Board President David Toth. "She has a strong staff in Kim Miller, Mike Klein, and Kevin Walling, committed boards of directors, dedicated lobbyists, and a broad based membership that is supportive of Equality Maryland and the LGBT movement."
Ms. Sheets' appointment is effective on October 26. The organization is now beginning to plan a series of events to be held in Ms. Sheets' first few months to provide numerous opportunities for the LGBT and allied community across the state to meet and get to know Ms. Sheets. Please check www.equalitymaryland.org for details as they are finalized.
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Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest LGBT civil rights organization, focused on making life better for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Maryland. Equality Maryland works to secure and protect the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Marylanders by promoting legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels and educating the public about the issues faced by our diverse community.
Equality Maryland can be found online at www.equalitymaryland.org.