Equality Ohio has hired its fourth
executive director, Elyzabeth Joy Holford.
The state's largest gay rights advocate
announced Holford's selection on Tuesday.
“I feel optimistic,” Holford told
the Columbus
Dispatch about the future of gay rights in Ohio. “I think
in Ohio there is such a strong history of collaboration and community
building. I want to be a part of making it happen.”
Holford's career started as a trial
attorney at the Ohio State Legal Services Association. She headed
Virginia Tech's office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
for 12 years. At 56, she begins her new job on November 26.
“Elyzabeth's extensive experience in
organizational development will be a valuable asset to Equality
Ohio,” said Paul Feeney, chair of the Board of Equality Ohio
Education Fund. “She is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic
and all-around delightful person. I am thrilled that Elyzabeth will
be on our team to help create an Ohio where everyone feels at home.”
The group began its search in July
after its former director, Ed Mullen, suddenly resigned over a June
16 arrest for disorderly conduct. Mullen pleaded guilty to the
misdemeanor charges.
(Related: Ohio
gay rights leader Ed Mullen resigns after arrest.)