Petrelis Files

Can someone please explain to me why the Human Rights Campaign announces its search process for a new leader, but can't tell the world who is on the search committee?

Maybe the committee members are embarrassed to be associated with the gay community. Perhaps they're not fully out of the closet, or they just don't want their names released.

Whatever the reason for the secrecy, it doesn't say much about HRC's commitment to transparency and accountability to the community it purports to represent.

HRC's release states the following:

"While the names of individual search committee members will not be publicly released, Basile characterized the group as diverse. Three staff members will serve on the committee and there will be broad geographic representation and viewpoints."

Guess we just have to trust Vic Basile and HRC that the search committee is diverse and represents many different viewpoints.

Frankly, trusting HRC on these matters is asking too much.

If only to bring about full transparency, something desperately needed at HRC, Basile and HRC should release the names of those on the search committee.

Anything less, in my opinion, borders on secrecy and closetry, two factors the group should do everything to avoid.

Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
^^^

www.hrc.org




For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005

HRC BOARD ANNOUNCES SEARCH PROCESS FOR NEW LEADER

Broad, Diverse Group to Be Involved

WASHINGTON — A 25-member committee, chosen to reflect broad geographic representation and diversity as well as board and staff perspectives will form the search committee as the Human Rights Campaign officially opens its search for a new leader today. The announcement launches a national search that Board of Directors Co-Chair Gwen Baba said would be “aggressive in both its timing and its scope.”

The search will be guided by a committee structure led by Baba and Vic Basile, co-chair of the HRC Foundation board. The search committee will send its recommendation to both the full HRC board of directors and the Foundation board and the final candidate must win the majority support of the two boards.

“There is tremendous enthusiasm for this position of leadership in our community and beyond,” said Basile. “There is an understanding that leading HRC is a unique and special role in our movement. The stakes are high and HRC will be prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.”

The search follows the resignation of Cheryl Jacques, who left after 11 months as president and executive director on Nov. 30, 2004. The search committee will be assisted by Isaacson, Miller, a Boston-based, national search firm that specializes in non-profits.

“Our very ambitious goal is to have a new leader in place this spring,” said Baba. “While HRC continues to make a difference every day, we're ready to bring a new leader onboard who brings vision, energy and passion to our work.”

While the names of individual search committee members will not be publicly released, Basile characterized the group as diverse. Three staff members will serve on the committee and there will be broad geographic representation and viewpoints.

Isaacson, Miller will post the position nationally and welcomes any candidate recommendations. Applications and nominations can be sent to 2959@imsearch.com.