New Leadership On GLSEN’s National Board of Directors

New York, NY - The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, is proud to announce the recent appointment of Jim Johnson as Chair and Gail Lopes as Vice-Chair of GLSEN’s National Board of Directors. Jim Johnson is also the President of the Johnson Family Foundation, whose granting focus is on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, economic and social justice, youth development, education and the Arts.

In their leadership roles, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Lopes will work with the national board and supporting councils to steer the overall strategic direction of GLSEN while guiding and supporting major programs and development initiatives. The national board, leadership and advisory councils consist of corporate leaders, educators, youth and parents alike from across the country.

“Jim Johnson has been a longtime supporter of GLSEN and we are all incredibly proud that he will assume this role as Chair of GLSEN’s National Board of Directors,” said GLSEN’s Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. “His background in education and commitment to philanthropy are an ideal combination for leadership of GLSEN’s Board.”

A former school head, Johnson serves on the board of a natural gas exploration and distribution company and is a partner in the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club. He resides with his partner in Los Angeles and Telluride and is the proud father of two adult sons.

“I am proud to serve as the new Chair of the National Board. GLSEN’s mission to ensure that schools are safe for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity resonates for me deeply, as a father, an educator, and a philanthropist” said Jim Johnson.

In May, GLSEN recognized the leadership of outgoing Board Chair Christie Hardwick Vianson by awarding her the Charley Todd Award for Outstanding Board Service, named for GLSEN’s founding Board Chair. Vianson first joined the National Board in 1999 and will continue on as a member after her term as its leader.

GLSEN’s National Board of Directors is one of three national bodies of governance for the organization. The Leadership Council and the National Advisory Board are responsible for supporting development efforts and programmatic initiatives respectively.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, now in its 10th year, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.