FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 30, 2023
EQUALITY OHIO’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALANA JOCHUM, TO MOVE ON TO NEW ROLE AT NATIONAL POLICY ORGANIZATION
Executive Director of Equality Ohio, Alana Jochum, has announced that she will depart the organization by the end of the year. She will be taking a new position with the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), a national impact litigation organization working to advance transgender equal rights.
“Leading Equality Ohio has been the greatest joy of my professional career thus far, and I am proud of all we have accomplished over the past decade,” said Alana Jochum. “I am excited to soon serve as TLDEF’s inaugural Policy Director to support states beyond Ohio that are fighting on the front lines against these harmful, coordinated attacks aimed at our transgender community.”
Under Jochum’s leadership, the organization grew significantly in size and budget. With her team, she oversaw the development of the Equality Ohio Legal Clinic, a unique program that provides direct legal representation to LGBTQ+ Ohioans up to 300% of the federal poverty line in a variety of areas of law. Equality Ohio also successfully supported broadening Ohio’s protections for LGBTQ+ Ohioans, including in more than 20 municipalities, numerous Ohio agencies, and through the Executive Branch of Ohio government during her tenure. To date, no harmful LGBTQ+ legislation has passed in Ohio despite anti-LGBTQ+ bills sweeping the nation.
Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, who currently serves as Equality Ohio’s Deputy Director, will take on the role of Interim Executive Director while the organization conducts a national search. “We will all miss Alana’s presence and leadership that has allowed Equality Ohio to meet numerous challenges and achieve phenomenal wins over the past decade,” said Boyd-Nelson. “Because of her vision, we are well-positioned to continue our forward trajectory toward a more inclusive Ohio.”
“Siobhan is a brilliant leader who is known, loved, and respected across Ohio. She will ensure a steadfast course during this time at Equality Ohio,” said Joseph Wenger, Board Chair of Equality Ohio Education Fund, the 501(c)(3) arm of the organization. “And although Alana is moving on from Equality Ohio, we do not actually lose her; her work will continue to support our great state through her new capacity at TLDEF.”
“We are proud to have hired seasoned executive search professionals Kevin Chase and Roey Thorpe to conduct a national search for our new Executive Director. Both have existing professional relationships with Equality Ohio and have worked with peer organizations in LGBTQ+ and allied social justice movements across the country,” said Amanda Everitt, Board Chair of Equality Ohio, the 501(c)(4) arm of the organization. “They know us, and they understand the important work we are doing to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ Ohioans. As Kevin and Roey begin their work over the coming weeks and months, the work of Equality Ohio to ensure lived and legal equality for LGBTQ+ Ohioans will continue every day.”
Equality Ohio was formed in 2005 by a group of 65 dedicated LGBTQ+ activists and allies from all corners of Ohio after voters passed a constitutional amendment prohibiting marriage and civil unions for same sex couples. Nearly two decades later, Equality Ohio’s work is broad and focuses on identifying and transforming systems and institutions so LGBTQ+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
MD Sitzes, Communications Manager
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About Equality Ohio:
Equality Ohio is the state’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization working to advance fairness and safety for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. We envision an Ohio where everyone is welcome, affirmed and flourishing.
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