The board of directors at GLAAD announced Saturday the appointment of the organization’s new president Herndon Graddick.
“Herndon Graddick is already a well-respected leader within the LGBT movement, and we believe will be a visionary and strategic leader for GLAAD’s culture-changing work,” said Sheri Fults, National Co-Chair of the Board of Directors.
“Right now GLAAD and our partners in the LGBT movement are making a significant difference at a time when a difference needs to be made,” said Herndon Graddick. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff to create a culture where there is a welcoming and respected space for LGBT Americans. GLAAD’s work with the media to inspire Americans to speak out against anti-LGBT actions and support equality is needed today more than ever.”
Graddick is the current Vice President of Programs and Communications at GLAAD, a position he assumed in 2010. Under his leadership, GLAAD has engaged in numerous highly visible and impactful campaigns including ‘Stand Up For Ellen,’ which prompted the group One Million Moms – a project of the American Family Association – to end their call for J.C. Penney to fire Ellen DeGeneres as its new spokesperson because she is gay.
Prior to his work at GLAAD, Graddick served as the Executive Producer of the Global Observatory, a media and communications effort which aimed to bring public awareness to the climate change crisis. He also served as in various media roles at E! and CNN TV networks.
The new president of GLAAD will be formally introduced at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 21, 2012.
