The Washington Blade has revealed that the chief executive officer of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute, Chuck Wolfe is set to leave the organization at the end of the year.
According to the report, in an email to the Victory Campaign Board obtained by the Blade, Wolfe reveals that he informed the board of directors and Victory Fund on Wednesday about plans to move on from the organization.
“After nearly 12 years leading Victory, and countless Election Days, I’m both ready and excited to do something different — though I can’t imagine doing something more rewarding, or working with people whom I respect and admire more,” Wolfe writes.
During his time as CEO the Victory Fund achieved some notable successes, including the election of Annise Parker, an openly lesbian mayor of Houston, Texas, and Tammy Baldwin as the first openly lesbian member of the U.S. Senate.
In response to the news of Wolfe’s departure, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:“Thanks to Chuck Wolfe’s tireless leadership and advocacy during his years at the Victory Fund, LGBT people are far better represented in elected office across America – more so than many in this community ever thought possible. During Chuck’s tenure, Victory has helped to more than triple the number of openly LGBT Americans serving in elected and appointed office, and the number of out members serving in Congress has gone from just two to 8. Throughout history, government has virtually never been a leader on issues of equality. But Chuck Wolfe and the Victory Fund have helped to change that, ensuring that LGBT people are represented in the institutions with the power to address the vital needs of our community.
“We are sad to see Chuck leave. But at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, the Victory Fund is in a powerful position to make great progress for the LGBT community throughout the nation. We look forward to a continued partnership with the organization and whoever is fortunate enough to take its helm. The entire HRC family wishes Chuck the very best, and the entire LGBT community owes him our deepest gratitude.”
Steve Elmendorf, board chair of the Victory Fund, said the organization “has grown tremendously” under Wolfe’s leadership.
“He’s accomplished this with an uncommon focus on what really matters, and without the drama so often attached to politics,” Elemendorf said. “The board and I are grateful for everything he’s done for Victory, but we also understand Chuck’s desire to do other things and take on new challenges.”
In his email Wolfe writes that he intends to continue his work until the end of the year, which includes ensuring Victory Fund-endorsed candidates are successful on Election Day on November 4.
