I have received e-mails form readers who saw the Washington Blade article that announced that Equality Virginia had selected a new executive director to replace outgoing ED Dyana Mason and that her replacement is STRAIGHT. Most of the comments were basically "WTF" was the EV Board doing? I had a chance to meet Jon Blair (center at left), the new ED, last night and to learn more about his background. First, I found him very personable and definitely totally at ease at an all LGBT gathering. Moreover, I learned that he had worked on two successful local campaigns in which the challengers for whom he was campaign manager unexpectedly defeated an incumbent. Personally, I believe that EV must not only endeavor to educate legislators but also make it clear that EV will play hardball with the opponents of civil equality. Perhaps Jon will bring this much needed element to the fore. Here are some highlights from the Blade article:*
The board of directors for Virginia’s statewide gay rights group announced Wednesday it has chosen a straight man to serve as its executive director.Jon Blair, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Equality Virginia, joins the organization after working as campaign manager for freshman U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in the 2008 election. Blair succeeds Dyana Mason, the former executive director for Equality Virginia, who left the organization Dec. 31.
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Blair’s experience includes work for Virginia State Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) and State Del. Paula Miller (D-Norfolk).Equality Virginia’s 10-member search committee recommended the selection of Blair unanimously, according to the statement. Jay Fisette, a gay member of the Arlington County Board and a member of the committee, said Blair’s “experience and talents will take Equality Virginia to the next level.” Equality Virginia revealed its new executive director as lawmakers readied several pro-gay bills for the General Assembly’s next session, which begins Jan. 14.
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