The Board of Directors of Diverse & Resilient (D&R) is pleased to announce that Gerry Coon, PhD, has been selected as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. His selection as CEO is the outcome of a national search conducted over the past six months lead by a team that included Board members, staff, community leaders, and consultants.

Gerry brings more than 20 years of professional experience to his role as CEO of the organization, previously serving as Executive Director of St. Francis Children’s Center. He also previously served as a Board member of D&R from 2011 to 2014.

His enthusiasm for leading the organization and its mission were key factors in his selection.

“The Milwaukee and Wisconsin LGBT community is at a critical point with recent leadership changes in its LGBT organizations.” Gerry continues: “At the same time, the needs of the community continue to evolve. It is an honor to be part of the important work that still needs to be done at Diverse and Resilient to promote the health and well-being of an LGBT community I care deeply about. This work is dear to me.”

Board Chair, Carlton Stansbury, is excited to welcome Gerry in his new role. “I know I speak for the entire Board in stating our complete confidence in Gerry’s ability to lead Diverse & Resilient into the future. He has big shoes to fill, following the upcoming departure of Founding Director, Gary Hollander, PhD, but we are certain that he has the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to carry out the organizations mission.

Departing Founding Director, Gary Hollander, agrees. “Many factors align to make Gerry a great new community leader in his role at Diverse and Resilient. His knowledge of nonprofit management, leadership, and education is extensive and affords the LGBT community a high level of professionalism. He has done the hard work of preparing for this role and has taken no short cuts. We are getting among the best by selecting him.”

Stansbury is equally pleased with how the executive transition process has progressed. “From the outset Gary and the Board were committed to following best practice and making the executive transition process transparent. The Transition Team, Selection Team, Gary and the entire Board and staff have worked thoughtfully and diligently to ensure a successful transition so that the organization is in good shape when Gerry takes the helm.”

Gerry will begin his new role on August 1, 2015. A formal celebration for Gary Hollander is planned for July 9, 2015.