PRESS STATEMENT
April 13, 2011

SF Pride Announces Interim Executive Director Brendan Behan

Former Deputy Director Returns to the Organization as Sponsorship Commitments Roll In

San Francisco, CA – 13 April 2011 – The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee announced today the hiring of Brendan Behan as the Interim Executive Director of the organization.  With Behan’s hiring comes the return of a familiar face to the organization’s top position.  Behan last worked with SF Pride through four events, from January 2006 through February 2009, working his way up through the organization, starting as the Administrative Assistance and Volunteer Coordinator and ending up as the Deputy Executive Director position, where he directed the organization’s outreach and communications, oversaw elements of the annual event’s logistics, and founded Pride’s membership outreach fund to support the organization’s year-round educational and outreach initiatives, like Pride’s speaker series Threat Level: Lavender and a non-partisan voter registration project.

Board Chair Lisa Williams stated, “We are thrilled to be bringing Brendan back to SF Pride.  His experience and leadership will provide the kind of continuity for this organization and our community that will help keep us on track toward a strong future for Pride.”

Behan stated, “Pride has been a pillar in our community for over 40 years, so I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve this organization in a new capacity and humbled by the legacy of all those who have helped build it.  We have a lot of important work ahead of us for the sake of Pride and the LGBT community, and I am aware of the challenges that we face; however, what matters most today is that this organization and its board of directors remain committed to keeping Pride on the path toward a more solid footing so that we can continue to fight on behalf of our community.”

“Brendan is a talented leader and someone that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for many years.  Pride means so much to our community, so I’m excited to see the organization taking this new positive step,” stated former City Supervisor for District 8 Bevan Dufty.

SF Pride also announced the addition of two new board members, Lord Martine and Bill Hemenger.  Hemenger will be taking on the position of Board Treasurer.

Lindsey Jones, a former executive director of SF Pride for over six years, has returned to work on sponsorship this year with SF Pride.  To date, Pride has confirmed $400,000 in sponsorship commitments and is currently in negotiation with fifteen additional sponsors.  Several of Pride’s confirmed sponsors are also considering adding additional initiatives to their sponsorship commitments.  Behan stated, “In my years with Pride, I have seen first-hand the commitment that our sponsors have shown to Pride and the LGBT community.  This year is no different.  Our sponsors are stepping up to the plate and working closely with Pride to make sure our community has yet another memorable and vibrant Pride Parade and Celebration this year.”