Young Democrats elect Javier Brown as Communications Chair
Young Democrats of Atlanta, the official Fulton County chapter of Young Democrats of Georgia, has elected Javier Brown as its new communications chair. Brown serves as a legislative assistant to politician and LGBT ally state Sen. Vincent Ford (D-Atlanta).
Brown tells Georgia Voice that he is “excited about the work we have to do.”
“We (Young Democrats) must develop a message and plan to not only get young adults to the polls, but engage them in the political process to support our Democratic candidates so that we ensure victory.”
AJC Decatur Book Festival names new program director
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival has named Julie Wilson as its new program director. Wilson succeeds former program director and former Outwrite Bookstore owner Philip Rafshoon, who has stepped down after serving in the role for three years.
Prior to taking on her new role, Wilson spent nearly seven years managing customer feedback and process improvement, measuring and evaluating customer experiences and developing marketing communications programs for the American Cancer Society. However, the bulk of Wilson’s career was spent in media relations for Ketchum, a leading international communications agency.
Wilson says she’s “ecstatic about this opportunity to serve as program director for such a successful, well-regarded event.”
“I have some pretty big shoes to fill following Philip. I gained incredible experience in 2015 working with the AJC DBF team, learning from the very best in the business. I look forward to building upon my experience to continue evolving our program offerings and strengthening our ties with authors and publishers locally and nationally.”
Lambda Legal elects new board of directors
Atlanta residents and business leaders Jeffrey Cleghorn and Katrina Quicker have both been named to the board of directors of Lambda Legal.
Cleghorn manages the family law practice of Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC, in Atlanta, with a focus on issues affecting LGBT Family law attorney Jeff Cleghorn has been appointed to Lambda Legal’s board of directors. (Screencap image) individuals and their families.
“I am pleased and honored to join the Board of Lambda Legal. In victory after victory after victory, in courtrooms all across our great country, Lambda Legal has made the case for equality since 1973,” says Cleghorn. “I continue to be inspired by Lambda Legal’s brilliant and hard-working attorneys, and am proud to expand my service to this vital organization.”
Quicker is a partner in the Atlanta offices of BakerHostetler, a firm specializing in patent and intellectual property law.
“I believe in their work,” says Quicker. “I am honored to join the board of directors to ensure that Lambda Legal’s vision of full recognition of the civil rights of the LGBT community and all who experience discrimination is realized.”
SBA, NGLCC name Atlanta as host city
Atlanta has been named one of two cities to host the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as it launches the LGBT Business Builder, the first initiative of its kind focused specifically on LGBT business owners.
“During the one-day event, businesses will learn how to leverage NGLCC’s LGBT Business Enterprise certification and explore opportunities through SBA’s suite of services around government contracting, exporting, and other SBA initiatives,” says David Perry, National LGBT Outreach Director, in a statement.
The Atlanta SBA/NGLCC event will be held on Dec. 9 and tickets are sold out. Sacramento is the other chosen city, and will host an SBA event on Dec. 1. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. Georgia Voice is NGLCC certified.