Our Executive Director, Drew Tagliabue, and our Board of Directors would like to share the following joint messages with the PFLAG NYC community…
Dear Friends & Supporters of PFLAG NYC,
I am writing to share some news with the entire PFLAG NYC community. I recently informed the Board of Directors and my colleagues of my intention to step down as Executive Director at the end of the year. I did not reach this decision lightly, as I am extremely proud of the impact that this amazing organization has in the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families. Since 2007 I have started every day excited to get to work, and it has been an honor to work with the inspiring community of PFLAG NYC families, volunteers, colleagues, donors, funders, and partners.
I began this job humbly, standing on the shoulders of the parents that created PFLAG and were committed to engaging families in the movement for LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality. I am proud of how far we have expanded the reach of this work. My involvement began with the “Stay Close” public awareness campaign that had the audacious goal to make every family know that PFLAG NYC was there for them when a child came out. While I can’t speak for every family, I leave immensely gratified that PFLAG NYC has taken our Safe Schools Program out to reach every public school in NYC so that there is a touchpoint for families to get support and young people to find affirming, supportive adults and peers close by.
It’s been a privilege to lead the growth of PFLAG NYC from a circle of passionate volunteers to a strong organization with a talented professional team and effective, expanding programs. At the same time, PFLAG NYC remains true to its identity as a family-based organization with peer support and community engagement at the center of our education, outreach, and advocacy.
In the next several months I’ll be fully engaged continuing to lead PFLAG NYC and working with our board for a smooth transition and continued success. I hope I’ll have opportunities to thank the many of you I’ve gotten to know so personally for your partnership and passion for raising our families’ understanding and making our community better for every young person on their coming-out journey.
With much appreciation and gratitude,
Drew Tagliabue
Executive Director
Dear PFLAG NYC Community,
It is with both sadness and gratitude that we join with Drew in sharing the news that he is stepping down as our Executive Director.
PFLAG NYC has undergone significant growth and development under Drew’s leadership since 2007. From a handful of support groups, he expanded our reach and impact in communities throughout New York City. PFLAG NYC has gone from helping families who manage to find us, to actively reaching out to bring parental love for LGBTQ+ young people to the most important places in kids’ lives. Our Safe Schools Program is found now in every public school, delivering in-person or virtual training to nearly 2,000 teachers and school staff and more than 10,000 students annually. Along the way, Drew built important strategic partnerships, expanded our staff and increased support programming, among many other accomplishments.
Drew leaves PFLAG NYC in a very strong position for continued growth, and we sincerely thank him for his vision, leadership, management excellence, and heart these past 14 years. He will be staying with us through the transition to our next Executive Director, and we have confidence that our programs will broaden with continued strength.
Our Board formed a Search Committee, and we have been working diligently to think about future leadership for PFLAG NYC. We recently retained the firm of Sandler Search to assist us with the search, which will be led by Josie Sandler and Shalena Broadnax. We welcome your assistance in identifying candidates for this unique leadership position.
We are all going to miss Drew, but we know he will not be fully stepping away from the PFLAG NYC community. If you have any questions about the transition or the organization, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at jsennesh@pflagnyc.org.
Sincerely,
Judy Sennesh
Chair, Board of Directors