SIDEBAR: NLGJA selects new executive director
by Chuck Colbert
The national organization for LGBT media professionals has a new leader. He is Adam K. Pawlus, who has assumed top-staff duties as executive director of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA).
The announcement of his selection came in a July 14 press release. Its timing comes a little more than a month before the professional association’s media summit and convention, “Breaking Barriers,” August 21-24 in Chicago.
“We are thrilled to have Adam as our new executive director,” said Jen Christensen, NLGJA president. “After an exhaustive search and after speaking with many wonderful potential candidates, the hiring committee found Adam had the perfect combination of experience and personality to help lead NLGJA into its next exciting chapter of growth and visibility. We know he is the right fit to ensure the future success of the organization.”
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| Adam Pawlus, NLGJA’s new executive director |
Prior to heading NLGJA, Pawlus, a Chicago native, served as director of operations for Physicians for Social Responsibility and as deputy executive director for Voluntary Protections Programs Participants Association after he was director of communications and outreach there.
“I am honored to be joining NLGJA at such an exciting time — as we prepare to kick off our 25th anniversary year,” Pawlus said. “I look forward to working with the national board of directors, dedicated staff, members, partners, funders and sponsors to bring NLGJA to the next level of growth, impact and visibility.”
Pawlus also spoke of LGBT media specifically. “The LGBT press serves an integral role in the LGBT community. I’m proud to be working for an organization that supports the many LGBT news outlets through a number of great programs, including the LGBT Media Summit and the LGBT Media Journalists’ Convening. NLGJA is dedicated to strengthening the LGBT press through programs such as these, designed to offer specialized resources and networking opportunities,” he said.
Besides his professional duties, community service is important to Pawlus, who serves on the board of directors of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and is an active member of a number of non-profit organizations in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Pawlus holds a 1999 baccalaureate in political science and speech communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as well as a 2001 Master in Arts degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Georgia at Athens.
Founded in 1990, NLGJA is a leading professional association for LGBT journalists. Pawlus takes over from Michael Tune, who led the organization from 2009 to April 2014.
Volume 16
Issue 4
SIDEBAR
