Press Release: New Leadership Council emerges at GSAFE with Tyrone Creech, Jr. as new Executive Director

Press Release: New Leadership Council emerges at GSAFE with Tyrone Creech, Jr. as new Executive Director

The Board of Directors of GSAFE (Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools, Inc.) is excited to announce a new leadership structure and the promotion of several staff to leadership roles.

GSAFE’s new Leadership Council consists of five directors who will focus on specific areas within the organization. The team includes Executive Director – Tyrone Creech, Jr., Senior Director of Education & Policy – Brian Juchems, Director of Finance & Development – Lane Hanson, Director of Family Engagement and Advocacy – Sue Neeley, and Director of Youth Leadership & Advocacy – Katie Rickert. Rae Sowards will serve as Senior Manager of Social Media & Communications.

GSAFE experienced significant growth in their programming, advocacy, and impact under the leadership of Co-Executive Directors Ali Muldrow and Brian Juchems. Their leadership over the last decade positioned GSAFE to expand the number of paid staff, develop additional program offerings, increase funding opportunities, advocate for inclusive LGBTQ+ policies, and create partnerships to further GSAFE’s mission. Without Ali and Brian J.’s dedicated service, knowledge, relationships, and skills, GSAFE would not be the influential organization it is today.

With Ali’s departure in late 2023, GSAFE’s board of directors and staff took time to reflect, reassess, and ultimately realign their staff leadership structure to best position the organization for growth and sustainability. What emerged through this process was a shared leadership model that better utilizes the collective knowledge and skills of the organization’s staff and volunteers. “A shared leadership model creates a community of support that fosters collaboration and inclusion across the organization in alignment with our values,” says Board President, Jeremy Pagel.

“GSAFE remains dedicated to advancing racial, gender, and economic justice for LGBTQ+ youth, educators, and families across the state. Our new structure emphasizes representation and is centered in our value of promoting and growing the leadership of our staff.”

GSAFE highly regards its history and is excited to enter a new chapter that challenges the status quo and provides new opportunities for growth, community involvement, and the next generation of leaders.

Hear from the next generation of leaders at this year’s Celebration of Leadership on Saturday, May 4th in Madison. Tickets available for purchase at https://gsafewi.org/