Equality Michigan Announces Leadership Changes

Equality Michigan has announced that Executive Director Stephanie White will be leaving her position effective Jan. 9, 2019. The organization's boards unanimously decided not to renew her contract. This decision, according to a press release, was made as a result of EQMI's efforts to retool for 2019 and years to come. With a more balanced incoming legislature and a pro-equality governor, attorney general and secretary of state, the organization is planning for rapid progress on the issues that matter most to EQMI's members and supporters.
"We are making changes now to be more impactful in the future, and so we can continue our commitment to the work of making Michigan fair and equal for all," said Jim Murray, EQMI's board chair.
"Our daily operations will continue as normal through the leadership transition, including our services supporting vulnerable LGBTQ persons and advocating on our community's behalf," said Murray.
"We thank Steph White for her years of service to Equality Michigan, Equality Michigan Action Network, our members, our allies, and the movement for equal rights in Michigan," said Trevor Thomas, EQMI's Action Network board chair. "Her tireless advocacy amplified the voice of the LGBTQ community at a time when many in power preferred our silence, and we wish her well as she takes on new challenges."
Erin Knott, the organization's current political director, will serve as temporary interim executive director of EQMI and EQMI's Action Network as the board considers its next steps and a permanent director is hired.
EQMI's board consists of Jim Murray, Vice Chair Mike Rowady, Secretary Tim Atkinson, Treasurer Mira Kirshnan, Buzz Thomas, Chuck Otis, Daniel Spadafore and David Worthams. The EQMI Action Network consists of Trevor Thomas, Mira Kirshnan, Chuck Otis, Tim Atkinson, Cheryl Gilliam and Ronald Moore.