Michigan Equality hires executive director

LANSING – Michigan Equality announced Jan. 6 that it has hired Chris Swope to be its Executive Director. Swope has extensive political experience and has been an avid supporter of equality under the law for everyone, including the LGBT community. Most recently, he has served as a Policy Analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Office. Swope also serves as an Ingham County Commissioner; he was elected in 2000 as the first openly gay member of the board.
Swope will be the first Executive Director for the organization, which has had an Executive Assistant for two years. "With the addition of Chris Swope to our full-time staff, Michigan Equality has taken a huge step toward fulfilling our mission of changing the face of politics in Michigan," said Paul Wright, President of Michigan Equality Board of Directors.
"I'm proud to join Michigan Equality in their effort to bring about a Michigan where the rights of every citizen are protected," said Swope. "I am excited by the opportunity to help end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people."
Michigan Equality is a statewide political advocacy organization dedicated to building a broad base of support to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It was founded in 1999 and has worked to build a database of voters determined to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
The organization has helped lead successful ballot initiatives in Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Huntington Woods, and Ypsilanti. Through its Political Action Committee, Michigan Equality had an active role in the 2002 gubernatorial election as well as several legislative races.