News

Dear SAVE Family,

I hope this message finds you doing well and filled with the hope and renewal that comes with the start of a new year. This year, SAVE celebrates its 30th Anniversary. I am proud to be part of the organization's history as a volunteer, donor, Board Member, Board Chairman, and Executive Director since 2019. When I joined SAVE as the Executive Director, I committed to four years of service to the Board of Directors at a time when we needed to focus on the 2020 and 2022 election cycles and fortifying the organization for a stronger future.

It is a bittersweet moment for me as I announce that I am departing from my role as SAVE’s Executive Director at the end of 2023. I wanted to make sure you heard it from me. I also wanted to make sure that our community knows that I am not saying “goodbye” to SAVE— – not in the least bit. Not only am I committed to ensuring a successful onboarding for the new Executive Director, but I will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the new Executive Director and to the Board of Directors. Although I do not yet know what the future brings for me, my dedication to SAVE and the LGBTQ+ community will continue no matter what.

And while we search for my replacement, my work and commitment as Executive Director is far from over. This year, I will continue to lead the organization through the 2023 election cycle and in planning for the 2024 Presidential election cycle by addressing the shortcomings from this past November. This includes greater efforts to increase voter registration of pro-LGBTQ+ supporters, coalition building with organizations committed to LGBTQ+ equality, and effective data-driven efforts to get out the vote (GOTV).

I have been so proud to serve as the Executive Director these last four years and want to express my deep gratitude to every one of you. Your trust and support of SAVE has made all the difference in our accomplishments.

My time as Executive Director has been marked by historical events including the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ mobilization such as demonstrations, political violence, and offline propaganda activity, and an alarming rise in LGBTQ-phobia, especially transphobia from state leadership in public policy and in our schools. With all of this, I'm proud that SAVE remained on the frontlines to push back against those who would harm our community, collaborated with LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, and maintained a steady field program to get out the vote and get pro-LGBTQ+ leaders elected into public office.

The Board of Directors has already organized an Executive Search Committee that includes volunteer community members. The position will be posted to SAVE’s website in the near future. If you or anyone you know may be a good fit for the organization, please don’t hesitate to step forward with a nomination. You may reach out to Jennifer Gregg at [email protected] to express your interest or to recommend a candidate.

I look forward to working with you over the next few months and to celebrating with you at SAVE’s Champions of Equality Awards Gala on May 14th. Our 30th Anniversary will be central to that celebration.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or by phone at 305-968-8522.

Thank you again for all of your support.

Yours in service,

Orlando Gonzales, Executive Director