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Ashley L. Coleman was formally introduced at a community event hosted by the center earlier today.
ALLENTOWN, PA – Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is pleased to announce that after a months-long search led by DRG Talent, longtime Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ community leader Ashley L. Coleman (she/her) has been appointed to serve as the Center’s Executive Director.
Leadership created a search committee composed of both board and staff members as Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has valued the participation and voices of staff members throughout the search process.
Search Committee Members
Board: Liz Kleintop, Jason Sizemore, Marvin Webb (Search Committee Chair)
Staff: Liz Bradbury, Robin Gow, Christina Graham
Community: Stephen Jiwanmall, Ian Wagner
Coleman was formally introduced at a community event hosted by Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center on Monday, January 9. The Center’s board of directors unanimously voted to appoint her to the position.
“We are thrilled to have Ashley join us as the Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan LBGT Community Center,” said Liz Kleintop, chair of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center’s board of directors. “Ashley is a strong, collaborative leader bringing many competencies to the Center that will help the board and staff work toward a new vision of the Center that benefits the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
Coleman has been a fixture in the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia for over ten years having previously served as Executive Director at galaei and Senior Events Manager at Mazzoni Center. She holds two degrees from Temple University (B.S., Education), and (B.A., History). Her activism and advocacy began as a youth in the Lehigh Valley, leading Queer youth initiatives while producing large scale events for nonprofits in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She went on to serve as the general conference coordinator of the world’s largest Transgender specific conference from 2016-2019. She led galaei through the production of Philadelphia’s 50th Pride parade and festival in 2022.
“I am honored to join the dedicated staff and board at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. Bradbury-Sullivan Center is a keystone in LGBTQ+ support far beyond the limits of the Lehigh Valley. I am truly elated to work together to continue the life saving work of the Center and cultivate opportunities and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals that have been left on the margins,” said Coleman. “The Lehigh Valley is an exceptional place to be from. The Valley is diverse, hardworking, steeped with history, and always feels like home. Returning to provide fortified resources and positive change for our LGBTQ+ siblings in the place that gave me the foundation and support to be authentically who I am today, is an honor like no other. Together we can make the Valley a safer and more equitable place for everyone.”
Coleman succeeds Interim Executive Director Bill McGlinn, who began leading the Center in March 2022.
“The Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ community will be well-served by having Ashley L. Coleman as Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center,” McGlinn said. “I have been impressed with Ashley’s tenure with both galaei and Mazzoni Center. She has a deep understanding of the role an LGBTQ+ community center can play in advancing the health and well-being of the complex and wondrous community we are privileged to serve. I have complete confidence in Ashley’s readiness and ability to serve as an inspirational leader and assist in realizing the next chapter of our Center.”
About Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center: (www.BradburySullivanCenter.org)
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides arts, health, youth, Pride, and training programs to support and build the LGBTQ+ community across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Information provided to TVL by:
Braden Hudak (he/him)
Communications Associate
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
522 West Maple Street
at Bayard Rustin Way
Allentown, PA 18101
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
https://www.bradburysullivancenter.org/
