AFTER NINE YEARS AT THE HELM, EQUALITY ILLINOIS CEO BRIAN C. JOHNSON ANNOUNCES HE WILL STEP DOWN FROM THE ROLE ON JUNE 3OTH
Equality Illinois Boards of Directors launches an open search process to identify the next CEO for the statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization
CHICAGO – Brian C. Johnson, the CEO of Equality Illinois since 2016, announced today that he will transition out of the role on June 30th after nine years helping to grow the statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization into a multi-issue and high-impact advocacy organization. He will focus his energies in the interim on fighting back against the hate-filled agenda flowing from Washington DC, making Illinois the first state in the country to protect the lives of sex workers by fully decriminalizing adult consensual sex work, and providing for a smooth leadership transition.
“It has been a privilege of a lifetime serving the half a million LGBTQ+ Illinoisans over these past nine years,” Johnson said. “I have served during three Presidents, worked with two Governors, and partnered with three Chicago mayors. We have even survived a global pandemic and shutdown together. But now is the right time to hand the baton over to the next leader who will direct the important work ahead. I plan to spend this next year discerning how I can continue to serve Chicago, Illinois, and our country while spending some more intentional time as a husband and father; my two favorite roles.”
Justin De Jong, Chair of Equality Illinois, the 501c4 organization, shared “The Board of Directors is incredibly grateful for Brian’s leadership over this past decade. We have transitioned from an organization laser focused on a single issue – marriage equality – to a robust civil rights organization fighting on many fronts. Together, we have led the passage of nearly 30 groundbreaking pro-equality laws, worked to get nearly 150 out queer leaders appointed to state boards and commissions, supported the election of a historic number of openly LGBTQ+ leaders, and invested in building the capacity of grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations throughout the state.”
Kelly Emery, Chair of Equality Illinois Institute, the related 501c3 organization, added “During Brian’s tenure, we have assembled the most diverse Board and staff in our history. We have increased our annual revenues by 76% and we have doubled our financial reserves ensuring we have the stability we need to weather the road ahead. The Board now takes on the critical work of finding the next CEO who will inspire and lead the work forward. Please keep an eye out as we announce an open and transparent search process.” Emery continued, “We are grateful that Brian has agreed to stay on past June 30th in a limited capacity as a senior advisor to ensure we have the smoothest transition possible.”
Commenting on the transition during this time, Johnson said “I know these are tough times. We are under attack like we haven’t been in my lifetime. This is why we are planning a thoughtful extended transition.” Johnson added, “Until then, I am all in. I am comforted to know that Equality Illinois has never been better poised to meet this moment.”
Questions about the transition can be directed to Equality Illinois Director of Communications Myles Brady Davis at [email protected].
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