DSG | Koya partnered with GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) on its Executive Director search.

Our work resulted in the placement of Ricardo Martinez.

As CEO of Texas’ largest nonpartisan statewide LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization since 2019, Martinez has been on the front lines in one of the key battleground states in the current national wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation. Under his leadership, Equality Texas led advocacy efforts to defeat 96% of 140+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed during the 2023 state legislative session and 99% of 76 anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed in 2021.

“Following a robust nationwide search in partnership with Koya Partners, GLAD’s Board of Directors is proud to announce Ricardo Martinez as the organization’s next Executive Director,” said GLAD Board President Shane Dunn. “Ricardo’s accomplishments at Equality Texas in a tumultuous political environment showcase his leadership strengths and vision. He has demonstrated a commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities along with a willingness to be in the trenches organizing at the grassroots and grasstops levels.

“GLAD is doubling down on our commitment to challenging emerging anti-LGBTQ+ laws across the country, defending and expanding upon the rights and progress we’ve achieved over the past half century, and advocating for positive policy and legislative change. We could not be more excited to have Ricardo join GLAD at this moment, to bring his vision and battle-tested experiences in the heat of some of the fiercest fights for LGBTQ equality we’ve seen to date. GLAD shares our highest admiration and appreciation for the entire team at Equality Texas and their critical ongoing work in our collaborative justice movement,” Dunn added. “Ricardo will be a transformational leader during a pivotal time of organizational growth at GLAD and at a critical moment for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and families across our nation. I also want to thank Richard Burns, GLAD’s Interim Executive Director since October and a long-time movement leader, for his leadership and support as we prepare for this next phase.”

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