Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 15:27:51 -0500 From: "David B. O'Donnell" [ Originally posted by TPGew@AOL.COM ] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22 January 1996-New York City AVP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO STEP DOWN AFTER SIX-YEAR TENURE/NATIONAL SEARCH OPENED The Board of Directors of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) announced today that Matt Foreman, Executive Director for the past six years, has submitted his resignation effective 1 May. The Board also announced that it was commencing a national search to find a successor. "We have accepted Matt's resignation with deep regret and we would like to express our gratitude for his extraordinary devotion to the Anti-Violence Project and to our community," said Ken Monteiro, an AVP Co-Chair. "Matt has been responsible for leading AVP through a period of tremendous growth. During his tenure, the number of crime victims we serve each year has doubled to over 1,600 and our full-time staff has doubled to ten. We have dramatically increased the diversity of our client base and become a national leader in the lesbian and gay anti-violence movement. In addition, our annual revenues have increased to over $800,000. Matt has also spearheaded numerous public policy initiatives from leading the statewide effort to pass the Hate Crimes Bill in Albany, to creating the HIV-Related Violence Program, the only program of its kind in the nation, to organizing a Safe Bar Program to reduce pick-up crime." Susan Sampliner, an AVP Co-Chair, added, "We are particularly proud of Matt's success at fighting aggressively for our clients, taking to the streets when necessary, while maintaining excellent working relationships with the police department and other criminal justice agencies." Sampliner pointed out that Foreman organized over 30 major marches and demonstrations in all boroughs of the City, which focused unprecedented public attention on anti-gay/lesbian violence. Foreman also re-wrote the Police Academy's training program on interactions with lesbians and gay men (now considered a national model), developed an innovative precinct-based training program, and led successful efforts to change police policies on the handling of bias crimes. Foreman, currently the second longest-tenured executive director of a gay/lesbian organization in the New York, said, "Working for AVP has been the greatest honor of my life and I am very grateful to our volunteers, donors, staff, and board for giving so much and making so many great accomplishments possible. I am also thankful to my predecessor, David Wertheimer, Executive Director from 1985 to1989, for building such a solid and outstanding agency." Before he departs, Foreman will be responsible for a number of major projects, including the production of the annual National Report on Anti-Gay/Lesbian Violence. Prior to joining AVP in 1990, Foreman worked in prison administration for ten years, including service as Assistant Commissioner for the West Virginia Department of Corrections, and Director of New York City's work release program. He also was a leader of Dignity/New York and a founder and co-shair of Heritage of Pride. He has received awards for his anti-violence work from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the New Jersey State Police Department, the Empire State Pride Agenda, the Lesbian and Gay Association of Lawyers, the Tri-State Log Cabin Club, and Queens Gays & Lesbians United. Sampliner and Moneiro said that the search for a successor would be conducted on a national basis. "We are commmitted to finding the best person possible to lead the agency into the 21st century. Given the extraordinary levels of anti-gay/lesbian violence and organizing throughout the country, the challenges ahead for the Project are daunting," Monteiro said. Job announcements are being placed in gay/lesbian and other publications throughout the country. Persons interested in the position should submit a cover letter and resume to AVP's Executive Director Search Committee by 23 February 1996. Lesbians and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. More information can be obtained by calling 212 807.6761. Founded in 1980, the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project is a crime victim assistance agency providing counseling and advocacy services to victims of hate crime, domestic violence, HIV-related violence, sexual assault and other forms of crime. All services are free and confidential. AVP also produces the annual National Report on Anti-Gay/Lesbian Violence.