Danny Kopelson, the director of marketing for Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) , has left the agency.
Kopelson, who was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, was hired as marketing director in 2004.
TPAN's executive director, Rick Bejlovec, told Windy City Times that Kopelson's departure was 'more or less a layoff' that resulted from dwindling governmental funds.
'It's a reorganization,' Bejlovec said, adding that several others have assumed various responsibilities that Kopelson held. He added that he and Kopelson had been speaking about the possibility of his leaving since last fall.
'Danny did outstanding work through the years,' Bejlovec said. 'He was an excellent employee and the board and I wish him well. We are hard-pressed to get by without him.
Kopelson, in an e-mail to Windy City Times, said that he 'truly enjoyed my 3.5 years at TPAN' and that one of the things he is proud of is that 'I, along with Rick Bejlovec and Amy Maggio was part of developing a strong development department at TPAN which had never existed before.'
Kopelson added that ' [ m ] y layoff is indicative of what is currently happening in HIV government funding in Chicago and nationally and the Ryan White changes. I fear this is only the beginning of many other organizations in Chicago either laying off employees, not being able to pay employees or closing their doors entirely. '
He concluded by saying 'I wish TPAN much continued success as I have been witness to the positive impact they have on clients.'