LPAC, the country's first lesbian political action committee, announced political veteran Beth Shipp has been hired as the organization's first executive director.
"As LPAC continues to grow and flourish, we are thrilled to have Beth as our first executive director," said LPAC Board Chair Laura Ricketts. "Her experience, knowledge, relationships, and political acumen are ideally suited for LPAC as we look to 2016, where we expect our power and presence will be even greater than in our first two election cycles."
Shipp joins LPAC after serving as the political director of NARAL Pro-Choice America for 10 years. At NARAL, Shipp led all national political activities for the organization, including its electoral efforts, independent expenditure campaigns, and ballot initiative campaigns. Twice during her tenure, NARAL was recognized by National Journal as one of the top political organizations for its success rate in competitive races. She previously managed three U.S. Senate campaigns and worked in various other campaign positions across the United States.
"As someone who has known and worked with Beth Shipp for 20 years, I can say with complete sincerity, that LPAC is extremely fortunate to have her," said Senator A. Donald McEachin ( D-VA 9th ), the Virginia State Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. "I know from personal experience that Beth has dedicated her life to the causes of equality, non-discrimination, equal rights for women and economic and social justice. I certainly wouldn't be where I am without her. With her knowledge, passion, and commitment, LPAC will have an incredibly bright future."
Since the 2012 founding, LPAC has mobilized thousands of people in political giving, raised $1.9 million in contributions from 48 states and built a grassroots community of more than 25,000 people.
"I'm honored to join this incredible organization," said Shipp. "LPAC stands alone as the only political action committee dedicated to advancing women's and LGBT equality by giving lesbians a real and meaningful seat at the political table. At a time when women's rights are increasingly under fire, and when the recent gains of the LGBT community sit at the tipping point -— LPAC's role and influence are critical. I am excited to help guide this amazing group of women."
LPAC builds the political power of lesbians by electing candidates that champion LGBT rights, women's equality, and social justice. Visit www.teamlpac.com for more information.
