Washington, D.C. — Pride at Work, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) constituency group of organized labor, has selected Jerame Davis as the interim Executive Director for the organization. Davis will begin his new responsibilities at Pride at Work's headquarters in Washington, DC, immediately.
"Jerame's experience in leading a national chapter-based organization will be invaluable to us," said Lori Pelletier, Pride at Work Co-President. "And because he has a long-time connection to Pride at Work, we feel confident he will be able to hit the ground running with the help of our national staff."
"Pride at Work has always held a special place in my heart," remarked Davis. "I got my start in LGBT and Labor advocacy through Pride at Work and it feels like a homecoming to be joining the staff. I am thrilled to have this opportunity."
Davis is a long-time LGBT and progressive activist with a background in communications and technology. Originally from the southern Indiana city of Columbus, Davis became acquainted with Pride at Work in Bloomington, IN after a local chapter got involved in a wrongful termination case Davis and his partner were battling. He served a short time as vice president of that chapter before going on to found the first LGBT equality organization in his hometown and serving as one of its first co-chairs. Davis later founded Indiana's first LGBT direct action group and served on the boards of Indiana Equality and the Indiana Stonewall Democrats.
It was through his work at Indiana Stonewall Democrats that he received an offer to join the staff at National Stonewall Democrats in 2010, which brought him to Washington, DC. In 2011, Davis became the Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats and led the organization through the 2012 election cycle. Late in 2013, he joined the Communications Workers of America as the Field Coordinator in the Legislative Department and will be leaving his position there to join Pride at Work's team.
Shane Larson, Pride at Work Co-President, said, "I've known Jerame for years and have had the pleasure of working with him on multiple occasions. I couldn't be happier to have the benefit of his leadership and experience at Pride at Work."
Workers interested in joining Pride at Work or in launching new chapter organizing efforts, can visit www.prideatwork.org or email Pride at Work at kristina@prideatwork.org .
