The campaign to pass marriage equality in Illinois is losing one of most active leaders.
Caroline Staerk, field director of Equality Illinois, is stepping down after more than five years with the organization.
Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov confirmed Staerk's departure in a statement. Cherkasov said he was personally grateful for Staerk's contributions to the LGBT movement.
"Not only we - her colleagues but everyone Caroline touched felt inspired by her commitment to LGBT equality," Cherkasov said in the statement. "In every corner of the state, there are people for whom Caroline is the voice of Equality Illinois and of the marriage equality movement. And so many people have gotten involved in our work because they heeded Caroline's call."
Staerk said the decision to leave was personal.
"I want to focus on my family," she said. "I tend to be a work-aholic."
Staerk called her departure "bittersweet" as advocates continue to fight to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, an effort she has been instrumental in.
"I would have liked to see this through to the end," Staerk said, adding that she would likely remain active as a volunteer with the Illinois Unites for Marriage coalition.
Staerk plans to remain in Chicago. She does not have a new job lined up, she said.
Staerk's commitment to passing the bill has been underscored by her personal decisions. The former union organizer has been holding off on marrying her fiancé Charles Harper until same-sex couples are able to wed.
"When I made the commitment, I said 'full marriage equality,' and I think it's important to stick with it," Staerk said in a 2011 interview with Time Out Chicago.
Staerk will remain on staff during the search for her replacement. Her last day is July 31.
A celebration for Staerk will be held at Sidetrack bar Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. The event is open to the community.