Double the Staff, Double the Impact
Professionals join Equality Ohio's team; expand capabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 1, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

Columbus, OH – In an historic first for Ohio 's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, Equality Ohio will more than double its staff to three fulltime team members with the employment of Andrea Wood and Bo Shuff on April 3, 2006.

In under a year, the demands for Equality Ohio's programming, ambitious outreach efforts, and the growing need for a strong presence at the Statehouse have outgrown the staff resources available. Wood will take on primary responsibility for outreach and engagement while Shuff's role will include expanding the Knowing Ohio Voters program, a voter identification initiative modeled after the successful pro-equality campaigns in Cleveland Heights and Cincinnati.

"To best serve Ohio 's LGBT communities, we must increase our scope of impact and that means adding professional, expert staff members," said Executive Director Lynne Bowman. "Having people like Bo and Andrea on the team is essential if we are to achieve our vision of an Ohio where we all feel at home.

Both Wood and Shuff have been involved with Equality Ohio since its inception in 2005. Wood has been responsible for the organization's technology and communications strategy for the past year. She will leave her position at the Ohio Learning Network, a statewide organization focused on technology in higher education. Wood brings expertise in using technology to build community and engage constituents and partners.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real difference for LGBT citizens and families in my home state," said Wood. "I take the weight of that responsibility to heart."

Shuff leaves his position as Associate Field Director for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), where his primary responsibility was leading grassroots field work in Ohio. He and his partner, Sean, will relocate from Washington D.C. to Ohio. Shuff is looking forward to being closer to his extended family members, who live in Akron.

"Working with Equality Ohio for nearly twelve months, I know this is an organization that will be successful," said Shuff. "I'm excited to be part of that success and look forward to growing the network of pro-equality voters in Ohio."

The addition of Wood and Shuff allows Bowman to focus on relationship development with state leaders and building strategic partnerships with organizations around Ohio and the nation.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have both Bo and Andrea on board given their considerable knowledge, energy and dedication to this organization," said Bowman. "Their commitment to Equality Ohio's vision will help propel this organization forward."

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home, living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

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