The Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs last weekend named two new co-chairs.
Jason Evans and Barrett Marshall will serve as co-chairs in the position previously occupied by Sharron Cooks.
Director of LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes said Evans is “invaluable and infinitely talented — the man that gets the job done.” In regard to Marshall, she said “their big-picture focus brings an exciting vision to the commission and will catapult the group forward to unforeseen heights.”
“Jason and Barrett’s skills combine to form some sort of highly effective, emotionally intelligent, process-oriented superhuman,” Hikes added. “We’re all fortunate they’re implementing these skills for the good of our community.”
Both co-chairs were nominated by their fellow commission members and accepted their nominations.
Evans will continue in his treasurer role until a new individual is selected for that position. In a statement, he said he sees this “as an opportunity for the commission to continue its efforts of working to improve our community” and believes he and Marshall will make “a great team.”
“I am most looking forward to laying down a sturdy foundation [through] which the commission can continue to grow, thrive and better help our community,” Evans said. “As the commission is less than one year old, many of us have been working together to define how the commission works, while addressing the needs of our community. I feel that this groundwork is essential for the longevity of the commission.”
Marshall noted in a statement that the commission “has seen considerable evolution already.” They said they have spoken with each of the individual commissioners and are “amazed by their accountability to service and desire to meet the needs of LGBT Philadelphians.”
“The best part of being a commissioner has always been the opportunity to work with my extraordinarily talented colleagues on the commission,” Marshall said. “I consistently learn from and am inspired by this group of people, and serving as co-chair will give me the chance to engage more deeply with everyone’s expertise. I’m looking forward to supporting their work and, hopefully, maximizing the effect we can have on the community. Being selected as a co-chair is an honor.”
The co-chairs were named months after Cooks was voted from her chair position after commissioners raised concerns about “creating an unwelcoming environment” through meetings and social-media channels, a city spokesperson told PGN in May.
Hikes said the commission would finalize social-media guidelines at an upcoming meeting.
Additionally, four new commissioners were named this month. Hikes said Naomi Washington Leaphart, Aeryanah Von Moi, Ja’nae Tyler and William Lee “bring a wealth of professional knowledge and personal experience to our commission.”
“I am honored to continue this incredible work with such a dynamic, hardworking and esteemed group of leaders,” Hikes added.