Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in the Lehigh Valley recently welcomed Ashley L. Coleman as its new executive director. A long-time community leader and organizer, Coleman previously served as executive director of the QTPOC radical social justice organization galaei, where she co-organized Philadelphia’s 50th anniversary Pride march and festival. She succeeds interim executive director Bill McGlinn.
“I have been impressed with Ashley’s tenure with both galaei and Mazzoni Center,” McGlinn said in a press release. “She has a deep understanding of the role an LGBTQ+ community center can play in advancing the health and well-being of the complex and wondrous community we are privileged to serve. I have complete confidence in Ashley’s readiness and ability to serve as an inspirational leader and assist in realizing the next chapter of our Center.”
As of press time, a spokesperson from galaei had no comment on Coleman’s departure from the organization.
In addition to leading galaei for roughly two years, Coleman previously worked as senior events manager at Mazzoni Center, where she served as coordinator for the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference. She began doing activism and advocacy work when she led queer youth initiatives in the Lehigh Valley as a youth herself and produced events for nonprofits in Northeast Pennsylvania.
“Bradbury-Sullivan Center is a keystone in LGBTQ+ support far beyond the limits of the Lehigh Valley,” Coleman said in a press release. “I am truly elated to work together to continue the life-saving work of the Center and cultivate opportunities and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals that have been left on the margins.
“The Lehigh Valley is an exceptional place to be from. The Valley is diverse, hardworking, steeped with history, and always feels like home. Returning to provide fortified resources and positive change for our LGBTQ+ siblings in the place that gave me the foundation and support to be authentically who I am today, is an honor like no other. Together we can make the Valley a safer and more equitable place for everyone.”
A search committee led the selection process, composed of board chair Liz Kleintop, board members Jason Sizemore and Marvin Webb, who served as search committee chair; staff members Liz Bradbury, Robin Gow and Christina Graham; and community members Stephen Jiwanmall and Ian Wagner.
“We are thrilled to have Ashley join us as the executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LBGT Community Center,” Kleintop said in a press release. “Ashley is a strong, collaborative leader bringing many competencies to the Center that will help the board and staff work toward a new vision of the Center that benefits the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
Former executive director Adrian Shanker founded the Bradbury-Sullivan Center in 2014. Since then the organization has served the LGBTQ communities of the Lehigh Valley and beyond through its healthcare programs, cultural programs, youth-oriented programs and more. During his tenure as executive director, Shanker created the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment; had the Center collaborate with other LGBTQ orgs to successfully sue the Trump administration for trying to enforce three anti-LGBTQ orders; and led the Center through a merger with Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which substantially expanded the region’s Pride festival.