As Wisconsin is set to pass the most sweeping advancements in LGBT rights in over 25 years, the organization that spearheaded the debate announces exciting new leadership directions to ensure future growth. Glenn Carlson, Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin, announced his retirement and noted how timing to pass the torch could not be better.

Fair Wisconsin, Inc. and the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund are pleased to announce that Katie Belanger has been named Executive Director effective July 1st, 2009. Belanger, who started with Fair Wisconsin as Legislative Director, has previously worked with Advancing Wisconsin, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and Governor Jim Doyle.

“I am so pleased and proud to introduce Katie as Fair Wisconsin’s new Executive Director,” says retiring Executive Director Glenn Carlson. “She brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and talent to this vital role, and I believe that Fair Wisconsin will benefit tremendously from her leadership. Her exceptional work ushering the domestic partnership protections though the state budget process, as well as her years of experience in the Wisconsin progressive community, make her the ideal candidate to advance the cause of fairness for the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens of our state.”

“This is an important and exciting time for Fair Wisconsin and for the vital work of protecting same-sex couples and their families” says Belanger. “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the Fair Wisconsin staff, and our members throughout the state to build on our work together over the years and continue taking important steps towards equality. The road to full equality is long, but I believe that Wisconsin stands closer to making the vital changes needed to protect all of Wisconsin’s families than ever before.”

Carlson, who remains with Fair Wisconsin, Inc. as its newly-elected board president, notes the recent advancements for fairness are due to grassroots activism, ongoing education and campaign activities – all due to the growing network of fair-minded Wisconsinites. “Those who oppose fairness have a hard time explaining why couples in committed, caring relationships should not have the basic protections couples need to be able to take care of each other – protections like hospital visitation, end-of-life decision making, and the ability to take family leave to care for a sick or injured partner.”

The Boards of Directors of Fair Wisconsin, Inc. and the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund also welcome new board members Heather Colburn (Fair Wisconsin, Inc.) and Christopher Guest, Michael Childers, and Ruth Irvings (Fair Wisconsin Education Fund).

“We are thrilled to welcome these new and returning members to our Board,” says new Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Katie Belanger. “Together, they bring a diversity of experience and wealth of knowledge that will be essential as we build for the future. We look forward to their involvement as Fair Wisconsin and the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund continue their mission of achieving equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens of Wisconsin in 2009 and beyond.”

“I’m excited to hit the ground running,” Belanger said. “While advancing LGBT equality is never easy and we have so much more to do, it’s clear we have a base of motivated, engaged and passionate supporters,” she concluded, “and the fact that history is on our side!”