Dear John,
It is with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I announce the departure of our beloved Deputy Executive Director, Ian Palmquist. Tomorrow, December 13, 2024, is his last official day on the Equality Federation team.
In July, Ian let many of us know that he would be leaving his role at the end of the year for health reasons. Still, this day came quicker than I could have imagined.
Ian’s 12 years in various leadership roles at Equality Federation have been instrumental in building the organization we are today. But Ian’s work with this organization and the LGBTQ+ advocacy movement started even before he was on the team. An early Federation board member, Ian guided the shift from an all-volunteer to a staffed organization. He was also a part of our state partner network in his role leading Equality NC for 8 years.
He has made countless contributions to Equality Federation and the LGBTQ+ movement. Under his leadership, we have transformed how we support organizations and leaders in the states while growing the size of our operating budget, building a strong financial reserve, and creating a durable programmatic infrastructure to address the demands of the present moment.
This organization and this movement have been Ian's life’s work; we are better because of it.
Our team awarded Ian a Lifetime Leadership Award at our annual Leadership Conference this summer. Current and former staff, board members, and partners of Equality Federation shared their gratitude for Ian via video. You can watch here.
As Ian embarks on his next chapter, we want to celebrate his many accomplishments and show our immense gratitude for his unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. Please join us in sending Ian a warm farewell by sharing a personal note or memory.
