Attorney Will Bring Social Justice and Organizational Development Experience to Ohio
(Columbus, Ohio) - The Equality Ohio board of directors have announced the selection of Elyzabeth Joy Holford as the organization's fourth Executive Director. Ms. Holford was chosen following a national search initiated in July 2012. She will lead Equality Ohio bringing over twenty years of leadership experience as an attorney, an educator and a business professional in both the public and private sectors.
Paul Feeney, Chair of the Board for Equality Ohio Education Fund, said "Elyzabeth's extensive experience in organizational development will be a valuable asset to Equality Ohio. She is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic and all-around delightful person. I am thrilled that Elyzabeth will be on our team to help create 'an Ohio where everyone feels at home.'"
Ms. Holford began her career as a trial attorney with Ohio State Legal Services Association. Her leadership expertise was sharpened through various roles during her twelve year career in academics with Virginia Tech as a tenured associate professor, director of the office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and director of two separate campuses. Ms. Holford left academics to pursue international organizational consulting in both the nonprofit and profit sectors. Ms. Holford's work demonstrates consistent commitment to social justice and a proven ability to achieve measurable results.
About leading Equality Ohio, Ms. Holford said, "I feel fortunate to be returning home to Ohio at this pivotal moment in time. Ohio is poised to provide full rights and recognition to all of its citizens and Equality Ohio has the team and the capacity to lead this effort."
Ms. Holford will start with the organization November 26, 2012.
