SAN FRANCISCO, CA – August 15, 2007 will be Thom Lynch’s last official day on the job as Executive Director of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center as he departs to pursue other exciting opportunities. Thom’s legacy of leadership and accomplishments as The Center’s longest-serving Executive Director will always be remembered and celebrated by The Center, its Board of Directors, and the entire LGBT Community. The Center’s current Deputy Executive Director, Rebecca Rolfe, will act as Interim Executive Director pending a nationwide search for Lynch’s replacement.
“It has been an honor and a labor of love to lead The Center these past four years. The organization is now at a point financially and structurally where I can feel good about departing and finding my next adventure in life,” commented Lynch.
Lynch has worked tirelessly to build a solid nonprofit organization that serves the needs of the entire LGBT Community. For the first time since opening its doors in March 2002, The Center completed fiscal year 2006-07 in the black and is projected to complete 2007-08 in a strong financial position.
“Thom’s management, leadership, and fundraising skills have guided The Center through a nonprofits’ most difficult period – the first five years. The Board of Directors accepts Thom’s departure with mixed emotions. We are sad to lose his leadership, but we are very excited for him and his future opportunities. The entire LGBT Community owes a debt of gratitude to Thom Lynch,” stated Board of Directors Co-Chair Erik Terreri.
Lynch will take the next few months to reflect on his accomplishments and plan his next endeavor. “I’ve heard more than once, ‘The Center saved my life,’ from people who’ve used our facility and services to access resources, find a job, or establish social connections. Our ability to touch people’s lives and impact LGBT issues makes me proud of the entire Center team that I’ve had the pleasure of working with these past four years,” proclaimed Lynch.
“Thom deserves singular credit for breathing life into 1800 Market Street. He started on day one to work towards making The Center the relevant and vital home of our community that it is today. More importantly, he is loved and respected by every segment of our very diverse community. I will miss him tremendously, and I look forward to seeing what exciting new ventures he will be taking on,” stated Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who worked extremely closely with Lynch to bring funding and programs to The Center. “As difficult as it is to see Thom go, we are fortunate that the community center he has built can withstand his departure,” former Board Member Lesley Weaver noted.
Lynch’s departure will also see the appointment of Rebecca Rolfe, longtime LGBT Center Deputy Executive Director, as the Interim Executive Director for the next six to nine months while the Board of Directors conducts a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director. The search will include Rolfe as a candidate.
Lynch stated enthusiastically, “Rebecca Rolfe has been my right hand and trusted colleague on The Center’s management team. There is no one else I trust more than Rebecca to lead The Center through this transition period and ensure that everything runs smoothly and effectively.”
Board of Directors Co-Chair Marla Jurosek echoed that sentiment, “The Board of Directors is thrilled that Rebecca will serve as Interim Executive Director. Rebecca is a top notch nonprofit executive with the institutional knowledge and experience to keep The Center moving in the right direction.”
Prior to joining the LGBT Center’s management team as Deputy Executive Director, Rolfe was the Executive Director of San Francisco Women Against Rape for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Political Studies from Stanford University. Rolfe and her partner live in San Francisco.
“The LGBT community will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to community leaders such as Mayor Willie Brown, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Senator Carole Migden, the Board of Supervisors, the founding members of The Center’s Board of Directors, and the hundreds of individuals, couples, foundations, and businesses that donated to the capital campaign that made the physical building possible. But we owe an equal debt of gratitude to Thom Lynch for breathing life and spirit into the structure with innovative programs, services, and people,” commented Kate Kendall, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
The Center’s Board of Directors is planning two special events in the fall to celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of Lynch’s tenure as Executive Director, and allow the entire LGBT Community to say “thank you” to a local LGBT hero.
About The Center
The San Francisco LGBT Community Center, formed in 1993, is the nexus of the LGBT community in San Francisco, offering facilities, a central location in the Castro and vibrant programs in economic development, arts and culture, and health and wellness. The Center hosts more than 400 events and 8,800 visitors a month; visit www.sfcenter.org for a full schedule. |
