The Annual Meeting of the LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education was held in Bothell, Washington, on October 16, 2024 at 3:15 pm. Members voted on a slate of candidates for positions on the Board of Directors and approved the 2025-27 Strategic Plan.
The Governance and Nominations Committee forwarded a slate of candidates for open board seats. The following were elected on a voice vote:
- Joe Bertolino, President, Stockton University (NJ)
- Merrill Irving, Jr., Senior Executive of Advisory Services, Ferrilli
- Gillian McKnight-Tutein, Chief Educational Equity Officer at the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)
- Manny Velasquez-Paredes, Director of Career Education at the University of North Florida
Bertolino was also elected to serve as President-Elect for the 2024-25 term. Board treasurer, Dick Senese, and Board Secretary, Daniel Lopez, were re-elected to those positions. Kristin Esterberg assumed the position of President for the 2024-25 year, and Richard Helldobler assumed the position of Past-President; they will each serve in those roles until the 2025 Annual Meeting.
LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education advances effective leadership in post-secondary education, supports professional development of LGBTQ leaders, and provides education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.