Chuck Wolfe, chief executive order and president of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund for more than a decade, recently announced internally that he will be leaving the national organization and its corresponding Institute.
The Victory Fund is a PAC that has effectively improved the quality of quantity of LGBT representation in politics. Wolfe has operated as CEO and president for 12 of the group's 23 years.
Under Wolfe's leadership, the group accomplished the appointment of more than 250 LGBT people as officials within the federal government as a result of the Victory Institute's Presidential Appointments Project. Additionally, Wolfe's Victory Fund played a significant role in the successful elections of the nation's first openly lesbian Senator (Tammy Baldwin), first openly lesbian mayor (Annise Parker) of a major American city, and others.
In a letter to supporters on Wednesday, Wolfe explained:
"I'm both ready and excited to do something different—though I can't imagine doing something more rewarding, or working with people whom I respect and admire more…The Victory Fund and our supporters have endorsed and helped elect thousands of LGBT Americans who have been brave enough to put their names on a ballot, and their honesty has been key to changing politics wherever they serve. This work is as necessary as ever, especially in places where our community still feels powerless or lives in fear."
Steve Elmendorf and Debra Shore, chairs of the Victory Fund and Institute boards of directors respectively, spoke to the Washington Blade about Wolfe's integral role. Share described Wolfe as "the 'driving force' behind the creation of the Institute and 'its effectiveness and impact,'" while Elmendorf referred to the exiting President's "uncommon focus on what really matters."
GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis responded to Wolfe's announcement, acknowledging his achievements and the Fund's necessary contributions. "Chuck Wolfe has worked tirelessly to bring LGBT leaders into office, ensuring that equality is at the forefront of the national conversation. I am confident the Victory Fund's team will carry Chuck's dedicated legacy in all that they do."
It is yet to be announced who will next occupy Wolfe's seat.
Wolfe's resignation letter, which was posted by BuzzFeed, is below in full:
