[DENVER] (January 25, 2007)  Gill Action Fund Executive Director Patrick Guerriero announced today the official national launch of a new 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organization, the appointment of a political team, and the opening of a Washington DC office. 

"I am excited to announce the new members of our team and the opening of an office in our nation's capital.  Each member of this team has impressive expertise and a broad range of political and philanthropic relationships. Our senior leadership team of Robin Brand and Bill Smith brings a uniquely bi-partisan approach with unprecedented experience in successful campaigns, nonprofits, and political organizations. Together with strong support from our outstanding program staff, Gill Action will provide professional leadership in our efforts to secure full equality for all Americans. In addition to our Denver headquarters, having a presence in Washington will allow Gill Action to be a more active participant in the political process at the local, state, and federal level," explained Guerriero.

Robin Brand joins Gill Action as chief operating officer.  Brand most recently served as senior vice president of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute where she developed strategies and oversaw programs for the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) political action committee.  During her three years with the Victory Fund, Brand oversaw the first advanced training for statewide and federal candidates, raised record-breaking amounts in candidate-specific funds, and helped elect the first openly LGBT legislators in several states.

From 2001-2003, Brand was the eastern political director for the Democratic National Committee.  Brand also held the position of executive director at the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee in Washington State and founded her own consulting firm, Summit Strategies, that worked with nonprofit and political organizations on long-range strategic planning, organizational and program development, and event management.

Brand's political background also involves time spent as the deputy training director for EMILY's List, a trainer with the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, as well as work on various political and issue campaigns.

Bill Smith joins Gill Action as national political director.  A political media and general consultant, Smith has filmed television commercials in over 16 states for candidates including governors, congressmen, state legislators, and judges, as well as several national political organizations.

Smith started his own political consulting business five years ago after working for two national political firms, Karl Rove and Company and Wilson Grand Communications. As a campaign operative and consultant for the last 10 years, Smith has extensive experience in campaign management, message development, communications strategy, media planning, and production, as well as general consulting.

In addition to his work with elected officials, Smith's clients have included national organizations such as Log Cabin Republicans, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and the Political OutGiving program launched by Tim Gill.  In 2004, he produced Log Cabin's widely publicized print and television campaign against the Federal Marriage Amendment, as well as advertising that aired during the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. Smith helped develop Political OutGiving's successful state strategy for the 2006 elections.

James Dozier joins Gill Action as program officer.  Dozier comes to Gill Action from Log Cabin Republicans and the Liberty Education Forum where he served as eastern field director and assistant to the President since 2004.  He also interned for two LGBT allies in Congress and served on the campaign staff of Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD).

Amy Runyon-Harms joins Gill Action as program officer. Runyon-Harms has been a part of the Gill team for the past three years, previously working on the Gill Foundation's list enhancement program, the Democracy Project, and the highly successful TurnOut campaign.  Most recently, she served as executive staff associate for Coloradans for Fairness and Equality.  Runyon-Harms has also served two and a half years in the Peace Corps working in a rural Tanzanian village establishing a natural resources management program. 

Jon Hoadley joins Gill Action as program assistant. Hoadley was the campaign manager for South Dakotans Against Discrimination, the campaign that opposed the anti-marriage amendment that shocked the nation by coming within two points of victory. He previously served as Stonewall Student Network coordinator for the National Stonewall Democrats, the regional get-out-the-vote coordinator for the Coalition for a Fair Michigan, and as a public policy fellow for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.  Hoadley also currently serves on the National Stonewall Democrats board of directors.

Candice Chenoweth joins Gill Action as administrative assistant.  Chenoweth comes to Gill Action from the Coloradans for Fairness and Equality campaign.  She also served as a legislative aide for the House Majority Whip during the Colorado General Assembly 2006 session. 

In September, 2006 Patrick Guerriero was named executive director of Gill Action. Guerriero, most recently served as president of Log Cabin Republicans and Liberty Education Forum. He was elected three times to the Massachusetts legislature and twice to serve as mayor of Melrose MA. Guerriero served as deputy chief of staff to Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift, who selected him as her running mate in 2002.

"Tim Gill's history of philanthropic generosity is known across the nation. Gill Action represents a new opportunity at a critical time in history to support local, state, and national organizations and others working towards full equality," said Guerriero. "The Gill Action team looks forward to working with a broad base of people from diverse backgrounds to achieve equal rights through the political process."

Gill Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organization, founded by Denver philanthropist Tim Gill, dedicated to securing equal opportunity for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.  Gill Action works with individuals and organizations throughout the United States to promote broad civic engagement, political change, and dynamic leadership within the civil rights and political arena.

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