Roland Palencia Named Executive Director of Equality California

Roland Palencia has been named executive director of Equality California, according to the organization:

Equality California and its Board of Directors announced today that Roland Palencia, a trailblazing LGBT activist with extensive experience in leading and managing multi-million dollar non-profit organizations, will serve as the new executive director for Equality California and Equality California Institute. Palencia will begin his tenure on July 5.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve California's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and to build upon Equality California's tremendous success," said Palencia, who currently serves as the Community Benefits Director for L.A. Care Health Plan, a $1.2 billion public health plan. "I am committed to creating a better future for all LGBT Californians and to connecting the LGBT movement to the broader movement for socio-economic justice. Although permanently ending discrimination against LGBT people can be a daunting task, I am confident that together we will prevail. I look forward to getting to know and working with our dedicated membership, legislators and coalition partners as we strive to further Equality California's mission to achieve full equality for all LGBT Californians."

Said Board Chairs Cathy Schwamberger and Clarissa Filgioun: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled that Roland will lead the next chapter of Equality California. Roland is an inspiring leader who has done groundbreaking work for the LGBT community and beyond. His impressive track record of advancing equality and justice makes him a perfect fit for the organization."