Announcement of leadership transition from Equality Arizona and the Board of Directors
Announcement of leadership transition from Equality Arizona and the Board of Directors
Equality Arizona and its Board of Directors today announced that effective September 30th, 2022, Michael Soto, our Chief Executive Officer, is leaving to start a new chapter in his work and to open a new chapter for Equality Arizona’s leadership and work.
“Equality Arizona has worked for the civil rights of LGBTQ Arizonans for 30 years – I am honored to have played a small role in that history and excited to see what’s next for Equality Arizona and wish the best for the new leadership,” said Michael.
Over the past eight years, Michael’s leadership as a board member, executive director, and CEO has allowed this organization to grow into new leadership in the LGBTQ and social justice movements. “We are grateful for Michael’s years of service to the Arizona LGBTQ community and Equality Arizona,” said Caitlin Breedlove, President of the Board of Directors, “and we are excited for the new energy and leadership this transition will bring to Equality Arizona.”
Michael has served Equality Arizona and the Arizona LGBTQ community well. We know that Equality Arizona is better for his service and will continue to grow, thrive, and win equality for LGBTQ Arizonans.
The Board will now search for the next Executive Director of Equality Arizona. More details will be announced later this fall on the leadership transition. The day-to-day functions of Equality Arizona will continue to be carried out by the staff and supported by the Board.
A note from Michael Soto, CEO, Equality Arizona
Dear Friends,
The motto of Public Allies for many years was “Everyone Leads.” I believe this to my core – that every single one of us can choose to lead, with and without position or titles, by bringing our talents and passion for positive social change, and we can and should all contribute to the collective good. I’ve had the honor of leading as the chief executive officer of Equality Arizona for many years now. I am proud of our work together, from repealing harmful laws to passing local laws protecting more than half of the state’s population to getting the first legislative hearing on a bipartisan non-discrimination bill. I’m also proud of the ways that Equality Arizona has grown during my time as the executive officer. We have gone from an all-volunteer-run organization to an organization that has sustained professional staff for years and a budget that has grown exponentially. We have not only led through creative and engaging work in Arizona but in our nation.
Leadership transition is a critical part of the nonprofit life cycle. Because I genuinely believe everyone leads, it has always been important to me to leave this leadership position and organization to make room for new leadership and the next phase of Equality Arizona. While I am leaving the position of CEO at Equality Arizona, I will continue working for the LGBTQ community’s civil rights and full equality in a new capacity as the Chief Advocacy Officer for ONE Community. I will also continue to study for my PhD in Justice Studies at Arizona State University. I’m excited about the new challenges and opportunities I will be taking on and the new learning and leadership opportunities it will afford me. I wish the best for Equality Arizona and, as always, for the LGBTQ community, including a future where we have the full rights, privileges, and duties of full and equal citizenship.
Best,
Michael Soto