Equality Illinois announced Sept. 12 that Amy Bloom has been tapped to be executive director of the organization.

“This is a crucial time in the history of LGBT rights in our state,” Equality Board President Art Johnston said. “We are confident that Amy will help Equality Illinois expand our base of support as we lead the fight for civil unions and equal relationship rights for same-sex couples.”

Bloom has a decade-long background of working in the non-profit sector, including three years as director of special events at Howard Brown Health Center. At Equality she’ll be responsible for fundraising and organizational operations. Rick Garcia, the group’s director of public policy, will continue to oversee Equality’s advocacy, governmental policy and legislative activities.

Equality is Illinois’ leading GLBT civil rights and advocacy organization.

—G.B.