GLMA Welcomes New Executive Director: Alex Sheldon
April 24, 2023
For Immediate Release
Dear GLMA Members and Supporters,
Amidst the ever-changing landscape of our world, GLMA's unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality remains steadfast. Our GLMA family, including our members, staff, and board of directors, has continually supported GLMA's work in various ways, as we navigate new challenges in promoting LGBTQ+ health and supporting LGBTQ+ health professionals. As a small but mighty organization, it is with great excitement that I, on behalf of the board of directors, introduce GLMA's new permanent executive director, Alex Sheldon!
Alex has been serving as GLMA's interim executive director for most of the past year, and during this time, our GLMA family has had the opportunity to witness their outstanding leadership and remarkable qualities as a person to work with.
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality is the world's largest and oldest association of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. GLMA was founded in 1981, as the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, with the mission of ensuring equality in healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals and healthcare professionals. Notably, Alex is the first non-binary executive director in the 40-year history of our organization, which is a significant milestone amidst a challenging political landscape that threatens the rights and dignity of trans and non-binary people. This represents a meaningful step forward in advancing inclusive leadership at every level within GLMA when it is needed most.
Prior to joining GLMA, Alex has held significant roles such as Head of Research & Social Impact at an LGBTQ+ start-up company and Deputy Director of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) at the Clinton Foundation. They have also served in roles at Everytown for Gun Safety, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), and several international non-profits. Alex holds a master’s degree in International Human Rights and Global Health Affairs from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.
Alex's past work experiences and credentials are impressive, but what truly sets them apart is their spirit, kindness, and
authenticity. Working with Alex has been a privilege, and I am confident that they will excel in leading GLMA's work going forward.
Alex’s forward-thinking vision for GLMA’s future is to empower our members to advocate for change at every level of the healthcare system, and to create a future where every LGBTQ+ individual has access to the care they need and deserve. Alex will work closely with our membership and partners to build on the incredible legacy of GLMA and to develop innovative programs and initiatives that address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community. With Alex at the helm, we can make a real difference in the lives of health professionals and those we serve.
We want to thank Kevin Chase Executive Search Group for their excellent partnership in executing the search for our newest leader. As we celebrate Alex's hiring as GLMA's new executive director, we are honored to share some heartwarming endorsements from colleagues who have witnessed their remarkable achievements and unwavering professionalism.
“In the more than 10 years I’ve known and worked with Alex, I’ve appreciated their passion, creativity, and curiosity. From their work supporting LGBTQ+ community centers to doing cutting edge policy research on LGBTQ+ issues, gun safety, economic development, and more, they center collaboration and building strong relationships – something we need more now than ever. GLMA is fortunate to have chosen such a strategic and kind person to lead its work.”
-Naomi G. Goldberg, Deputy Director and LGBTQ Program Director, Movement Advancement Project
“After years of disproportionate pandemic impacts on marginalized communities and with LGBTQ+ health care access under attack, GLMA has never been more important to the broader mission of improving the health of the nation. With that in mind, I am excited that Alex Sheldon will lead GLMA into the next chapter of the organization’s history because they are uniquely equipped to meet our current challenges.”
-Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., President-elect, American Medical Association (AMA)
“Now more than ever GLMA's voice is needed to ensure the incredible gains made in LGBTQ+ health equity are not lost. We are thrilled to have Alex's leadership, vision, and skills guiding us all in this fight. It's a new day for GLMA and we are ready to get to work!”
-Jessica Halem, Board of Directors, Tegan and Sara Foundation
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter with Alex Sheldon as our executive director.
In health,
Nicholas Grant, PhD, ABPP
President, GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality