January 31, 2011 (Columbus, Ohio) - Today, the Equality Ohio boards of directors announced the selection of Ed Mullen as the organization’s third Executive Director. Mr. Mullen was chosen following a national search which was initiated in November 2010. He will lead Equality Ohio after spending the last three years as a

Mike Castle, Chair of the Board for Equality Ohio, said “Ed brings with him a proven track record of leadership in GLBT activism and advocacy. His extensive experience in lobbying and civil rights law will be a valuable asset to Equality Ohio. He is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic and an all-around delightful person. I am thrilled that Ed will be on our team to help create ‘an Ohio where everyone feels at home.’”

Mr. Mullen has a wealth of experience in political engagement and community organizing. He currently chairs a Chicago-area political action committee which organizes volunteers and raises funds for selected local, state and federal campaigns. He was a primary candidate for State Representative in Illinois’ 11th District in the 2010 election cycle; his candidacy was endorsed by the Equality Illinois PAC and the Victory Fund.

Mr. Mullen was also involved as an activist in lobbying for the civil unions bill which was recently signed into law. Before the bill was introduced, he had worked on several 2010 political campaigns whose outcomes were critical to the bill's passage. "Ed Mullen is a passionate advocate and a proven leader," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "I know Ed is bringing those qualities with him to Equality Ohio, and I am looking forward to working with him on our organizations' shared goals."

As an attorney, Ed worked pro bono on several LGBT cases, including representing the victims of harassment and discrimination in high school and the surviving partner of a gay couple in a dispute with his deceased partner's family over ownership of his home.

In explaining his excitement about leading Equality Ohio, Mr. Mullen said, "I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Equality Ohio's efforts to make the state truly a home for all of its LGBT citizens and to achieve full inclusion and equality for LGBT workers and families in Ohio," he said.

Mr. Mullen will start with the organization immediately and will be moving to Columbus in early February. The hiring decision date was planned to allow the new Executive Director to lead the 2011 strategic planning process. A four-year strategic plan comprising all aspects of the organizations' strategy and programming will be announced this spring.