This is an exciting time for the Gay Community Center of Richmond! Our newly renovated Event Hall is spectacular, and we will soon open up a small-group meeting and conference space for community groups. And with the continued success of Diversity Thrift and Bingo, this spring we will restart our grant program to give money to LGBT nonprofit groups.

In this time of growth and change, our founder Jon Klein is shifting his role from Executive Director to volunteer and consultant. We are very pleased that this transition will keep Jon fully involved in our success, in a role that fits his personal goals. Jon has done so much for our community since he arrived in Richmond in 1983. After volunteering with Virginia Coalition on Jails and Prisons 1983-1987, he became Executive Director of the Richmond Street Outreach Project in 1987, and then in 1991 founded the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY). Jon then founded our organization in 1999. During his time as our Executive Director we have given over $450,000 to organizations serving the LGBT community. We look forward to Jon's continued energy and commitment to this organization's success.

We are also very pleased to welcome Jay Squires as our new Executive Director. Jay knows our organization well, and has most recently served on its Board of Directors. Jay has long been active in Richmond's LGBT community, and since 2005 has served as Board Chair of Equality Virginia. He has practiced law in Richmond since 1987 and, in addition to his service on the Equality Virginia board, has served on the boards of directors of Richmond AIDS Ministry and the Central Virginia Business and Professional Guild. He lives in Richmond with his partner of twenty years, David Albright. We are excited to have Jay's talents and experience as we continue to grow.

The next months will see Jon transition into his new role as volunteer/consultant, and Jay into his new job as Executive Director. We want to take this time to give our heartfelt gratitude to Jon for his past and continued hard work. Jon has given himself selflessly to our organization, and this Community Center is a fulfillment of his vision. We also want to welcome Jay and give him our full support as we continue to move forward. And we want to thank each of you, our supporters, staff, volunteers, and friends, for helping make this Gay Community Center of Richmond a reality!