Today Athlete Ally announces the hire of three new key staff members as the organization continues to build on its successful work to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in sports. Sarah Kennedy joins as Director of Communications, Cheryl Lala as Outreach and Programs Coordinator, and Claire Walsh as Director of Development.
“We are thrilled to have Sarah, Cheryl, and Claire on board. Each brings a wealth of experience to the table as Athlete Ally continues to ramp up our strategic work for equality in sports,” said Executive Director Hudson Taylor. “We welcome Sarah, Cheryl, and Claire to our team and look forward to building more inclusive and active athletic communities.”
Kennedy brings a decade of strategic communications experience and deep expertise in LGBT issues to the organization. Lala, a former professional golfer and coach, holds a Masters Degree in Sports Management, and works with Athlete Ally’s ambassador and outreach programming. Walsh, an accomplished development professional, brings her experience in national LGBT and progressive fundraising to the organization.
Bios for each can be found here.
Athlete Ally’s mission is to educate and activate athletic communities to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in sports and to exercise their leadership to champion LGBT equality. Founded in 2012, Athlete Ally has worked with the NBA, WNBA, and MLB on matters of respect and inclusion; led the Principle 6 campaign that convinced the International Olympic Committee to include sexual orientation in the non-discrimination clause of the Olympic Charter; and counts more than 100 college, professional, and Olympic athletes among its dedicated and active Ambassadors.