Changes at SAVE: Heddy Peña becomes political director to focus on marriage amendment
Posted on Wed, June 25, 2008
Steve Rothaus srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
SAVE REALIGNS STAFF TO DEFEAT AMENDMENT 2 AND STRATEGICALLY POSITION ORGANIZATION FOR THE FUTURE
To strengthen its bid to defeat a discriminatory ballot measure this fall, SAVE (Safeguarding American Values for Everyone) today announced a realignment of its top-level staff. Additionally, the change supports the future long-term strategic plan set forth by the board of directors of the organization.
Longtime executive director Heddy Peña will assume the new position of political director to focus SAVE in helping defeat Amendment 2 at the polls on Nov. 4. The so-called "marriage protection" amendment to the Florida constitution would roll back hard-won protections for gay and heterosexual couples in communities across the state.
In addition Heddy will head SAVE's communication and marketing efforts, and continue to lead the political endorsement process. "With this realignment SAVE will be able to focus more on its endorsement process, and increase its lobbying efforts," said Board Chair Juan B. Talavera.
SAVE board member and businessman Orlando Gonzales will assume responsibility for the organization's day-to-day operations. Concurrently, SAVE's board of directors will launch a search for a permanent executive director. SAVE welcomes support from the community regarding this search. Please go to our website www.savedade.org on July 1st for more details. With your help we hope to conclude this process by summer's end.
"We want to capitalize on Heddy's strengths as a political strategist. This frees her up to do what she does best when we need her expertise most," added Juan. "Orlando is an amazing administrator, ready and more than able to build on our history of success. With Orlando's and Heddy's leadership, we will defeat Amendment 2 on Nov. 4 and strengthen the organization moving forward."
"This is an important election year, the most important many of us have seen in our lifetimes," Heddy said. "I'm eager to focus my talents and passions where they can make the biggest difference."
SAVE is spearheading the get-out-the-vote drive in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, working closely with Florida Red and Blue and other organizations to persuade voters to "Say No to Amendment 2."
The realignment is the latest in a series of moves to strengthen SAVE for the November fight and beyond. The board recently hired field director Kelly Anthony to recruit and direct SAVE's growing volunteer force and hired associate director Carlos Hernandez to help oversee administration.
SAVE is Miami-Dade County's premiere organization dedicated to protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals from discrimination on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
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