Press Release

Victory Fund board elects new directors

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Denis Dison (202) 842-7308, denis.dison@victoryfund.org

Washington, D.C.—The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced its board of directors elected three new members at its most recent meeting.

Board Chair Mark Burstein said the new directors bring diverse and deep expertise at a pivotal moment for the Victory Fund and its mission.  “With record numbers of LGBT candidates seeking office, both our work and its impact are expanding rapidly.  I am thrilled we will be able to rely on the wisdom and talent of these accomplished individuals to help guide the Victory Fund as we work to change America’s politics,” Burstein said.

The new directors are:

• Emily Giske (New York, N.Y.)—A former political consultant with extensive experience in both national and New York politics, Giske is a lobbyist representing not-for-profit entities, local municipalities and corporations in Albany and New York City.  She is vice-chair of the New York State Democratic Party and was elected to the Democratic National Committee.  Giske married her partner, Anne Washburn, in Provincetown, Mass., last weekend.

• Gabriel Catone (New York, N.Y. and Los Angeles, Calf.)—Catone is co-founder of Ruth | Catone, a private consultancy for collectors of modern and contemporary art.  In California in 2008, Catone married his partner, Bruce Cohen, the Oscar-winning producer of films such as Milk and American Beauty.

• Alex Martinez (Houston, Texas)—Martinez is founder and principal of Versatil Group, offering client representation for government and public relations, business development, fundraising and strategic communication.  In 2009 he organized and chaired “Latinos por Annise,” supporting Annise Parker’s campaign for mayor.  He lives with his partner, David Arpin, in Houston.

Since 1991, the Victory Fund has helped to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials serving in office in the U.S. from 49 to nearly 500.  The group’s endorsement means candidates are recommended to a national network of donors.  Endorsees also receive expert campaign and technical advice from an experienced political staff.  For more information, visit www.victoryfund.org.