RECENT MEDIA

July 2012

Chick-fil-A

May 9, 2012

President Obama supports for Same-Sex Marriage Draws mixed Reactions... Phyllis Harris and other speak out!

May 2, 2012

Morning Radio Host's Ant-Gay Comments Spark Outrage

LGBT Center Executive Director Phyllis Harris and others speak out on Fox News

CLEVELAND, Ohio— A radio host is facing disciplinary action for making an anti-gay comment that sparked national outrage. WMMS host Dominic Dieter has issued an apology after making a controversial comment during the airing of “Rover’s Morning Glory” on 100.7 FM.

According to the Advocate.com, during last Friday’s radio show, Dieter allegedly responded on-air to a father who saw his daughter kissing a another girl in a matter that was highly offensive to the gay community.

After the comment circulated online, a national gay and lesbian organization called “GLAAD” reached out to station management and asked for Dieter to be suspended.

Reporter Debora Lee

News Net 5
CLEVELAND - President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage is drawing mixed reaction from across northeast Ohio.

"I'm excited, just feeling proud to be an American," said Phyllis Harris, executive director of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.

The President told ABC News on Wednesday that his decision to support same-sex marriage comes after several years of talking with family and friends about the issue.

The Ohio Christian Alliance, which supports a Federal Marriage Amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman issued a statement which said, in part:

"The list of states continues to grow, as yesterday, North Carolina became the 32nd state to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The President has provided a clear contrast between him and his challenger, Gov. Mitt Romney, who has signed a pledge to support a marriage protection amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Gay rights supporters, however, are applauding the President for being the first president to take this stand.

"I think if you poll people quietly they would say, 'Yeah I'm in favor of it," Harris said. "But those same people don't speak out about it and so this is an opportunity to hear from the mouth of a world leader that I'm for it and so it's a big deal."

Harris is a co-parent of two children with her former partner, Kristen Schmidt, who said she was "happily surprised" by the President's declaration of support. "I don't think it's just about LGBT people,"Schmidt said, "but kind of like him saying all people should be able to move through their lives in a way where they can make decisions for themselves and be their full selves and have rights. It's about human rights."

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/presidents-support-for-gay-marriage-draws-mixed-reaction-in-northeast-ohio#ixzz1ugAr9FAB

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 2012

Bob Sferra - President

Bob Sferra is a culinary arts professional with experience and training in France and New York City. His company, Culinary Occasions, is well-known in the Cleveland community through Bob’s frequent engagements, television appearances and teaching. Bob joined the LGBT Center’s board in 2009 and became President in 2011, where he has been taking the leadership role as the Center implements the results of its strategic planning process.

Meg Doerr - First Vice-President

In her work life, Meg is a genetic specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. She is married to Dan Bode and as straight allies they were the hosts for our annual garden party three years ago and they are incredible supporters of our community. Meg is working on development and programming with the board and staff.

Advisory Board

Eric Hammer

In his work life, Eric is an accountant with the County Board of MRDD. His long-time partner Richard is the artist who provided the beautiful poster for last year’s garden party. Eric is the liaison for the volunteer group to the board.

Mary Beth Schwarz

Thom Rankin

Bryan Bowser

Bryan is currently the Assistant Director of the Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace College. He has extensive experience in marketing, public relations, fund raising, grant writing, special events, financial management and strategic planning.

Brian Eyring

Brian is a mechanical engineer and has been volunteer with the Center’s volunteer program. He is exceptionally detail oriented and experienced in organizing and running meetings and hopes to work with us in those areas.

Thomas Ganley

Thomas owns his own Management Design and Consulting organization and designs jewelry. He is experienced in fundraising, public relations, communications, strategic planning, special events, management and marketing. Thomas was part of the silent auction committee for last year’s successful silent auction at the garden party.

Phyllis Harris

Phyllis “Seven” Harris is currently the Youth Initiatives Manager at Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the Mandel Center at Case Western and is experienced in leading a capital campaign, other fundraising, strategic planning, management of nonprofits, youth initiatives, program evaluation and team building.

Thomas Hawn

Thomas is a former Key Bank executive and now runs his own consulting organization. He is also a founding member of Plexus and now serves as the president of the board of directors at the Plexus Education Foundation. He is also the past president of the boards of directors for the Broadway Area Housing coalition and Greater Cleveland Community Shares. He is an experienced board member and officer, and he is experienced in finance, accounting, strategic planning, administration, advocacy and evaluation.

Liz Roccoforte

Liz is the coordinator of the LGBT Center at Case Western Reserve University and she has a dual appointment as a diversity program manager. She is experienced in many areas of management, policy development, public relations and advocacy.

Dr. Judy Volkar

Judy is a physician at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in women’s health. She also has an MBA in healthcare. She is an active member of PFLAG.

Diane Millett - Co-Secretary

Diane is an employment attorney and HR consultant who teaches at CSU and provides training in antiharassment and civility. She has been working on internal governance issues, new board recruitment and public relations.

Joe Hazen - Co-Secretary

Joe and his partner Tim Howard own Hazen and Howard Antiques. Joe is experienced in rental properties and is heading up our discussions about moving to a new facility.

Scott A. Morgan

Scott Morgan is the immediate past president of the Board of Directors and had served on the board for several years before that.

In his work life he is the Cuyahoga County Public library's finance director and fiscal Officer.

Valda Lewis - Second Vice-President

Valda is a multimedia specialist with over twenty years of experience in video and studio productions, documentaries, and television programming. When living in New Orleans she produced a long running award-winning series for, by, and about the LGBT there. She is a web programmer and designer, and also produces promotional materials including newsletters, brochures and press releases.

Valda is currently working on our online materials, public relations programs and programming strategies.

The Board

Board Members: Dr. Judy Volkar, Valda Lewis, Thomas Hawn, Phyllis Harris (with daughter Jaden) Eric Hammer, Bryan Bowser, Diane Millett, *Brian Eyring, Meg Doerr, Joe Hazen, Thomas Ganley, and Bob Sferra. (not shown: Liz Roccoforte).