News

Liberty Education Forum Announces New Executive Director

February 22, 2011

(Washington, DC)  – The Liberty Education Forum (LEF), a national organization committed to educating people about the importance of achieving freedom and fairness for gay and lesbian Americans, announces Ron Turner as its new executive director. "I believe strongly in LEF's mission to gain new allies for equality among conservatives and people of faith," said Turner. "I look forward to helping expand our organization's efforts to change hearts and minds across America."

The Liberty Education Forum is a non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization associated with Log Cabin Republicans. LEF conducts educational programs, outreach and research on a variety of key issues impacting gay Americans.

Turner joins Liberty Education Forum (LEF) with more than 15 years of nonprofit and political leadership experience, most recently serving as the executive director for a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Florida. Previously, he served as deputy chief of staff and district director for U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan in Florida's 13th District. Turner also managed Congressman Buchanan's successful 2006 campaign, the nation's most expensive U.S House race during that cycle.

"Ron's extensive skills and experience will be valuable assets in our organization's ongoing efforts to use the power of ideas to educate people about liberty for all Americans" said Tom Wahl, Jr., Chairman of LEF's Board of Directors.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me to work for an organization that is helping to ensure that tolerance and inclusion become permanent parts of our democratic society," said Turner.

Turner began his public service career as a city council member in Arcadia, Florida and at age twenty-four served as one of the nation's youngest vice mayors. Later, he served as the elected supervisor of elections for DeSoto County, Florida. In 2005, Turner was named a Fannie Mae Foundation Fellow by Harvard University and completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He is a veteran of the United States Army.

LEF's new executive director position will allow expanded program reach, and will help advance the organization's mission. The Liberty Education Forum and Log Cabin Republicans will continue working as sister organizations. The Liberty Education Forum is a non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization associated with Log Cabin Republicans. LEF conducts educational programs, outreach and research on a variety of key issues impacting gay Americans.

Turner joins Liberty Education Forum (LEF) with more than 15 years of nonprofit and political leadership experience, most recently serving as the executive director for a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Florida. Previously, he served as deputy chief of staff and district director for U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan in Florida's 13th District. Turner also managed Congressman Buchanan's successful 2006 campaign, the nation's most expensive U.S House race during that cycle.

"Ron's extensive skills and experience will be valuable assets in our organization's ongoing efforts to use the power of ideas to educate people about liberty for all Americans" said Tom Wahl, Jr., Chairman of LEF's Board of Directors.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me to work for an organization that is helping to ensure that tolerance and inclusion become permanent parts of our democratic society," said Turner.

Turner began his public service career as a city council member in Arcadia, Florida and at age twenty-four served as one of the nation's youngest vice mayors. Later, he served as the elected supervisor of elections for DeSoto County, Florida. In 2005, Turner was named a Fannie Mae Foundation Fellow by Harvard University and completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He is a veteran of the United States Army.

LEF's new executive director position will allow expanded program reach, and will help advance the organization's mission. The Liberty Education and Log Cabin Republicans will continue working as sister organizations.