Darra Gordon served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HMI from 2003-2018, helping achieve national expansion for our organization. She has worked in the nonprofit field for over 20 years and has dedicated her career to organizations that advance social justice. Prior to joining HMI, Darra was Director of Events and Individual Giving at the Pearl Theatre Company, a classical repertory company, and before that she was at Literacy Inc., an organization dedicated to helping children become stronger readers.
Darra, a nonprofit executive who leads transformative business strategies and develops innovative solutions to move organizations forward, currently serves as Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer at GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization. She joined GLAAD as COO in 2018 and developed the organization during a time of rapid growth which saw GLAAD more than double its annual operating budget and fundraising goals. She created GLAAD’s current three year strategic plan and expanded GLAAD’s capacity and programs centered in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Darra’s work has won her accolades, including the BMW Woman of Xcellence award, the Stonewall Honors for LGBTQ leadership, and the outstanding alumni award at her alma mater, Lycoming College. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA).
Darra received her MS in Nonprofit Management from the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment at the New School University, and her BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania.
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