ADVERTISEMENT

    Stonewall Columbus Director Announces Retirement

    After 11 years in the position, Karla Rothan announced yesterday afternoon that she would be retiring from service as the Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. The announcement comes on the heels of the February 12 guilty sentencing of members of the Black Pride 4 — Wriply Bennet, Kendall Denton, Ashley Braxton and Deandre Miles — who were involved in a protest and arrested during the 2017 Pride Parade, hosted by Stonewall.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Read More:

    The full letter to the community can be found below:

    Dear Friends:

    Eleven years ago, I was given the opportunity and immense responsibility to lead Stonewall Columbus. Although I was always a big fan and supporter of the organization, I was not the most likely candidate to lead it. I came from an arts and public relations background and I never really saw myself going down this path, but what a beautiful journey it has been. I always wanted to have a job that helped to enrich the lives of others and make a difference. You all can probably imagine that today is a day of mixed emotions for me as I announce my retirement as your director. It has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve this organization.

    We have had so much success together! We rebuilt an organization teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and brought it back to viability, hosted a Pride Festival and March that has grown to become the largest in the Midwest, touched and changed the lives of so many with our nationally-recognized programs and created deep long-lasting connections with other nonprofit social service organizations around our city that are dedicated to providing care for those in need.

    Over the coming weeks, I will be working with the Board of Trustees to develop the parameters and roles where I can best serve Stonewall during this transition, including fundraising and development efforts, and the construction and opening of our new center. During my transition, the Board of Trustees will actively be conducting a nationwide search for the next generation of leadership for Stonewall Columbus. I will work with the Board of Trustees to determine the best transition plan for this to occur by the end of this year.

    I am ready to serve our community in new and different ways and will deeply miss this amazing organization and its countless volunteers, participants, allies, supporters, and staff. I am so proud of our passionate efforts and I am confident that our hard work will benefit many generations to come. It has truly been an honor to serve Stonewall Columbus and I look forward to a successful year for all of us.

    With Deepest Gratitude,
    Karla

    Karla R. Rothan
    Executive Director
    Stonewall Columbus

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Big Walnut School Board Bans Pride Flags

    After several intense hours of public comment and discussion that turned to bickering between board members, the Big Walnut School Board on December 14 passed a resolution banning the display of Pride flags and other symbols in the district.

    Over 20 LGBTQ+ Candidates Elected to Ohio Offices This Year

    More than two dozen out LGBTQ+ Ohioans ran for public office in the 2023 general election, campaigning to represent voters in major cities and small villages and townships across the state.

    Ohio Dems Introduce Marriage Equality Act

    House Democrats joined LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Equality Ohio and LGBTQ+ civil rights activist Jim Obergefell in announcing plans to introduce the Marriage Equality Act — which would update the Ohio Revised Code to protect all marriages.

    Hope v. Hate: America’s LGBTQ Community Under Attack

    After years of gaining acceptance from the wider community,...

    Little Gay Bookstore, Queer Beans Opening this Fall

    The Little Gay Bookstore came about as many entrepreneurial...
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT