OutFront Kalamazoo Responds to Lee Chatfield Resignation

Organization encourages Southwest Michigan First to keep
inclusion, diversity and equity at the core of their search for a new CEO.

KALAMAZOO, MI  February 22, 2021 – OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, was encouraged to see community and business leaders forcefully reject Lee Chatfield’s appointment as CEO of Southwest Michigan First. Equal treatment and protection from discrimination is clearly a core value of this community and the pushback was significant enough to lead to Chatfield’s resignation this morning. 

“It was reassuring to see Southwest Michigan First pledge an open and transparent process in searching for Chatfield's replacement” said OutFront Kalamazoo Executive Director, Amy Hunter. “We hope that they will engage in a true national search process for a progressive candidate fitting the cultural values of Southwest Michigan, and Kalamazoo in particular.” 

In recent days, public statements from Southwest Michigan First have echoed OutFront Kalamazoo’s primary vision: a region that celebrates diversity and embraces equality. They have reportedly promised to create a new committee on their board focused on inclusion, diversity and equity as well as committing funding for a staff position focused on the same. 

“We have seen clear evidence that securing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are seen as an essential step in ensuring our region’s economic future” said Hunter. “OutFront Kalamazoo looks forward to working with Southwest Michigan First, and other civic and community leaders, to achieve those protections and promote statewide LGBTQ-inclusive policies.”

OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

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