Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders announced today that Lee Swislow, Executive Director since 2005, will retire from her position in April 2014, when she turns 65.

“I’ve had the best job I could ever want,” said Swislow. “I’ve been privileged to work with a terrific board and a brilliant staff at a time when legal rights for our community have taken such huge leaps forward.  There’s still a lot of work to be done, and I’m confident that GLAD is the group to do it.”

“During an era that has been both exciting and challenging, Lee has overseen GLAD’s operations with skill, finesse, and vision,” said Dianne Phillips, President of GLAD’s Board of Directors.  “She took an organization that was already extraordinary and leaves it stronger, more sophisticated, and more influential on the national stage. We deeply appreciate her service, and look forward to finding the next great leader for GLAD.”

Swislow’s tenure was marked by major victories in litigation on behalf of LGBT people and people living with HIV. Under Swislow, GLAD spearheaded the fight to bring down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as the organization won crucial legal victories in federal courts in Massachusetts (Gill v. Office of Personnel Management) and in Connecticut (Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management).

Read the full press release here.