SIECUS elects new board chair, Richard Friend, Ph.D.

In 2004, SIECUS celebrates its 40th year. This year, Richard Friend, SIECUS' new Board Chair, celebrates his 45th year. He is both old enough and young enough to hold a unique perspective as to why SIECUS is important. "My ability to exercise effective leadership as SIECUS Board Chair, to engage in meaningful work in my professional life, and ultimately to live an enriched personal life is in part because of the efforts of SIECUS."

Professionally, Richard joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania's Human Sexuality Education program and today as an organizational development consultant, he continues to shape effective organizations where people can fully participate by being fully themselves.

Richard has a long history with SIECUS. Nearly 30 years ago, SIECUS provided the resources and tools that were the foundation of Richard's training as a peer sexuality educator. Richard notes, "Reproductive rights, the rights of people with HIV/AIDS, human rights, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights are intricately woven. I understand this interconnection first hand and so does SIECUS." All of us at SIECUS look forward to our organization's growth and development under Richard's competent, thoughtful, and resourceful guidance.