Top Gill officials depart to form new firm

Gay philanthropist Tim Gill announced today that the two top officials of Gill Action Fund will depart the organization this summer to launch their own public affairs firm.

Patrick Guerriero and Bill Smith serve as executive director and deputy executive director, respectively, of Gill Action Fund, which funds organizations and individuals “working to advance equality.”

Tim Gill announced their departures in an e-mail to supporters.

In it, he wrote:

“In 2005, I created the Gill Action Fund with the single goal of
winning full equality for all Americans through smart political
action. Patrick Guerriero and Bill Smith designed and executed a
professional, disciplined political plan: focus on states, partner
with generous political investors, work with both Republicans and
Democrats, win lots of elections, hold elected officials
accountable, and get clearly measurable results. With your help,
they’ve done just that.  Five years later, from New England to
Iowa to Illinois and beyond, their work has made life better for
many people and families.

“This summer Patrick and Bill will be leaving Gill Action to expand
their work to other urgent issues that impact all Americans when
they launch a national public affairs firm. And, because they
share my commitment to the work you’ve been a part of, I’m happy
to report that their first client will be Political OutGiving.

“Work is well underway for the 2012 Political OutGiving conference
in Washington, DC where we’ll lay out plans for what lies ahead.  The
work of Gill Action and Political OutGiving will continue,
and I am grateful for your continued partnership.”