GLCCB president Beehler resigns

GLCCB (Washington Blade file photo by Steve Charing)

When Bud Beehler was elected board president of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore last June, there was renewed hope that the 35-year-old institution would be set on the right course to fiscal soundness and an improving image within the LGBT community. Indeed, Beehler and the board took a number of steps, including creating a strategic plan, new bylaws and an advisory council to help make the Center more responsive to the community’s concerns.

Citing personal obligations, Beehler, a retired Baltimore City school principal, announced on Jan. 30 that he is resigning from the board. “It is with regret that I tender my resignation from the Board of The GLCCB,” he wrote in a memo that was circulated to GLCCB board, staff and volunteers. “My other commitments as well as family obligations have become too great for me to be able to devote the necessary time to fulfill the requirements of my position on the Board. I feel it is best for me to step aside, making room for someone with the time and energy to devote to this important work.”

The GLCCB issued a statement announcing Beehler’s resignation and that a new election would take place on Feb. 11 when the full board meets.  Based on the bylaws, vice president Michael McCarthy becomes the interim president until that election.

“During the last year, the GLCCB has made enormous strides toward realizing the goals of our five-year strategic plan,” said McCarthy in the statement. “The GLCCB’s Board of Directors wants to ensure that we maintain our current momentum. We know that Baltimore’s sexual and gender minority communities are counting on us, and we are acting quickly to effect a smooth transition to new leadership.”

Board member Sharon Brackett told the Blade, “Bud revitalized the board by bringing new persons and new energy. Our infrastructure and processes are in a better position since last June.”