NEW YORK - May 22, 2013 - GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network today announced respected Entertainment communications executive Kevin Brockman has been elected as Chairman of the Board of GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.

"Kevin has been a passionate supporter of GLSEN for almost two decades, and an outspoken member of our Board for the past six years," said Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN's Executive Director. "His leadership, enthusiasm and drive make him not only perfectly suited for this responsibility, but also the best possible partner as we further the efficacy and reach of our important efforts."

"The work GLSEN is doing to ensure that schools across our nation are safe for all children is nothing short of inspiring," said Kevin Brockman. "I've had the great pleasure to hear directly from many of the incredible students that they've helped over the years, and when you are faced with that kind of courage, and that kind of compassion, it's easy to agree to become a bigger part of the process. I'm looking forward to the challenges, and the opportunities, that lie ahead with this new responsibility."

In his day job, Mr. Brockman currently serves as executive vice president of Global Communications for the Disney/ABC Television Group, a role he has held since 2008. He joined The Walt Disney Company in 1997.

In this position Mr. Brockman oversees all corporate, news and entertainment communication efforts worldwide on behalf of the Disney/ABC Television Group, which comprises the ABC Television Network; the ABC Owned Television Stations; cable network ABC Family; Disney Channels Worldwide (a global portfolio of more than 103 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 167 countries/territories - Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior); Radio Disney; and the Hyperion publishing unit.

Kevin Brockman photo: http://bit.ly/14yYS8i

In addition to Mr. Brockman's appointment, GLSEN elected seven new members to its board of directors. New board members include: Bob Chlebowski (Executive Vice President, Wells Fargo & Co.); Art Coleman (Managing Partner, Education Counsel); David Dancer (Vice President, Partnership Marketing at Teleflora); Daniel Duty (Vice President, Marketing at Target); Michele Meyer-Shipp (Chief Diversity Officer, Prudential); Brett Peterson (Director, The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High School); and Loan Tran (student leader).

ABOUT GLSEN

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

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