June Crenshaw named interim head of Alston Foundation — Blade
June Crenshaw is new interim executive director of Alston Foundation. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
The Wanda Alston Foundation, which provides housing-related services for homeless LGBT youth in D.C., announced on Wednesday that it has named veteran LGBT rights advocate June Crenshaw as its interim executive director.
The announcement says Crenshaw will replace Kenneth Pettigrew, the foundation’s executive director for the past two years, following Pettigrew’s decision to take a new job with the D.C. Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration, known as HAHSTA.
The announcement says the foundation has begun a search for a permanent executive director. Crenshaw is scheduled to begin as interim director on April 1.
The Alston Foundation, among other things, operates the Wanda Alston House for homeless LGBT youth. The foundation and house were named in honor of the late lesbian and women’s rights activist and mayoral aide Wanda Alston.
“As a result of Ken’s leadership, the Wanda Alston foundation is in a great position to expand and grow,” said Chris Hartmann, president of the foundation’s board. “Obviously, we are sad to lose Ken, but excited for him as he pursues his new position.”
Hartman said the foundation is also pleased that Crenshaw has agreed to serve as interim executive director.
“We are honored to have June join us as we go through a period of transition,” he said. “Her experience and record of accomplishment in our community make her an excellent choice to continue the work of our organization,” he said.
The statement released by the foundation on Wednesday notes that Crenshaw has a long history of volunteer leadership in the D.C.-area LGBT community, including her role as a member of the Advisory Board of the D.C. Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
She has also served as a member and as chair of the board of Whitman-Walker Health; as chair of the board of Rainbow Response Coalition, which advocates on behalf of LGBT domestic violence victims; and currently served on the Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign.
