A Letter from Ineke Mushovic, MAP's Executive Director

November 9, 2023


When I co-founded MAP almost 18 years ago, this country was a very different place for LGBTQ people. Same-sex couples were barred from marriage, openly LGBTQ people were discharged from the military, and in most of the country a worker could be legally fired just for being LGBTQ. During the past two decades, I’ve been privileged to lead an organization that has played a pivotal role in driving transformational changes including winning marriage equality, the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and new laws and legal rulings allowing LGBTQ people to live openly and be protected from discrimination.  

But progress rarely comes without some setbacks. Like you, I’ve also witnessed the recent heartbreaking backlash and devastating political attacks on LGBTQ people—and especially LGBTQ youth. These attacks have happened alongside unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedoms, voting rights and the fabric of our democracy.

MAP has fought through tough times before, and we will fight through them now. We are stronger than ever as we move into another critical year with our signature LGBTQ equality program, a growing Democracy program, and our Open to All program that reshapes how businesses do business.

It’s from this place of strength and dedication that I wanted to share some personal news with you. After nearly two decades at the helm of MAP, I have made the difficult decision to transition out of my role as Executive Director. I love MAP and I’m profoundly grateful for the chance to make a difference, and most of all for the amazing people and colleagues I’ve had the privilege of getting to know and working alongside. But part of leadership is knowing when it is time to embrace a new generation to lead—for me that means stepping aside while my spark is still strong, not after it fades. So I’m unbelievably thrilled to announce that Naomi Goldberg, MAP’s current Deputy Director and LGBTQ Program Director, will become MAP’s new Executive Director on March 1, 2024. I won’t be going far—I will continue advising and supporting MAP throughout 2024 to ensure a smooth transition during what is sure to be a busy year.

Many of you already know Naomi—and those who do will also know that MAP will be left in amazing hands. Naomi has been a pivotal member of the MAP team for 13 years, and she has been a relentless voice for equality, expectational leader, uncompromising researcher, and a thoughtful and generous collaborator. I could not think of a better person to head the organization—or a smoother leadership transition. Naomi also brings a unique perspective as a lesbian parent who lives in Michigan. She received the unanimous support of the MAP board of directors and the enthusiastic endorsement of MAP’s staff. I’m so proud of the work we have been able to do together for LGBTQ equality, for democracy and toward a country that is truly open to all. I’m also very excited to see what MAP will continue to accomplish under Naomi's exceptional leadership with the support of our outstanding staff!

Thank you for your support of MAP in the past, now, and in this new chapter!
 
With gratitude,
 
Ineke Mushovic 
Executive Director, MAP

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A note from MAP’s board chair, Chris Cormier Maggiano

“From MAP’s inception, Ineke has brought brilliance, strategic thinking, creativity, and humor to her work and to MAP. Her vision for how MAP can work collaboratively and develop deep trust, bridge movements, and innovate MAP’s programmatic offerings has resulted in MAP being a leader in messaging, policy, collaboration, and speeding equality. As a board, we are grateful for her passion and commitment to MAP, as well as her commitment to growing leadership from within.”  
 

A note from Naomi Goldberg, MAP’s incoming executive director

“Ineke has built an incredible organization with a brilliant team. I’ve been so grateful to be a part of it, to learn from her, and to come into my own vision of leadership alongside her. I view this as a moment for MAP to go from strength to strength. I deeply believe in MAP’s theory of change; deeply listening, engaging people in a journey, and working collaboratively is rewarding for me. I look forward to leading MAP in 2024 and beyond.”
 

A note from MAP’s board vice chair, Michael Fleming

“Naomi Goldberg is thoughtful, strategic—and a proven and respected leader both within the LGBTQ movement and within the MAP team. As deputy director, she has played a pivotal role in executing MAP’s vision and making MAP the exceptional organization it is today. The board looks forward to seeing MAP continue to expand its programming and impact as Naomi brings her tremendous talents to the role of executive director.”