<p><img width=108 height=108 align=right alt= src=/dignityu/sites/default/files/images/faces/gallagher-m.jpg /><span class=Apple-style-span style=font-family: Verdana; line-height: 15px; >DignityUSA the nation's oldest and foremost organization for gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) Catholics their families and friends is pleased to announce that&nbsp;<strong>Matthew Gallagher</strong>&nbsp;has been hired as the organization's new Executive Director beginning October 20.</span></p><p><span class=Apple-style-span style=font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; ><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >Said Sam Sinnett President of DignityUSA &quot;Matt brings to DignityUSA a wide range of professional skills as well as the personal commitment and passion for our mission needed to work toward making the Roman Catholic Church a fully inclusive and welcoming faith for all Catholics and our families.&quot;</p><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >Mr. Gallagher will work out of DignityUSA's offices in Washington D.C.. From there he will manage the organization's operations act as spokesperson and actively work on Dignity's advocacy education and support programs for gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered Catholics.</p><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >Mr. Gallagher said &quot;I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to lead this organization of which I have been a member for many years. Working on behalf of GLBT Catholics to have their voices heard and their faith experience understood by our bishops is very important to me. I also want to send the message to all GLBT Catholics and our straight allies that DignityUSA can be their voice whether they belong to one of our many local chapters are active in parish life or feel they have no home in the Catholic Church. DignityUSA is here to be their advocate.&quot;</p><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >Mr. Gallagher comes to DignityUSA with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Most recently he ran his own consulting business for non-profit organizations. Prior to that he was with the American Red Cross working in various local offices around the country at the national headquarters and servicing on an international assignment. This wealth of experience will be of great benefit in his new position.</p><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >&quot;Matt will continue building on the work of his predecessor Marianne Duddy. We are grateful for the many years that she has given to DignityUSA as a volunteer a board member and as Executive Director&quot; said Sinnett. &quot;Matt will continue the work to build our membership and strengthen our voice as the advocate for GLBT people in the Catholic Church and in society.&quot;</p><p style=font-family: Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-right: 30px; >DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all gay lesbian bisexual and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education advocacy and support.</p></span></p>