WASHINGTON, September 14, 2007  –  A former Army infantryman, who went on to become a senior Congressional staff leader, has been named as the news executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), it was announced yesterday (September 13).

Aubrey Sarvis will take-up his new role on October 1.  He succeeds C. Dixon Osburn, who stepped down in April.

Mr. Sarvis was selected following an extensive nationwide search undertaken by SLDN’s Board of Directors.

In accepting the appointment, he said, “I am humbled and honoured to stand side by side with America’s LGBT service members, and to help them achieve the full measure of dignity and equality they deserve.”

SLDN is a national, non-profit policy advocacy, legal services, and watchdog organisation dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related forms of intolerance.

“We stand very tall today and are greatly strengthened by the appointment of Aubrey Sarvis,” said SLDN Board co-chair, Commander Zoe Dunning, USNR (Ret.).

“We feel united by the vision he shares with us to defend and protect America’s freedoms around the world while giving our LGBT military personnel the freedom to serve openly and unafraid.”

Joe Tom Easley, SLDN’s other Board Co-Chair, added: “Aubrey wore that same uniform, and believes passionately that our cause is just and winnable.  We welcome Aubrey Sarvis’ willingness to lead real change. All of us at SLDN are proud to begin this next important chapter in our work.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada commented that he had known Mr. Sarvis for a long time.

“One of his qualities I respect the most is his leadership. Aubrey’s vast knowledge of government combined with his commitment to public service will serve the organisation well.  I congratulate him on this new position.”

Congresswoman Shelley Berkeley (D-NV) also hailed Sarvis’ appointment, saying that: “SLDN could not be more fortunate today with Aubrey Sarvis at their helm.  I am confident he is the very best person to persuade Capitol Hill to join the fight and to win repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Brave men and women who sacrifice everything, especially while America is at war, must not be kicked out of the military.”

Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), one of two openly gay members of Congress, added that he welcomed the appointment.

“SLDN is a very important organisation that does great work, and I look forward to working with Aubrey and the staff of SLDN in the future.”

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), also openly gay, added:  “Aubrey’s appointment represents a major breakthrough for SLDN and the LGBT community.  He brings a sense of urgency and a deep commitment to repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

“He understands the realities of the legislative process as well as how to get votes on tough issues,” she pointed out.

Mr. Sarvis is a military veteran who enlisted at the age of 17, served over three years active duty, including thirteen months as an infantryman in the 7^th Infantry Division along the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea where he earned marksmanship medals and the Army Good Conduct Medal.  He also worked as a personnel specialist at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Fort Lee, Virginia.

As a civilian, Mr. Sarvis is a former, “seasoned” senior Congressional staff leader, an accomplished government relations officer and skilled lawyer with over thirty years experience in public policy, legal affairs, corporate policies and national politics.

He has served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (1977-1983), under the leadership of former U.S. Senators Howard Cannon (D-Nevada) and later on behalf of Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC).

For Verizon Communications (formerly Bell Atlantic), Sarvis was named Executive Vice President, heading the Verizon public policy and legislative operations of 40 fellow professionals. In this capacity he advised the Chairman and Vice Chairman as well as other senior officers including spearheading Verizon’s active leadership supporting the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA) in Congressional appearances, testimony and Capitol Hill lobbying.  His service at Verizon spans the years 1984 through 1998.

Following Verizon and to the present time, Aubrey Sarvis then established an independent public policy consulting firm in Washington, D.C. representing Fortune 100 companies.

Aubrey Sarvis has contributed much of his own time and skills to serve on several voluntary boards and non-profit organisations in his native state of South Carolina as well as in Washington, D.C.  In particular, he served as a Board Member of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund dedicated to recruiting, aiding and electing many of America’s most qualified openly LGBT political officials.

An active Democratic Party ally and leader, he has served in DNC and party campaign posts over the past 20 years including fundraising support and volunteer leadership for Presidents Carter and Clinton and on behalf of Vice President (and Senator) Gore, and Senators Hollings and Cannon.

At SLDN, Mr. Sarvis will oversee a $3 million budget, with 17 full-time staff

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Posted: 14 September 2007 at 00:00 (UK time)