Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Announces New Executive Director

Harrisburg, Pa – This month, Ashleigh Strange was appointed the Executive Director for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. The Governor’s Advisory Commissions make recommendations to the Governor on policies and legislation that impact the Commonwealth and help ensure the communities they represent have a voice in state government.

“It’s an honor to work alongside such passionate commissioners who strive to build a Commonwealth where everyone can thrive,” said Executive Director Ashleigh Strange. “The Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs acts as a conduit between the LGBTQ community and our state government — and I am proud to be serving as Executive Director. Together, we will continue working to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have a seat at the table and can see themselves and their stories reflected in state government.” 

Ashleigh previously worked as Communications Director for Pennsylvania Stands Up and Make the Road Pennsylvania. They graduated in 2016 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. They serve as Board Chair on the PA Stands Up Institute board and Vice-Chair of the Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates Board. They currently reside in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with their partner, Chloe, cat, Nike, and several failing plants.

The LGBTQ Affairs Commission was founded by executive order by Governor Tom Wolf in 2018 and was re-established by Governor Josh Shapiro through an Executive Order in June 2023. The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with policy information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’ needs.

The Commission on LGBTQ Affairs can be contacted by email at lgbtqcommission@pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashleigh Strange, Executive Director, astrange@pa.gov  

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