Melissa Murray, Outright Vermont's Executive Director for the last seven years, announced her resignation last week. Melissa is leaving to take a position at the University of Vermont. Melissa has led Outright through a period of incredible growth. Melissa started Outright's advocacy work, helped grow the Vermont GSA Network from 25 to 70 GSAs in schools statewide, and established strong collaborative partnerships with a variety of organizations. She co-founded two of Outright's most innovative programs, Camp Outright and Gender Creative Kids. Melissa has made sure Outright truly works in partnership with youth. Her contributions to Outright will continue to serve Vermont's queer and trans youth long after she leaves.
Amy Escott, Outright's Board Chair, stated: "Melissa has been instrumental in shaping the Outright we know today. During her tenure, she built a solid organizational foundation and she leaves Outright in a stronger place than ever before. Melissa's departure is certainly bittersweet, but I am excited for her and wish her the best as she continues on her professional journey at UVM. I am also excited for the future of Outright. We have a wonderful and capable staff and a talented and dedicated board. We are all looking forward to seeing the ways Outright will continue to grow under new and fresh leadership."
Melissa states "I have been so incredibly lucky over these last seven years to work with so many youth, staff, Board members, and community members to make it better now for Vermont's queer and trans youth. Working at Outright has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I am so, so grateful."
Melissa's last day in the office will be March 10th. We will celebrate Melissa's incredible contributions to Outright at the Outright Awards, coming up on April 21st. Outright will announce their plans for a hiring process soon. Amy Escott will be in charge in the interim.