Integrity Announces Staff Transition

Integrity Announces Staff Transition

In 1976 Integrity began its advocacy in the Episcopal Church by advancing a resolution calling for “full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the Church” for its LGBT baptized. For the last thirty-five years Integrity has worked to turn that resolution into a reality. We are closer than ever to achieving that goal thanks to the tireless efforts of countless Integrity leaders through the years – and today we give thanks for one of those leaders as we welcome another into the Integrity fold.

In August, the Board of Directors of Integrity USA accepted with regret the resignation of Max Niedzwiecki as Executive Director. Niedzwiecki, who has served Integrity USA since August, 2010, recently expressed his intentions to return to his private consulting practice where he will focus on organizational development and justice issues for nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

"As Executive Director , Max oversaw Integrity USA's launch of the “Believe Out Loud” (BOL) initiative in the Episcopal Church, a project mobilizing clergy and lay leaders, LGBT activists, and straight allies to work together to become more welcoming and inclusive,’ said Integrity USA President Caroline Hall. “In addition, Max pursued and secured grants for local Integrity chapters to support their advocacy work, continued to direct our longtime support of Integrity Uganda and the work Bishop Christopher Senyonjo while positioning Integrity USA as an opinion leader on immigration reform. We shall miss his leadership and easy going style and wish him all the best as he moves on. Our chapters and membership have grown during Max's tenure and we are grateful for all he has done."

"Working with Integrity USA has been both an honor and a privilege," said Niedzwiecki "I could not be more proud of our leadership and of the work we've done together calling for full inclusion throughout the Episcopal Church and the world. I plan to stay involved with Integrity in the future as the organization continues to mobilize toward General Convention 2012."

"As we bid Max farewell we are delighted to welcome a giant of justice on board," continued Hall, announcing that effective September 15, 2011, the Board has appointed Harry Knox to serve as Integrity’s Interim Executive Director.

Harry Knox brings years of experience in shepherding organizations at the local, state and national levels through times of significant change. Knox has pastored congregations in Georgia and Texas and his experience with the Episcopal Church dates back to when he was a member of the New Jersey Cathedral Church for Bishop Jack Spong. He also brings a long history of LGBT advocacy, working with Equality Florida, Georgia Equality and Freedom to Marry. As founder of the Religion and Faith program for the Human Rights Campaign, he amplified the voices of faith leaders on behalf of LGBT equality and empowered LGBT people of faith and their allies to use faith language in advocacy.

"It is a true privilege to join the ranks of trendsetting colleagues I have admired for decades," said Knox. "General Convention 2012 offers another opportunity for Integrity to lead The Episcopal Church closer to full inclusion. I look forward to the joys and challenges before us."

President Caro Hall concluded, “We invite all members of Integrity and members of our wider justice community to join us in celebrating the leadership of Max Niedzwiecki and in welcoming the leadership of Harry Knox. And then we invite them to roll up their sleeves and continue to work with us to make that thirty-five year old resolution a reality!”


Media Contact:
Louise Brooks
Director of Communications
Integrity USA
626-993-4605
tvprod@earthlink.net