Changes in Leadership at the HIV Legal Network

This news comes from the HIV Legal Network newsletter. Stay up to date with the HIV Legal Network by subscribing here.

After nearly 28 years of involvement with the organization, 14 of them as Executive Director, our own Richard Elliott is stepping down and moving on to new adventures — though we know him well enough to know that he won’t go too far.

This is a poignant moment for the staff, past and present, of the Legal Network. Richard is a brilliant lawyer and tenacious advocate, who has led us ably to some important victories and through some difficult times. We will miss his sharp mind and committed activism. While COVID will keep us from gathering in person to give Richard a proper send-off, we will find a way to celebrate his decades-long contribution to the Legal Network and to the movement for health and human rights. Richard has helped to make us the strong, resilient, forward-thinking organization you know and love, and we are grateful.
We are also delighted to share that the transition will be smooth and seamless.

Sandra Ka Hon Chu (Director of Research and Advocacy) and Janet Butler-McPhee (Director of Communications, Fundraising, and Advocacy) will take up the leadership of the HIV Legal Network as co-Executive Directors. Together, they have 25 years of service to the Legal Network and are well-respected leaders in their own right. Janet and Sandra are pleased to have the support of Richard, our wonderful Board of Directors, and our great staff as they take on this exciting new challenge.

Finally, along with these transitions in our leadership, it’s also a year we’ll be developing a new strategic plan for the HIV Legal Network, setting goals and priorities for our research and advocacy for the coming years. Stay tuned for more information and for your opportunity to give us your input in the months ahead!

In the meantime, Richard will be with us until mid-July, so you’ll have ample time to send along your good wishes.

In solidarity,
The HIV Legal Network team