WILLIAM WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRIS BARTLETT TO STEP DOWN AFTER 14 YEARS OF DEDICATED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
PHILADELPHIA, PA | February 27, 2025 –The William Way LGBT Community Center announced today that Chris Bartlett will be stepping down from his role as Executive Director, effective June 30, 2025, to pursue new opportunities and further his education in support of LGBTQ+ archives nationwide. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ history and preservation, Bartlett’s leadership has been instrumental in amplifying Philadelphia LGBTQ+ voices and safeguarding community history, and his impact will extend far beyond his tenure at the Center. Since joining the William Way Community Center in 2010, Chris Bartlett’s leadership has been transformational, solidifying the Center’s role as a cultural, historical, and advocacy powerhouse for the LGBTQ+ community. His dedication to expanding programming and securing vital funding has left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the Center’s impact for years to come.
“I’m so grateful to the William Way LGBT Community Center for the many opportunities it has provided me over fourteen years of leadership,” said Bartlett. “I’ve been blessed with fantastic board leadership, staff, and community support. I’m most proud that in these years, we have all succeeded in making the Center a more welcoming and supportive place for the diversity of our communities and expanded our programs to meet their needs.”
Under Bartlett’s 14 years of leadership, the William Way Community Center has experienced tremendous growth, expanding its impact in arts, culture, LGBTQ+ history, and community engagement. In 2013, the Center made history by mounting the first-ever exhibit on LGBTQ+ history at a national museum, Speaking OUT for Equality: The Constitution, Gay Rights, and the Supreme Court at the National Constitution Center. Viewed by over 25,000 visitors, including students, scholars, and activists, the exhibit was a groundbreaking moment in LGBTQ+ historical representation.
Bartlett also helped position William Way as a leader in preserving and sharing LGBTQ+ history. In 2016, the Center was awarded a Department of the Interior grant to partner with Independence National Historical Park, creating LGBTQ+ walking tours, an online map of historic sites, and a traveling version of Speaking OUT for Equality, which was displayed at the Liberty Bell Pavilion in 2018.
Bartlett further had a strong profile in developing community leadership. He co-founded Philadelphia’s LGBT/HIV Executive Directors group, which has strengthened relationships between leaders for fourteen years. He also partnered with the Office of LGBT Affairs, the Independence Business Alliance, and DVLF to develop the Leadership Pipeline, which has trained board members for community non-profits. He has served on the City’s LGBT Commission since 2001 and was a founding member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBT Affairs.
As one of his final significant achievements, in February 2025, Bartlett secured the Center’s participation in the National LGBTQ Legacy Giving Initiative, positioning William Way as one of twelve organizations nationwide focused on strengthening its planned giving efforts to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
“The Board Co-Chairs thank Chris for his many years of service to the community and appreciate him working with the Board and WWCC staff members to ensure a seamless transition,” said Dave Huting and Laura Ryan. “We look forward to seeing the great things Chris will achieve in his future endeavors and wish him much luck."
The Board of Directors has initiated the next phase of its search for a new Executive Director and is committed to ensuring a seamless leadership transition. Beginning June 30, 2025, William Way LGBT Community Center’s Chief Operating Officer, Darius McLean, will assume the role of interim Executive Director during the transition period. Additional details on the executive search process will be shared in the coming weeks.
###
About William Way Community Center:
The William Way LGBT Community Center has served the LGBTQIA+ community of Philadelphia and its allies since 1976. From social groups, networking events, and counseling and support services to art exhibitions and cultural experiences, the Center consistently strives to provide new and innovative programs for the LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Greater Philadelphia. Visit www.waygay.org.