July 19, 2018 (New York, NY) – The Jim Collins Foundation (JCF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to fund gender-affirming surgeries for transgender people who need them, is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to our Board of Directors.
“I am excited to welcome such an impressive group to the JCF team,” said Jody Randall, JCF President. “Each of them brings experience and expertise in areas the Board has identified as integral to our continued development. Through their careers, lives, and endeavors, it is clear to see their commitment to supporting trans health!”
Dane Menkin, he/him/his
Menkin is Clinical Operations Director at the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia, where he has worked since 2008. His special interests include HIV medicine and transgender/gender-non conforming health care. He received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from East Stroudsburg University, then completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cedar Crest College, before earning a Master of Science in Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University. Dane is also on the faculty at Georgetown University School of Nursing. His term on the Board expires June 13, 2020.
Petey Peterson, they/them/theirs
Peterson serves as Director for the Office of LGBTQA Affairs at Wright State University in Ohio, where they have worked since 2015. Previously, they served as a program coordinator for LGBTQI Life at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Petey has served as a panelist on “ACPA Mid-level Professional Strategic Imperative on Racial Justice & Decolonization” in 2017 and “Leading from Within: Personal Narratives on Justice-Centered Leadership” in 2016. They hold undergraduate degrees in communication studies and child, adult, and family services, as well as a graduate degree in higher education from Iowa State University. Their term on the Board expires June 13, 2019.
Emma Shinn, she/her/hers
Shinn is criminal defense attorney with The Shinn Law Office in Castle Rock, Colorado. Since retiring from active duty in the Marine Corps in 2014 with service as both an attorney and prior-enlisted infantry leader, she runs a successful practice representing service members, cadets, and civilians in military, state, and federal courts. Shinn is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Colorado Name Change Project, a nonprofit helping transgender Colorado residents legally change their name and correct gender markers on state and federal identity documents, as well as service on several other nonprofit boards. Her term on the Board expires June 13, 2020.
Tony Thornton, he/him/his
Thornton served as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Lubbock, Inc. (Texas) from 2003 to 2012. During that time, he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates (TAPPA) and served in various leadership roles including Board Chair, Treasurer, and Western Region Diversity Chair. He also served as a member of the national Cultural Diversity Steering Committee and Chair of the Annual Conference Planning Committee from 2009 to 2011. Prior to his employment with Planned Parenthood, Thornton was an accountant and Business consultant, role he continues to serve in today. Currently, Thornton serves as President of PFLAG Lubbock. His term on the Board expires June 13, 2019.
Ezra Young, he/him/his
As a nationally recognized transgender civil rights attorney, Young practices law focused on rights of recognition, employment protections, and healthcare and insurance coverage issues. Prior to founding his practice in 2017, he served as Director of Impact Litigation at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. Previously, he served as an associate with a private law firm and was a Post-Doctoral Scholar. Young received his B.A. in Philosophy from Cornell University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School. While a law student, Young served as Executive Managing Editor of the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law and Online & Consulting Editor of the Columbia Journal of Race and Law. His term on the Board expires June 13, 2021.
While staggered terms are given to each, Boards members are eligible for reappointment in accordance with JCF’s Amended and Restated Bylaws of 2018.
For press inquiries and interviews, contact info@jimcollinsfoundation.org. For more information on the Jim Collins Foundation, grantees, the issues, and to donate, visit jimcollinsfoundation.org.
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