Lambda Hires Midwest Regional Director for Chicago Office

(CHICAGO, April 19, 1999) -- Matthew Roberts, a seasoned public policy and communications professional, has joined Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in the newly created position of Midwest Regional Director.

Roberts will be responsible for administration, fundraising , and public education work in Lambda's Midwest Regional Office, which covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

"We welcome Matthew to Lambda's Midwest team. He brings rich experience in public policy and AIDS prevention issues as well as a strong communications background," said Lambda Executive Director Kevin M. Cathcart from the organization's New York headquarters. Cathcart noted, "Matthew's efforts will help us expand our litigation resources and increase our education and policy work throughout the Midwest region."

Roberts said, "It is a real honor to be part of the premiere legal organization for lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV or AIDS. My new position here is a dream come true -- I am thrilled to be able to use my skills for a cause in which I deeply believe and for an organization with such an incredible track record."

He said, "I look forward to working with our donors, staff and constituents to expand our programs and build a sound future for Lambda in the Midwest."

Before joining Lambda, Roberts most recently served as a managing director of public and corporate affairs at Hill and Knowlton, Inc., in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in global communications programs and public affairs in the health and technology arenas. Prior to that, he worked with Family Health International, assisting the U.S. Agency for International Development in implementing AIDS prevention programs in the public and private sectors.

Roberts also worked with a range of international groups to implement AIDS prevention programs in Nigeria, Kenya, and Senegal. While earning a doctorate in public policy at Indiana University, he founded Gays and Lesbians in African Studies, the first such group in the discipline.

Roberts' arrival enables Patricia M. Logue to focus exclusively on civil rights work as Supervising Attorney. Since the office opened in 1993, Logue has overseen Lambda's sexual orientation litigation as well as all areas of Lambda's Midwest operations. "I am thrilled that Lambda is making this move to strengthen our Midwest office in the new millennium," said Logue. "I am proud of all that we have done to date and look forward to handing many of the reins to Matthew. His skills are perfectly suited to expanding our substantive work while keeping up our tradition of cost-effective operations."

Lambda's extensive Midwest work has strengthened civil rights protections for many in the region, on a range of issues affecting people with HIV/AIDS, lesbian and gay parents, students, and workers.

Founded in 1973, Lambda is the nation's oldest and largest legal organization serving lesbians, gay men, and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Contact: Matthew Roberts 312-663-4413; Peg Byron 212-809-8585, 888-987-1984