Fair Wisconsin Announces Departure of Executive Director Megin McDonell

Megin McDonell has announced that she will depart from her role as Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin on February 22nd, 2024. Megin is looking forward to her next chapter and will continue to be involved in nonprofit leadership in Wisconsin.

“Leading Fair Wisconsin has been the greatest joy of my professional career thus far, and I am proud of all we have accomplished over the past nine years,” said McDonell. “The work of Fair Wisconsin is now more important than ever, and I can’t wait to see the success of the organization as we head into our 30th year.”

Megin joined the team at Fair Wisconsin in 2011 as External Relations Director and was promoted to Executive Director in 2015.

Under Megin’s leadership, the organization has grown significantly in its programming, reach, and staff capacity to secure its place as one of our state’s most respected advocacy organizations. Megin oversaw incredible growth of Fair Wisconsin’s legislative advocacy efforts and has successfully led the organization in defending against the largest wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that Wisconsin has ever seen.

“While we are sad that Megin is departing Fair Wisconsin, we cannot wait to see what she does next. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and steadfast dedication to our organization’s mission,” said Jodi Greig, Chair of the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund Board of Directors. “Megin has been a critical piece of Fair Wisconsin’s history, and her work will ensure that we continue to grow and serve our community in the years to come.”

“Megin’s success in expanding protections for the LGBTQ+ community in Wisconsin cannot be overstated. From collaborating with state legislative leaders on pro-LGBTQ+ bills and working with Governor Evers to issue Executive Order #1 which protects state employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to ending the use of state funds for so-called conversion ‘therapy’ and expanding the number of communities who now explicitly prohibit the practice, Fair Wisconsin has accomplished so much with Megin at its helm,” said Laurie Guilbault, Board Chair of Fair Wisconsin Inc. “Because of Megin’s leadership and vision, Fair Wisconsin is well positioned to continue on our forward trajectory to make Wisconsin a place where everyone can be who they truly are and live free from discrimination.”

Sean O’Brien, who currently serves as the Policy and Advocacy Director, will continue in his role and oversee the programming, legislative advocacy, and electoral organizing of Fair Wisconsin.

“I am confident that Sean will ensure continued success during this transitional time for Fair Wisconsin and help make 2024 one of our best years yet,” said Jodi Greig.

The Boards of Directors will be conducting a search for a new Executive Director and will provide more information in the coming weeks.

Founded in 1994, Fair Wisconsin is the only statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights and political advocacy organization in Wisconsin, working on the frontlines to advance, achieve, and protect the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites.