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Elizabeth BirchUS public figure, corporate manager by profession
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Elizabeth Birch: Trailblazing LGBTQ Advocate and Business Leader
- HRC Executive Director
- Family and HRC Leadership Transition
- Presidential Politics and Keynoter
- Birch & Company and Here!
- Personal Life
Elizabeth Birch: Trailblazing LGBTQ Advocate and Business Leader
Early Life and CareerElizabeth Birch earned her law degree from the University of Hawaii in 1980 and a doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law. Prior to becoming an activist, she held positions in public relations at Apple Computer and served as general counsel for its subsidiary, Claris.
HRC Executive Director
In 1995, Birch made history by becoming the first LGBTQ person to lead a major American advocacy organization when she took the helm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Under her guidance, HRC experienced unprecedented growth in membership, budget, and political influence. Birch oversaw the purchase of a prestigious office building for the organization's Washington, D.C., headquarters in 2002.
Family and HRC Leadership Transition
Birch stepped down as HRC Executive Director in 2004 to spend more time with her family, including her long-time partner Hilary Rosen. Her successor, Cheryl Jacques, left her post amid controversy just 11 months later. Rosen briefly served as interim head of HRC, with journalists suggesting that Birch continued to exert influence behind the scenes through her partner.
Presidential Politics and Keynoter
Birch served as a senior advisor to Senator Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign. In 2000, she became the first LGBTQ leader to address the Democratic National Convention's plenary session.
Birch & Company and Here!
In 2004, Birch founded Birch & Company, a consulting firm with offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Her clients include KidRo Productions, Inc., led by Rosie O'Donnell, and O'Donnell's non-profit organization, For All Kids. Birch also hosts the television talk show Here!, which has featured guests such as Patrick Buchanan, Rosie O'Donnell, and John Lewis.
Personal Life
Birch and Hilary Rosen were in a civil union until 2006 and have two children, a boy and a girl.
