RCAD Hires New Executive Director, Lucky Hollander

Portland, ME,  January 20:  Lucky Hollander has been appointed Executive Director of the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination. 

 Hollander is a well-known social justice advocate with strong interests in promoting fairness and respect for all persons, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.  From January 2005 until April 2011, she was Director of Legislative Relations for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.  Prior to that assignment, she served as Executive Director of the Cumberland County Child Abuse and Neglect Council and then as Vice President of Advocacy and Prevention Services at Youth Alternatives, Inc.  During her forty years in human services, Hollander has done extensive training and community organizing locally, nationally, and internationally on matters affecting the safety and well being of children and families.

 Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, professor at Bangor Theological Seminary and RCAD President, said, “The Religious Coalition Against Discrimination will greatly benefit from Lucky Hollander’s passionate advocacy for children and families and her deep understanding of Maine’s governmental and non-profit sectors.  We are proud that she will guide the efforts of our allied faith communities to promote freedom and fairness for all families throughout Maine.”

 RCAD is a statewide, multi-faith organization that promotes the civil and human rights of Mainers, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, within the state’s diverse congregations and communities.  Its recent work includes educating faith leaders about bullying in schools and youth safety, addressing anti-Muslim violence, and advocating for legislation to guarantee the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.  Over 250 faith leaders from 18 faith traditions have supported the Coalition’s work for marriage equality.  The RCAD Board includes clergy and lay leaders who are Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reform Jewish, Roman Catholic, United Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, and United Church of Christ.