Ian Howley has been confirmed as GMFA’s permanent Chief Executive Officer. Ian has been with GMFA/HERO since 2010 and took over as Interim Chief Executive in August 2016.
Alan Palmer, Chair of Health Equality and Rights Organisation (HERO), the parent organisation of GMFA said,
“I’m delighted that the Board has confirmed Ian Howley as Chief Executive. Since being appointed as Interim Chief Executive, Ian has demonstrated the values, knowledge and commitment needed to lead this organisation. He has managed a hugely successful relaunch of FS as The LGBT Fact Site, enabling HERO to build on our achievements in providing accurate information to gay and bisexual men to ensure that we can do the same for the wider LGBT communities. Under Ian’s leadership, HERO has had its best ever World AIDS Day campaign, raising vital funds to help us continue our work into and beyond our 25th year.”
Ian commenting on his appointment said,
“I am delighted to have been confirmed as Chief Executive of GMFA/HERO after a successful interim period. When I first joined GMFA in 2010 I knew I was part of something special and have given my all to make sure that GMFA and HERO makes a difference to LGBT people. In the last seven years, we have worked hard to help GMFA make a difference in the community. While we are still in uncertain times, and there will be challenges ahead, I promise that GMFA and HERO will fight to help and support LGBT people to create personal and social change in their own lives and community. As GMFA enters its 25th year of existence, we need a focused and united approach to LGBT health inequalities such as the high rate of suicide in gay and bisexual men, mental health support, HIV prevention and sex and relationship education – all of which are important issues in the LGBT community. I’m proud to lead a team that’s dedicated in achieving this.
“There is more to HIV prevention than just telling gay and bisexual men to wear a condom or just take PrEP. How we view ourselves, our self-esteem and self-worth all plays a part. We are also entering a mental health time bomb. Suicide is at its highest it’s ever been for gay men. Chemsex and the affect it has on gay men’s mental health is also becoming an issue. The battle for health equality is still ongoing and we here at GMFA and HERO promise to try our best to create personal and social change for gay and bisexual men and in the wider LGBT community.”
