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Executive Director Bockelman to step down from PROMO

ST. LOUIS – A.J. Bockelman announced Tuesday that he would step down from his role as the executive director of PROMO, effective Oct. 16.

Bockelman
Bockelman

Bockelman has served in that capacity for the LGBT rights organization for eight years and has overseen numerous pro-LGBT policy changes including the formation of a coalition of over 1,000 Missouri businesses that support the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA), stemming anti-gay legislation and working with Gov. Jay Nixon to quickly implement the Obergefell decision that legalized gay marriage in the United States.

“Serving as executive director of PROMO during this period of historic change has been a great honor,” Bockelman said in a statement. “I’m extremely proud of all that we’ve accomplished as a community, but we can’t stop until every Missourian has equal protections at home, at school, at the workplace, at the hospital – everywhere.”

PROMO Board Chair Kelly Hamilton said that Bockelman was a strong force for the LGBT movement in Missouri and that he would be missed by the organization.

“Missouri is a better place because of A.J. Bockelman,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Anyone who knows A.J. knows his intellect, his passion, his drive and his dedication. A.J. and his brilliant team have been the driving force behind so much of this work. The Board of Directors extends our deepest thanks to A.J. for all he has done for PROMO and the LGBT movement in Missouri.”

Hamilton also announced that Steph Perkins, the current deputy director of PROMO, would be named the interim director of the organization after Bockelman’s departure. Perkins has served as deputy director for seven years.

“Steph is a strong leader with a long history at PROMO, and the board is confident she will keep the organization focused on the important work ahead in the months to come,” Hamilton said. “We thank Steph for stepping up, and we know she’ll do a wonderful job.”