ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Krista Brown-Ly is the new executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, its board of directors has announced.
Brown-Ly joined Bradbury-Sullivan in 2022 and became interim executive director in 2024. She stepped in when Ashley L. Coleman, who became executive director in January 2023, resigned as the center's board of directors expressed uncertainty around funding declines and shifts in the political landscape.
“I am beyond thrilled with the opportunity to serve this incredible community."New Bradbury Sullivan Center Executive Director Krista Brown-Ly
In her new position, effective immediately, Brown-Ly will guide daily operations, drive operational growth and partnerships, and champion equity and inclusion.
“I am beyond thrilled with the opportunity to serve this incredible community,” Brown-Ly said.
“Bradbury-Sullivan is a safe space and welcoming environment for those who need one. As executive director, I’m committed to ensuring our work remains community focused, responsive, and grounded in the lived experiences of our LGBTQIA+ community.”
Brown-Ly brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience "and a deep commitment to equity, access and liberation," a Tuesday release said.
“I’m honored to support Krista’s appointment as Executive Director,” center board Chairman Marvin Webb said.
“Her leadership is grounded in care, community and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices while creating space for meaningful participation.
"Krista brings clarity, courage and deep experience to guide Bradbury-Sullivan’s next chapter.”
'A shared vision'
Brown-Ly’s appointment, the release says, reflects "a shared vision for a bold, community-centered future."
It says she entered the organization during a key period of transitioning and refocusing.
Adrian Shanker founded the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in 2014, building it from a start-up safe place to a $1.6 million organization and barrier-breaking LGBTQ+ healthcare and educational hub.
It's described on its website as a vibrant, inclusive space in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley for all of the region's LGBTQ+ residents.
The center, which officially opened in 2016, offers free services, including HIV and Hepatitis C testing; youth leadership and art programs; LGBTQ film screenings; and author discussion panels.
In spring 2021, with the help of Lehigh Valley Health Network, the center held multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics to provide queer and trans populations a safe, trusted space for immunizations.
In 2019, Bradbury-Sullivan joined other LGBTQ organizations to successfully sue the Trump administration for its attempt to enforce three anti-LGBTQ orders.
Shanker also shepherded the center through a merger with Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which resulted in a substantial expansion of the budget and programs of the region’s Pride festival.
