James Conlon Appointed Vice President of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships
January 7, 2026
WASHINGTON—PFLAG National welcomes James Conlon (he/him) as Vice President of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships. Conlon brings substantial fundraising experience to the storied nonprofit that helps families and allies with LGBTQ+ loved ones learn, support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He begins his tenure immediately.
“It is an absolute privilege to join PFLAG National and lead their Development & Philanthropic Partner team into a new era,” said Conlon. “Right now, LGBTQ+ people and those who love them are terrified of what the future might bring, and PFLAG must continue to be there. My job is to ensure that PFLAG strongly endures and thrives—because never has there been a more clear time for our community to unite in the fight for the dignity and well-being of every LGBTQ+ person.”
“At a time when PFLAG National programs and participation in them have grown significantly, even as corporate giving has slowed, James is a critical new addition to the team. With his vast expertise, James will drive our growth and ensure that PFLAG continues meeting the needs of families and communities across the country,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him/his), CEO of PFLAG National.
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30 (FY25), more than 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures. Yet PFLAG saw more new chapters open in FY25 than ever before (36), and average participation in PFLAG Connects: Communities, a program providing virtual community meeting spaces, also grew, led by PFLAG’s Gender Spectrum Parent community (62% growth on average). Even as corporations changed or eliminated diversity, equity, inclusion and access practices, which led to significantly lower business investment, PFLAG National’s learning and inclusion programming thrived, with more than 8,000 employees showing up for PFLAG National Straight for Equality in the Workplace trainings in FY25.
Conlon is a well-seasoned fundraiser who has helped raise more than $60 million for critical causes and candidates. He has spent extensive time working with advocates, supporters and leaders of the LGBTQ+ movement to understand how to effectively support the community. Conlon joins PFLAG from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he oversaw all LGBTQ+ investments and fundraising, and helped to make the LGBTQ+ program the highest-raising coalition program in Party history. Prior to his time at the DNC, he served in the same role for Harris-Walz 2024, and additionally served in senior fundraising positions for Senate Majority PAC, as well as for Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Conor Lamb.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with James Conlon for many years through my efforts with campaigns, numerous political candidates, and the Human Rights Campaign. His engagement with presidents, congressional leaders, CEOs, and donors across the spectrum has always been marked by professionalism, preparation and grace. He is consistently exceptional, thoroughly prepared, responsive and an absolute joy to collaborate with. I wish him every success in his new role at PFLAG National. He brings a tremendous depth of experience and institutional knowledge, and they are truly fortunate to have him.”
Ambassador James CostosPresident, Secuoya Studios and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain
“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with James during the 2024 Presidential Election and from the very beginning I’ve seen up close his passion for the LGBTQ+ Community. In my view, only good things can happen when good people raise their hand to do good work. The PFLAG mission to help create a world that’s affirming, just and caring for LGBTQ+ people and those who love us just got a little closer to a lived reality. Congratulations James, we are all proud of you!”
MORGAN W. COX III
Partner, Marquis Group and Human Rights Campaign Immediate Past Board Chair
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with James on the 2024 campaign trail. He is diligent, the consummate professional and achieves his goals with a mix of charm and attention to detail. I am thrilled for him and for PFLAG National.”
AMBASSADOR RUFUS GIFFORD
former U.S Ambassador to Denmark and National Finance Chair, Harris-Walz 2024
“There is no one better to help lead PFLAG National’s Development program than James Conlon. Over his near four-year tenure, James dramatically expanded the DNC LGBTQ+ fundraising program, hosting significant events in every major U.S. city and raising necessary funds from all 50 states. It was remarkable to watch him build critical relationships and think outside the box on engaging potential supporters. PFLAG National is lucky to have him join their team, and we look forward to seeing his and PFLAG’s future success.”
Colleen Coffey and Michael PrattCo-Finance Directors, DNC and former Co-Finance Directors, Harris-Walz 2024
“James is relentless in the most cheerful way. Were it not for him, I’d be a rich man today.”
ANDREW TOBIAS
Author and DNC Treasurer Emeritus
“James will be a great addition to the PFLAG National team leading its Development work. Over my time working with James, it is clear that he cares about his relationships and works hard to maintain them. His relentless attitude to ‘get the job done’ combined with his positive attitude is infectious at times and I know he is the right person for the task ahead!”
DR. CLAIRE LUCAS
National Co-Chair, DNC LGBTQ+ Leadership Council
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Bio: James Conlon (he/him), Vice President of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships
James Conlon (he/him) is a well-seasoned fundraiser who has spent extensive time working with supporters and leaders of the LGBTQ+ movement to understand how to effectively build continued support for the community. A passionate advocate for his community, James understands not only the importance of building broad and inclusive networks of support, but also the power of uplifting others through times of challenge and times of strength.
In his remarkable career—which he began as an intern in the Massachusetts State House —James has helped raise more than $60 million for critical causes and candidates throughout his career. James joins PFLAG National from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he oversaw all LGBTQ+ investments and fundraising, and helped to make the LGBTQ+ program the highest-raising coalition program in Party history. Prior to his time at the DNC, he served in the same role for Harris-Walz 2024, and additionally served in senior fundraising positions for Senate Majority PAC, as well as for Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Conor Lamb.
Growing up in the Greater Boston area, James was lucky that he grew up with an incredibly loving mother and caring sister who wholeheartedly stood by him, along with his large family consisting of 17 cousins and 10 aunts and uncles, each of whom were unabashedly supportive to him. He is passionate about ensuring every LGBTQ+ person always has the kind of support, affirmation, and ardent advocates found in every PFLAG home like he received from his loved ones. Though always remaining true to his Boston roots, James has called Washington D.C. home for nearly a decade.
About PFLAG
PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We are hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast who are leading with love to support families, educate allies, and advocate for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at PFLAG.org.