Aaron Ridings Joins PFLAG National as Executive Vice President

WASHINGTON—The nation’s largest organization serving LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies, PFLAG National proudly announces the appointment of Aaron Ridings as Executive Vice President. A respected nonprofit executive, Ridings, who is Two Spirit and uses the pronouns he and they, is the first person to serve in this role.

“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Aaron in his work in the LGBTQ+ movement and with and for Native and Indigenous communities, and I am excited to welcome them to the PFLAG family. Aaron’s extensive experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, and advocacy at the federal, state and local levels makes them an ideal candidate to serve in the role of Executive Vice President for PFLAG National,” said CEO Brian K. Bond.

A descendant of the Seneca Nation and Chickasaw Nation, Ridings is a lifelong advocate to end the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and for justice for American Indian children in the foster care system.

“Aaron brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to policy that fosters inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community across the United States, including extensive work with Tribes. His dedication to advocacy and justice will undoubtedly drive positive change and further the mission of PFLAG National. I look forward to witnessing the impactful leadership Aaron will bring to this important organization,” said Se-ah-dom Edmo, Executive Director of Seeding Justice.

Ridings began his career in Oregon politics and community organizing with nonprofits including Basic Rights Oregon, Cascade AIDS Project and the Western States Center. They went on to serve as Associate Director of the LGBTQI+ Project at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC, and later joined the staff of DC Mayor Murial Bowser. Since 2019, Ridings  has been a leader and executive at GLSEN, most recently serving as  Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Policy, and Research.

“Throughout their career, Aaron Ridings has been an indispensable advocate in the pursuit of equality, justice and liberation. While we will miss their leadership at GLSEN, I take pride in seeing him embark on a new role at PFLAG National, dedicated to safeguarding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families nationwide. Aaron’s visionary leadership and expertise are positioned to steer the course toward LGBTQ+ justice within our communities, schools, statehouses and beyond,” said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN.

“Aaron’s visionary leadership has helped drive equality forward for LGBTQ+ students and people across the United States – and I am thrilled he will build on that legacy in his new role at PFLAG National,” said Elliot Imse, Executive Director at LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. “It is a critical time for LGBTQ+ families, as we face unprecedented legal and legislative attacks. Aaron is the perfect person to lead and support the PFLAG National team as it confronts these challenges and continues to build love and acceptance for our community.”

As Executive Vice President, Ridings will lead and oversee PFLAG National’s programmatic work and operations. This includes guiding teams of professionals across several departments to strengthen the PFLAG Chapter Network, to enhance the organization’s learning and inclusion efforts, and to deepen and expand PFLAG National’s advocacy efforts in support of LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Ridings begins their tenure with PFLAG National today.