New York, NY – Following the resignation of Herndon Graddick back in May, GLAAD began to seek out a new president and CEO. The gay rights organization has finally announced their choice: Sarah Kate Ellis. Ellis is the second woman to run the organization.

Ellis served as senior vice president of global marketing at Martini Media, is an award-winning media executive and has advocated for LGBT issues, including helping grow the women’s interest magazine Real Simple. Ellis has a partner of eight years and twins. They have been profiled by multiple publications, including The New York Times, Time, and The Huffington Post.

“While our community has made great strides in recent years, our movement has an important and critical journey ahead.” Ellis said in a statement. “Together with our dedicated staff, I will push for a culture where everyone in the LGBT community is fully welcome and respected by our neighbors. I look forward to leading GLAAD and creating a world where LGBT people and our families have the freedom to joyously – and openly – live a life they love.”

Ellis is set to start her new role in January.