Dr. Eliza Byard is the Executive Director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, a national education organization working to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Prior to becoming Executive Director in October 2008, Dr. Byard served as GLSEN’s Deputy Executive Director for seven years and was responsible for the development of many of GLSEN’s signature programs, including the first-ever Ad Council campaign on LGBT issues, ThinkB4YouSpeak, and No Name Calling Week. As GLSEN’s primary spokesperson, she has appeared on World News with Charlie Gibson, The O’Reilly Factor, Buchanan & Press and 60 Minutes.

Dr. Byard was previously Development Director for the Center for Investigative Reporting and currently chairs the Board of Directors of Arts Engine, a nonprofit organization that promotes the production and distribution of independent media on a range of social issues. As a filmmaker, Dr. Byard worked on numerous award-winning productions for public television, including Out of the Past, School Colors and Genesis: A Living Conversation with Bill Moyers. Dr. Byard received a PhD in United States History from Columbia University.

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