Guilford Green Foundation has a new Executive Director

Contact: Jana Shaw                                                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jana.shaw@ggfnc.org                                                                                    January 28, 2025

336-790-8419

www.guilfordgreenfoundation.org 

Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center Announces Bess Newton as New Executive Director

Greensboro, NC — Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center (GGF) is proud to announce the appointment of Bess Newton as its new Executive Director. A seasoned nonprofit leader with more than two decades of mission-driven work, Newton brings a deep commitment to social justice, equality, and community development to her new role.

Newton’s extensive experience spans program and membership development, executive leadership, and fundraising. Most recently, she has served as Director of Development at the Eastern Music Festival, where she cultivated critical donor relationships and secured resources to advance the organization’s mission. Her career also includes leadership roles in Boston and Western North Carolina with organizations such as Pisgah Legal Services, the Girl Scouts, and Under One Sky Village Foundation, where she successfully led initiatives that expanded programs, budgets, and community impact.

“I come to the position of Executive Director for Guilford Green Foundation, which works toward a thriving LGBTQ community, with a deep respect for the organization's history and an ambitious vision for its future," Newton shared. "My first order of business is to listen and learn even more about the Foundation and the people who care about it and are impacted by the good work it does in the community."

Raised in North Carolina and now residing in Greensboro with her family, Newton’s lifelong advocacy for social justice and equality is rooted in her belief that all people deserve an equal opportunity for health and happiness. "My longtime work for social justice, positive youth development, and equal rights comes from a core belief that all human beings are created equal," she said. "Guilford Green Foundation calls on our whole community to help make that happen, to dare to believe that we can ALL thrive when we have the equal opportunity to do so. I am honored to lead this charge."

Her involvement in campaigns for Marriage Equality and against discriminatory legislation, such as North Carolina's HB2 and California's Proposition 8, demonstrates a deep-seated belief in the importance of creating a just and equitable society for all.

Under Newton's leadership, GGF will continue its critical role as a resource and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Guided by her vision and expertise, GGF aims to significantly deepen its impact, expand its vital programs, and foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The Board of Directors and staff expressed their excitement for Newton’s leadership. Board Chair, Kami Roman, says “the GGF board is thrilled to have Bess joining us. She brings exceptional experience, clear vision, and a steady presence to the organization. We are confident that Bess will elevate the GGF to new heights, extend our partnerships, and ground the work in the center of the mission."

Newton invites the Greensboro and Triad communities to join the movement. "If you are wondering what you can do to help make things better for the LGBTQ community, Guilford Green Foundation is an avenue for you, and we appreciate our allies now more than ever. If you are part of the LGBTQ community and need an ally and advocate, GGF is here for you," she affirmed.

For more information or to connect with Bess Newton, please contact Jana Shaw, Communications Manager at jana.shaw@ggfnc.org.

About Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center:
Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center advances equality and inclusion through philanthropy, programming, and advocacy that uplifts the LGBTQ community of the Triad region in North Carolina. Since its establishment in 1998, GGF has been committed to providing resources, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ individuals and their allies. Through various programs, initiatives, and partnerships, GGF strives to create a more equitable and accepting society for all. For more information, visit www.guilfordgreenfoundation.com