Denise de Percin Appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to Denver GLBT Commission
Carter Klenk Elected to Board of National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs

Denver – The Colorado Anti-Violence Program announced today that two of its staff members have accepted leadership positions working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at the local and national levels.

The board of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, during its semi-annual meeting hosted in Denver earlier this week, elected CAVP Program Director Carter Klenk to a two-year position on the board. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs is an association of agencies that advocate for and provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of harassment, violence, and crime, including anti-HIV/AIDS violence, partner abuse, sexual violence, police misconduct and other forms of victimization.

"I feel very honored to have the opportunity to join the NCAVP Board and participate in anti-violence advocacy and policy work on a national level. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to represent Colorado and the innovative work being done locally to address violence," said Klenk. "In a time of increased backlash and violence affecting LGBT people at the local, state, and national level, anti-violence work becomes even more critical, if that’s possible," she continued.

Denise de Percin, Executive Director of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program was notified of her appointment by Mayor John Hickenlooper to a two-year term on the 21-member Denver GLBT Commission Tuesday. The mission of the Denver GLBT Commission is to enhance the social, economic and political quality of life by assisting members of the GLBT community in the attainment of equality and full opportunity, and to advise the Mayor on such matters.

"Mayor Hickenlooper has demonstrated support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the very beginning of his administration," said de Percin. "I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the commission to improve the quality of life for GLBT people and all the residents of the City and County of Denver."

"With Carter and Dede in these pivotal positions, the Colorado Anti Violence Program has the opportunity to broaden the scope of our work and advocate for safety and services with the many communities we collaborate with, and the LGBT community," commented JT Garcia, Colorado Anti-Violence Program board member.