Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for Family Equality
April 18, 2025 – Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has recruited Darra Gordon as the new CEO of Family Equality in New York City. The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Darra’s decades of leadership in the LGBTQ+ movement is an achievement, itself,” said Mr. Cooper. “Her ability to drive strategic growth, build strong coalitions, and inspire those around her makes her the right person to lead Family Equality into its next 30+ years of advocating for the rights of families across America. We are proud to partner with Family Equality on such a defining search and look forward to the immeasurable impact she will bring to this role and to all families the organization represents.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Darra at the helm,” said Scott Gatz, co-chair of Family Equality’s board of directors. “Her experience in transformational leadership and her unwavering dedication to social justice make her uniquely qualified to lead Family Equality into its next chapter. She has a clear vision for the future, and we are confident that she will guide the organization to new heights while also tackling the challenges ahead.”
With more than two decades of non-profit leadership experience, Ms. Gordon has dedicated her career to advancing social justice, strengthening nonprofit organizations, and championing LGBTQ+ rights. She brings expertise in advocacy, operational leadership, and fundraising, positioning her lead Family Equality through its next era of growth and impact.
Ms. Gordon most recently served as deputy president and chief operating officer at GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization. There, she led a period of unprecedented growth that tripled the organization’s operating budget and fundraising goals while expanding its DEI initiatives and implementing two consecutive strategic plans. Previously, Ms. Gordon spent 15 years at the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), where she led national expansion efforts for the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ youth service organization.
Since 1979, Family Equality has been at the forefront of the fight for legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families and those who wish to form them. Through policy change, advocacy, and community-building, the organization envisions a world where every LGBTQ+ family is recognized, protected, and valued. Family Equality continues to lead national efforts to ensure that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or family structure, have the right to form and sustain a loving family.
Founded in 2020, Cooper Coleman is a full-service executive search and consulting firm partnering exclusively with non-profit organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions to drive meaningful growth. Its team moves organizations forward by placing “the right leaders in the right roles at the right time” and helps to strengthen their management and fundraising capacity to amplify their mission and impact.
Bill Coleman is principal and co-founder of Cooper Coleman. He has more than 16 years of leadership experience throughout the social sector. He partnered with his father-in-law, William B. Coleman, to establish Cooper Coleman as a firm that “prioritizes making the essential services of executive search accessible to organizations across the social sector, knowing the transformational impact having the right leaders in the right roles can have on an organization and its mission,” the firm said. Mr. Coleman has more than 25 years’ experience in retained executive search, including leading his own firm, Coleman Search Consulting LLC, for more than 10 years until its sale in 2018.
Related: Cooper Coleman Recruits New Leader for ReVive Center for Housing and Healing
Mr. Cooper has worked with publicly and privately held corporations in the recruitment of C-level operating, finance, human resources, sales/marketing, supply chain, and technology executives. Prior to Cooper Coleman, he founded and led Coleman Search Consulting LLC, for more than 10 years before selling the firm.
East Coast Zoological Foundation Search
Cooper Coleman also recently placed Anthony Rivera as COO of the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), following a national search led by Cooper Coleman vice president of executive search, Kathy Kraushar. Mr. Rivera, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in operational strategy, guest experience, and revenue generation, will oversee all business operations, including facilities management, earned revenue, and safety, across ECZF’s growing portfolio, which encompasses the Brevard Zoo and the upcoming The Bowen Aquarium, a world-class Aquarium and Conservation Center planned for Port Canaveral, Florida.
Mr. Rivera most recently served as COO at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where he developed and implemented a long-term master plan for expansion, revenue growth, and guest engagement. Prior to that, he was SVP of operations and hospitality at Georgia Aquarium, leading industry innovations that enhanced guest experiences, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
“Anthony brings a remarkable ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence,” said Ms. Kraushar. “His leadership and passion for his work will not only enhance ECZF’s facilities and guest experience but also position the organization for long-term success as it expands its footprint.”
Established in 1986, the East Coast Zoological Foundation operates Brevard Zoo and will soon open the new Aquarium at Port Canaveral, a world-class facility focused on marine conservation. The organization is committed to connecting people with nature and promoting biodiversity through innovative programs, partnerships, and immersive educational experiences.
Related: Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the Montrose Center
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
