PFY Gets a New Director, by Andy Peters

In January 2010, Pete Carney was promoted to Director of Pride for Youth. Simultaneous to this transition, I took on the position of Long Island Crisis Center’s Associate Executive Director wherein my responsibilities shifted to fund development and administration for all three divisions of the agency. I’m truly delighted to make room for this opportunity for Pete. Pete possess tremendous experience, skill and passion for the cause of LGBT youth. In his two years as Assistant Director, he forged new relationships with schools, enhanced PFY’s professional training program particularly in the area of transgender education, and established partnerships with LGBT business and organizations to broaden PFY’s circle of support. I know that PFY will be in good hands. I spent twelve years directing PFY and four years before that in successive positions starting as a social work intern. I could not have asked for a more rewarding career experience. To work at PFY is to be part of something rare and special. In 1994, I moved from Buffalo to Long Island to attend graduate school and expecting I would find a job in New York City. Instead, I found a home at Long Island Crisis Center and a mission in Pride for Youth, a place that a former co-worker (also a transplant) once called: “The very best place on Long Island.” I won’t be far away from PFY and will continue working hard in the background to sustain and expand its programs. I wish Pete the best of luck with his new position and thank all the young people, colleagues and supporters who made my years as director so gratifying.