Chip Alfred Brings Passion to Philadelphia FIGHT

Executive Director of PhillyGayCalendar

It might be hard to believe, but Chip Alfred, Communications Director for Equality Forum and active member of the local LGBT community, has only been in Philadelphia since 2008.

“I’ve been here five years, but people probably think I’ve been here forever,” said Alfred.  “I was instantly assimilated into the community.”

Alfred will be leaving his post with Equality Forum to take on a new position with Philadelphia FIGHT, the locally-based AIDS service organization, as the Director of Communications, Public Relations, and Events.  The San Francisco State alumnus, who worked in a variety of high-profile media markets around the country, senses Philadelphia is the perfect fit for him.

“I really feel like Philadelphia is home now,” he said.

Equality Forum provided Alfred with the opportunity to wear “a lot of hats,” as he put it.  He was responsible for all communications surrounding the International Equality Dinner, one of the organization’s largest annual events.  Additionally, he was heavily involved with the annual Sunday OUT festival and played a key programmatic role with LGBT History Month.

However, Alfred’s interest in AIDS advocacy, along with his work as editor-at-large for A&U Magazine (where he interviewed such celebrities as Kenneth Cole and Miss Universe), led him to the new opportunity at Philadelphia FIGHT.

“It’s a perfect fit for me,” said Alfred.  “It’s a forward-thinking company and I believe in the organization’s mission.” 

That mission includes providing those with HIV and AIDS with whatever they need, regardless of any financial hardships the individuals may be facing—Alfred describes it as a “comprehensive AIDS service organization.”

In his new role, Alfred will be involved with Philadelphia FIGHT’s roster of events, including their annual dinner and AIDS Education Month. He hopes to use his wide-ranging community connections and relationships to enrich both the organization and the people that it serves.

“Networking is key these days,” he said.  “Relationship building is critical to any business.”

Although many will miss Alfred’s work at Equality Forum, there is no doubt that the community will continue to reap the benefits of his talent as he joins Philadelphia FIGHT.  For Alfred, he believes the new opportunity is, in some sense, destiny.

“I do believe in fate,” he said.  “I couldn’t be more excited.”

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