The Board of Directors of The Attic Youth Center is pleased to announce the appointment of John Fisher-Klein (he/him) as their new executive director. He assumed the role on September 27th, 2021.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m proud to welcome John Fisher-Klein to the team and support his leadership. The world has given all of us many challenges, and we’ve had to make many changes and adaptations. We are not done evolving and growing, and we have much more work to do. I know John is excited to be a part of that change,” said Jasper Liem, MSS, LCSW, Board President. 

“It has been my privilege to serve as The Attic’s Interim Executive Director and I am pleased to pass the torch to John. I am confident in his ability to lead The Attic into its next chapter with passion and dedication. John’s expertise in education, youth development, and advocacy, along with his investment in LGBTQ youth and social justice, will strengthen the organization’s ability to meet the needs of our young people,” said Interim Executive Director, Shawnese Givens.

Fisher-Klein rose to the top of the search after completing a five-stage hiring process, which included an initial screening, multiple interviews with the Search Committee, presentations of his vision with the staff and Board of Directors, and an extensive vetting and background check process. McCormack+Kristel, a pioneer in LGBTQ diversity search consulting, guided the Attic’s team through extensive vetting. Fisher-Klein has a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies from The University of Delaware, and a Master of Science in Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University. He also holds Certificates in Nonprofit Management and in Fiscal Management. John has more than 18 years of professional experience, including more than eight years with AIDS Delaware, where he started as an intern and following a series of promotions, was eventually promoted to the position of Executive Director. Since 2018, he has managed programs and quality initiatives for Delaware’s Department of Education. 

“I plan to start my work at the Attic with efforts to create a new, three-year strategic plan. We will engage in a reflective process that will help us define who we want to be as an organization, what we would like to do, and how to get there. The result will be a living document that will guide the Attic’s Board of Directors and us, the staff, in our work over the next few years,” said John Fisher-Klein.

“As the Founding Executive Director of the Attic Youth Center, I couldn’t be more delighted to work with John as he moves into his new role. His warmth, passion, and commitment to youth, to the community, and to the work, position him well for this crucial job. I’m excited to see the unfolding of The Attic’s future with John at the helm,” said Carrie Jacobs, Founder.

Founded in 1993, The Attic Youth Center creates opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society.