OUTBermuda, the island’s only LGBTQ+ registered charity, has appointed six new directors to its board.

A spokesman for the charity said it was “thrilled to welcome fresh perspectives and expertise, anticipating that the new members will contribute to the growth and innovation of the charity’s mission”.

The spokesman added that OUTBermuda followed “a thorough and transparent recruitment, application and onboarding process” to recruit the appropriate mix of directors to run the charity.

The six new appointees are Abigail Clifford, Sara Doleno-Corday, Taj Donville-Outerbridge, Buddy Fleming, Michael DeCouto and Tiara Webb.

Adrian Hartnett-Beasley, the board chairman, said: “This diverse group of newly appointed directors brings a wealth of experience in areas such as programming, governance, fundraising and communications and marketing, that will further strengthen OUTBermuda’s initiatives and impact within the LGBTQ+ community.

“Their joining the board signifies a significant step forward in enhancing our ability to serve the community more effectively and more sustainably.”

The new directors were welcomed at a two-day “strategic planning and visioning session” last week

The initiative was led by consultant Kerry-Jo Ford Lyn and reflected the organisation's commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in fulfilling its mission.

According to the spokesman, Ms Ford Lyn was “a preferred consultant for this purpose — a queer woman of colour who has guided organisations in emboldening their visions while thriving and providing thought partnership — with her expertise spanning both enterprise-wide strategic planning and the intricacies of organisational reinvention”.

Ms Ford Lyn has worked with public and private sector foundations and human rights activist groups all over the world and specialises in strategic planning, programme design and management — all with a strong connection to and recognition by the LGBTQ+ community.

Ms Webb said: “I was thrilled to embark on this journey, and our strategy session deepened the connection among our board’s directors. By staying agile and embracing emergent strategies, we paved the way for impactful work and an inclusive future for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Mr DeCouto added: “Joining the board of OUTBermuda is a deeply personal journey for me and one which I embrace fully both in terms of celebrating and honouring the work that has been done to date as well as the contributions I can make in the future to impact positive change on our community.”

OUTBermuda executive director Tiffany Paynter said: "I'm really excited about the appointment of our new directors and feel grateful for the opportunity to engage in strategic planning and visioning with someone as insightful and experienced as Mrs Ford Lyn.

“These developments mark an important chapter in the growth of OUTBermuda as we continue to serve and support our LGBTQ+ community.

• For more information about OUTBermuda and its initiatives, visit www.OUTBermuda.org