Amanda Arbour
Amanda Arbour has been named the new executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, the center announced this morning.
Arbour replaces Louie Marven, who left after a five-year tenure to take a position with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Most recently, Arbour served as the racial justice program coordinator at the YWCA Greater Harrisburg. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and politics from Messiah College and is pursuing a master’s degree of education in training and development from Penn State Harrisburg.
With this appointment, Arbour becomes the Harrisburg-based center’s third executive director.
“I’m proud to be part of this diverse, vibrant and resilient community,” Arbour said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the board of directors, staff, partners, donors and community members to continue providing the safe spaces, supportive services and educational programs that the LGBT Center has become known for.”
Arbour’s past work includes service as the legislative liaison for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and interim coordinator of local community service for the Agape Center for Service and Learning at Messiah College.
“I am appreciative of Amanda’s evolving understanding and continuous display of ally-accomplice-ship to communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, trans-specific issues and more,” said Shaashawn Dial-Snowden, board president, in a statement. “Amanda is a bold, consistent voice in our movement and I look forward to working with her.”
Arbour begins in her new role on Sept. 11. To welcome her, an open house will be held at the LGBT Center, located at 1306 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22.
