William Way LGBT Community Center Appoints Dr. Darius McLean as New Executive Director
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Taylor Lumpkin
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McLean has served as the organization’s Acting Executive Director since June 30, 2025
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PHILADELPHIA, PA | January 20, 2026 – The William Way LGBT Community Center is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Darius McLean, Ed.D., as Executive Director of the organization, effective January 1, 2026. Since June 30, 2025, McLean has served as Acting Executive Director, succeeding Chris Bartlett, who stepped down after 15 years of leadership. Bringing more than a decade of experience at the intersection of LGBTQ+ health, youth development, and organizational leadership, McLean is thrilled to build upon the Center’s legacy while advancing its mission of inclusion, advocacy, and care.
McLean steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the William Way LGBT Community Center, as the organization continues to reimagine and revitalize its future following the permanent closure of its longtime Spruce Street building and the ongoing process to redevelop the space. At the same time, the Center is marking its 50th anniversary, an important milestone that reflects both its deep roots in the community and its commitment to evolving to meet the needs of future generations. With the Center focused on rebuilding, expanding its reach beyond physical walls, and strengthening community connections, McLean’s appointment signals a new chapter rooted in resilience, reflection, and a renewed vision for what William Way can be in the decades ahead.
McLean’s appointment follows a thorough and intentional leadership selection process. The Center engaged an outside consultant with RPM Consulting Group, specializing in nonprofit organizations and business leadership, to help design a framework for assessing the organization’s current and future needs in an Executive Director. As part of this process, the consultant conducted in-depth interviews with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including donors, community members, nonprofit leaders, board members, and staff, ensuring the final decision was informed by diverse perspectives and a deep understanding of the Center’s mission and priorities.
"I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director during this landmark 50th anniversary year,” said McLean. “The William Way LGBT Community Center has been a lifeline for generations of LGBTQ+ Philadelphians, and I look forward to working alongside staff, volunteers, and the community to ensure it remains a vibrant, welcoming, and empowering space for all.”
McLean’s leadership is deeply informed by lived experience, fueling his commitment to culturally responsive healthcare, youth empowerment, and social justice. Previously, McLean served for five years as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Empowerment Programs for William Way’s Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center. In these roles, he led initiatives to expand financial assistance for Philadelphia’s most marginalized LGBTQ+ residents and championed equitable workplace practices, including pay transparency and leadership diversification. His tenure has been marked by a deep commitment to cultural competence, dignity, and community-centered care.
Collectively, McLean brings more than 14 years of experience as a healthcare advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, including his role as Program Director for Einstein Healthcare Network’s PRIDE Program. He has also been a longtime champion of LGBTQ+ youth, facilitating gender-expansive youth groups at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Gender and Sexuality Clinic and leading Transcribez, a free creative writing group for trans and gender-nonconforming youth sponsored by Penn’s Kelly Writers House.
"Darius has been an integral part of the Center for years, and we know his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community will continue to inspire and strengthen our programs,” said William Way LGBT Community Center Board Co-Chairs Dave Huting and Laura Ryan. “We are thrilled to have him lead as Executive Director and to work alongside him as he builds on the Center’s tradition of care and connection."
A graduate of Temple University, McLean earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology. He went on to receive a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. He recently completed his doctoral degree, further deepening his expertise in adult learning and organizational psychology. He also holds a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Educational Leadership.
Additionally, McLean was a former board member of the Girls Justice League of Philadelphia and a current board member of the Independence Business Alliance. He is widely respected for his ability to build trust, foster open communication, and uplift the communities he serves. In his current role, McLean leads with vision, humility, and a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ Philadelphians today.
To learn more about William Way’s mission and programming, visit www.waygay.org.
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About William Way Community Center:
The William Way LGBT Community Center has served the LGBTQIA+ community of Philadelphia and its allies since 1976. From social groups, networking events, and counseling and support services to art exhibitions and cultural experiences, the Center consistently strives to provide new and innovative programs for the LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Greater Philadelphia. Visit www.waygay.org.