Vic Basile, who helped found the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund in 1991, has been appointed counselor to the director of the U.S. federal government’s Office of Personnel Management.  Basile, who is gay, will be assisting OPM Director John Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay presidential appointee in history.

“When President Obama said he would appoint the best and brightest, a lot of us thought of people like Vic Basile–experienced, dedicated, serious people who have much to offer their country.  I am extremely happy for Vic and glad that John Berry will enjoy his wise counsel,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Basile is a former executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, having served in that post from 1983 to 1989, according to the Washington Blade.

To date, four Victory Fund alumni have received presidential appointments in the Obama administration.  In addition to Basile, they are:

Jeremy Bernard, former Victory Fund board member–White House liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities

Brian Bond, former Victory Fund executive director–Deputy Director, White House Office of Public Liaison

Mark Perriello, former Victory Fund director of strategy–Office of Presidential Personnel

President Obama has appointed at least 30 openly LGBT people to senior posts in his administration.  Many of these have been recommended by the Presidential Appointments Project.  Go here for a full list of LGBT appointees and to learn more about securing a presidential appointment.