If you’ve heard the name Samir Luther, it’s likely because of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s excellent Workplace Project, one of the community’s most successful efforts to engage corporate America in the fight for LGBT equality.  Luther is currently its Associate Director and works with business leaders and LGBT workplace advocates across the country to implement inclusive policies and practices, from non-discrimination policies to transgender-inclusive health insurance.

After six years advancing workplace equality at HRC, Luther has agreed to take on a new challenge as Director of the Presidential Appointments Project at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute.

The Project, a collaborative effort of some 16 national LGBT organizations, has seen President Obama appoint more than 100 openly LGBT Americans to his administration, including 25 at a level requiring confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

In all, nearly 2,000 people have applied for appointments through the Project since its inception in 2008.  As Program Director, Luther will manage the relationship between the Project’s applicants and the White House, as well as the expansion of the Project’s recruitment efforts to volunteer opportunities on federal panels, boards and commissions.

George Walker, a vice president at GLLI, said Luther’s experience among American businesses makes him a perfect fit for the job.  ”Samir has been a champion for fairness and equality in front of powerful corporations.  He has the skills and networks necessary to promote our community’s best and brightest as we seek to increase the number of LGBT voices in federal government,” Walker said.

“I look forward to expanding opportunities for LGBT professionals to give back to their country and advance equality,” said Luther.  He starts Monday, June 7.

Learn more about the Presidential Appointments Project here.