You Can Play, the non-profit organization working on LGBTQ inclusion in sports, has named its new executive director.
Ryan Pettengill has been working in sports and health for about two decades. He perviously served as executive director of Athletes United for Social Justice (The Grassroot Project), and he has been working in issues of sex health and sexuality. He lives in Tulsa, Okla., with his wife and two kids.
The organization has been without an executive director for a while, since Wade Davis’ role with the organization was shifted away from his ED position. He continues to work with You Can Play and advocates on topics of racism, sexism and other issues.
“We deeply respect Ryan’s passion for improving the lives of others,” You Can Play co-founder Brian Kitts said. “That passion, along with his work in program development and non-profit management, will make Ryan an ideal leader in working for You Can Play’s mission of LGBTQ equality in sports.”
Pettengill has personal, direct experience in sports as well, as both an Ironman athlete and a former high school athletic director.
You can read You Can Play’s full press release here, and you can see Pettengill’s full experience on his linkedin page.
