Darra Gordon is a visionary and strategic leader with over two decades of transformative impact in the nonprofit sector. Adept at steering organizations towards groundbreaking growth through innovative strategies, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to social justice.

Darra currently serves as the Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer at GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization. In these roles, Darra oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations including the Fundraising and Development, HR, IT and Finance departments. She also led and created GLAAD’s current five year transformational strategic plan and expanded GLAAD’s capacity and programs centered in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Darra joined GLAAD as COO in 2018 and developed the organization during a time of rapid growth which saw GLAAD more than triple its annual operating budget and fundraising goals.

She previously spent over 15 years at Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ youth service organization, where she achieved national expansion for the organization. Before HMI, Darra was at the Pearl Theatre Company, a classical repertory company, and at Literacy Inc. (LINC), an organization dedicated to helping children become stronger readers. Darra’s work has won her accolades, including the BMW Woman of Xcellence award, the Stonewall Honors for LGBTQ leadership, and the outstanding alumni award at her alma mater, Lycoming College.

Darra also currently serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA), Advisory Board of HabitQueer and is a member of the Board of Education for Pelham Public School District.

Darra received her MS in Nonprofit Management from the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment at the New School University, and her BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania.

Darra lives in Pelham, NY with her wife Nicole, their three children, and their two dogs, Jasper & Pepper.