News from Durham dated June 12 confirms that Natalie Watson, executive director of the city’s LGBTQ Center, has made the decision to resign and move on to another as-of-yet unidentified role. Watson has been involved with the Center since 2014 in different capacities as a board member as well as staff. Their involvement in the Center has been crucial during times of need and board members expressed their gratitude thank Natalie for all Watson has done for the Center and the community during that time.
During the transition period, the center’s board has worked with the staff to appoint two leaders currently working for the Center to share the responsibility of moving the facility forward as Interim Co-Executive Directors.
“We are thrilled to have Vanity Deterville and Raye Dooley step in to ensure the Center continues to support the staff and community during this time,” a statement from Durham’s LGBTQ Center reads. “Both Vanity and Raye have experience leading programs within the Center as program directors and we are excited to work with them in the coming months. We want to give a huge thanks to Vanity and Raye for stepping into this role as well as thank the staff for all the work that they have done and continue to do to serve the community.”
The Board will be working closely with the Interim Co-Executive Directors and staff to ensure a magical path forward for the Center so that we can continue to service the Durham and NC Queer community in the best way possible.