CLEVELAND – Mayor Frank G. Jackson Friday named Kevin Schmotzer as the City’s first LGBTQ Liaison.
Schmotzer will collaborate with internal departments, individuals, social service organizations and coalitions to address the needs of the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. He will also advise Mayor Jackson on LGBTQ issues. Schmotzer is currently the Executive of Small Business Development in the City’s Economic Development Department and will maintain that position.
“Cleveland has a long legacy of inclusion and welcomes people of all backgrounds,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “Mr. Schmotzer will help us expand and advance nondiscriminatory policies that move our entire community forward.” Schmotzer joins several others in the Jackson administration who take an active role in advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Director of Public Safety Michael McGrath recently named Commander Deirdre Jones as its LGBTQ Liaison in the Department of Safety and the Division of Police.
Jones is the second person in the department to hold this position. Jones will focus specifically on building relationships with the city’s LGBTQ community and the Division of Police. LGBTQ advocates also serve on various city boards including, but not limited to, the Community Relations Board, Workforce Development Board and the Police Review Board.
Schmotzer has been with the City of Cleveland for more than 19 years. As the Executive of Small Business Development, he is responsible for creating and administering programs, financial incentives, and economic development tools to attract entrepreneurship, small business development and private investment to the City of Cleveland.
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