by Eric Resnick

Columbus--Former Equality Toledo director Kim Welter, who left that position in December, will join the staff of Equality Ohio next week.

Meanwhile, the first two staffers hired by the statewide LGBT organization are leaving.

Director of Education and Public Policy Bo Shuff announced that he will be departing on March 4. In an email to associates, Shuff said, ?Between now and then I would like very much to wrap up all loose ends and provide a smooth transition.?

Shuff does not have new employment lined up, but said he intends to continue to live in the Columbus area with his partner.

Andrea Wood, who has served as the organization?s Manager of New Media and Engagement since its beginning, is leaving February 29. Like Shuff, she has no other employment waiting.

Wood also served on the steering committee that organized Equality Ohio in early 2005.

Equality Ohio director Lynne Bowman agrees that having two staffers resign without a new job is ?odd,? but said, ?There are no issues.?

?They decided it?s time to move on,? Bowman said. ?It?s sad. They will be missed.?

?Turnover in the non-profit world happens,? said Bowman.

?Andrea and Bo have been amazing and given much of themselves to this organization,? Bowman added.

Bowman then announced that Kim Welter was hired on February 13, essentially to fill Wood?s position with some modifications and a new title.

Welter, who will start February 18, will have the title of Program Manager of Outreach and Education.

According to Bowman, Welter will focus on outreach to civic and community organizations, religious institutions, and other non-governmental groups.

Bowman said Welter will less concerned with legislation.

Welter will initially be located in Toledo with some travel to Equality Ohio?s offices in Columbus and eventual plans to move there, Bowman said.

Bowman said Wood and Shuff were generalists, in that they had lots of skills in many areas, which was important to get the new organization started.

The next part of the plan, according to Bowman, will be to evaluate the post Shuff now holds, determine any adjustments it may need, then hire someone for the new position.