PRESS RELEASE
A Wider Bridge Announces Daniel Hernandez as Board Chair, Rabbi Denise Eger as Interim Executive Director
Hernandez and Eger take the helm alongside additional leadership, including a newly formed Executive Committee.
NEW YORK — Today, A Wider Bridge announced that former Arizona Rep. Daniel Hernandez has joined as Board Chair and Rabbi Denise Eger has joined as Interim Executive Director.
One of the youngest members elected to the Arizona House of Representatives, Hernandez brings deep experience in collaborating with broad coalitions to make progress across a range of issues. During his six year tenure in the House, Hernandez led on initiatives and legislation that connect closely to A Wider Bridge’s work. He co-founded the House LGBT Caucus; helped lead the effort to repeal the archaic and discriminatory 1991 “no promo homo” law, which prevented conversations or courses acknowledging or positively portraying homosexuality; and introduced a bipartisan resolution in recognition of Israel’s Independence Day. Hernandez previously worked with former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and currently serves as the Government Affairs Director at Stand for Children in Arizona.
“As LGBTQ rights are threatened across the country, A Wider Bridge will continue to serve as an organizing home for Jewish and non-Jewish LBGTQ folks and allies,” said Daniel Hernandez. “I look forward to collaborating with Rabbi Eger and the full team as we gear up for Pride and expand and grow our work—we are full speed ahead.”
Hernandez will work closely with Interim Executive Director Rabbi Denise Eger, the first woman to serve in the role at the organization. An international Jewish leader, author, sought after speaker, and social justice activist, Eger will serve as Interim Executive Director as A Wider Bridge conducts a search for a full-time executive director. Eger is the first openly LGBTQ person to be president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis; the first woman to head the Southern California Board of Rabbis; and Founding Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA— a congregation defined by rich Jewish tradition, social justice, and an LGBTQ+ core at the center of a diverse community. In addition to her nearly 40 years on the pulpit, Eger brings her current experience coaching clergy and nonprofit executives as a PCC level accredited executive and performance coach.
“As a longtime admirer of A Wider Bridge, I am honored to be stepping in as Interim Executive Director,” said Rabbi Denise Eger. “During this time of transition, I am committed to working closely with our team, Board, and Executive Committee to continue the critical work ahead to advocate for LBGTQ rights and justice, connect LGBTQ communities in North America and Israel, and fight antisemitism, LGBTQ hate, and other forms of hate.”
Eger and Hernandez will serve alongside a newly-formed Executive Committee, which is a subset of the Board that is working closely with senior staff to help guide strategy and day-to-day work and that serves as a liaison to the full Board.