Zipprich Named Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow

Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich was named a David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute announced Tuesday.

Zipprich, council's only openly gay representative, is one of 11 open LGBT leaders in government and non-profit organizations who will receive scholarships to attend an elite executive development program at Harvard Kennedy School this July.

"It feels like Christmas. It feels like when  you're a little kid and you're anxiously awaiting that morning to find out whether you're going to get it or not," Zipprich said of the distinction during a phone interview Tuesday. "It's a huge honor to be one of the 11 folks selected from around the world to participate in this program."

Zipprich said the executive development program is an intensive three-week program with 12 hours of classes scheduled each day. The program is designed to hone leadership skills and further the leadership potential of those who participate.

Another benefit Zipprich said he's looking forward to is learning from and sharing ideas with other accomplished leaders attending the program from all over the world.

The purpose of the Bohnett fellowship is to connect leaders and further their development. Since the Victory Institute teamed with the David Bohnett Foundation, 91 LGBT leaders have been sent to participate in the development program.

Victory endorsed Zipprich's candidacy each of the three times he ran for a position on Red Bank's council.

But, while he's proud to be the borough's first and only openly gay council member, the goal, he said, is two grow as a leader and learn how to more effectively lead.

"My persistence and my commitment to my community are really the things that are first and foremost," he said. "It's about doing my very best to serve the constituency and ensure that our town continues to flourish and that we manage responsibly. As a gay politician, as an openly gay politician, it's important for people to understand that there is no difference in the ability of a straight politician and a gay politician. It's about representing everyone equally and fairly."