ORLANDO, Fla. — The onePULSE Foundation announced Tuesday that founder Barbara Poma has stepped down from the organization.
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Poma established the not-for-profit after the June 12, 2016, mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, which she co-founded in 2004.
The foundation said Poma’s resignation was part of a planned leadership transition that began in 2021.
“Poma recently served as executive director before pivoting to focus her work on the foundation’s national fundraising efforts as part of a new leadership structure,” the organization said in a prepared statement.
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Deborah Bowie took over as executive director in May.
“The foundation is grateful to Barbara for her many contributions and commitment to onePULSE, and for being a lifetime advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community,” the foundation said.
The organization said its Board of Trustees has recently updated its three-year strategic plan to “better position the foundation as it continues to drive forward the project that will honor and preserve the legacy of those killed and create a sanctuary of hope.”
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The organization said it will provide updates to the project’s progress and next steps in the run-up to the annual Pulse Remembrance Week in June.
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