One Iowa Board Names Max Mowitz New Executive Director
Iowa’s statewide LGBTQ organizations, One Iowa and One Iowa Action, are thrilled to announce the appointment of Max Mowitz (he/they/él) as its new Executive Director. After an extensive search process that included more than 50 applicants, Max emerged as the standout candidate to lead the nearly 20-year-old organization into its next chapter. Max succeeds the previous Executive Director, Courtney Reyes, who led the two organizations for five years.
Max has been a dedicated member of One Iowa’s team for more than five years, serving as Program Director and overseeing its organizational programming, direct service, and community education. Max has been active in LGBTQ+ advocacy work since coming out in high school, focusing on community building and comprehensive LGBTQ education to the broader community as a component of LGBTQ+ liberation. Max is a certified Community Health Worker and a board member of Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, and practices as a gender and transition doula, providing free support to Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse individuals as they come out, access gender-affirming care, and live as their authentic selves. Max is passionate about justice and the liberation of all marginalized communities.
Max’s deep understanding of One Iowa’s mission, combined with their proven leadership and commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights, made them the ideal choice for this pivotal role. In their new role, they will focus on expanding our programs, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to advocate for policies that promote equity and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals across the state.
“Our fight for equality for LGBTQ Iowans continues, and I am incredibly excited to have Max step into the role of Executive Director to lead this fight. He brings immense expertise and a wealth of experience serving the LGBTQ community. Embodying a history of service and a deep passion for the needs of individuals, I am confident Max is the best person to lead our fight forward.” said Jeremy Weiss, One Iowa Board Chair.
“Iowa’s current laws are a stark reminder of the ongoing discrimination faced by the LGBTQ community. These policies not only undermine basic human rights but also foster an environment of exclusion and intolerance. Max has a history of fighting for LGBTQ liberation and will be a strong leader as we advocate for change and ensure our policies protect the civil rights, health, and safety of LGBTQ Iowans,” added Bethany Snyder, Board Chair of One Iowa’s political organization, One Iowa Action.
Max expressed their enthusiasm about stepping into this role, stating, “As an LGBTQ+ Iowan who was raised by our community, it is a privilege and an honor to begin my role as the next Executive Director of One Iowa. My deep love and admiration for the One Iowa team, our LGBTQ+ community in Iowa, and the leaders that have come before me will shape my leadership of this incredible organization. I will never take this opportunity for granted and will lead with the values of solidarity, liberation, and compassion- thank you all for believing in me and the work of One Iowa”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all search committee members who participated in this process. Please join us in congratulating Max Mowitz on their new role and in supporting their vision for the future of One Iowa.
