FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Marshall Troxell
Board Secretary, Stonewall Columbus
secretary@stonewallcolumbus.org
614-565-1423
Download the press release (PDF)
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 12, 2026 — Stonewall Columbus, a nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio, today announced it has engaged DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company specializing in executive search for mission-driven organizations, to lead a national search for the organization’s next Executive Director.
The announcement follows the departure of former Executive Director Densil Porteous, who stepped down effective July 1, 2026, to accept a national leadership role with the Human Rights Campaign.
“This is an important moment for Stonewall Columbus, and we’re committed to a thoughtful, community-informed process,” said K Terry Smith, President of the Stonewall Columbus Board of Trustees. “We’re looking for a leader who will honor our history while continuing to grow our impact, and we’re confident that partnering with DSG | Koya will help us find that person.”
Founded in 2004, DSG | Koya specializes in executive search for mission-driven organizations, partnering with nonprofits, NGOs, and social enterprises to identify and recruit exceptional leaders. As part of DSG Global, the firm combines deep expertise in the nonprofit and social-impact sectors with the resources and reach of a global executive search organization. DSG | Koya and its team bring experience conducting executive searches for LGBTQ+ community organizations across the country, including the Center on Halsted and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
DSG | Koya will work closely with the Stonewall Columbus Board of Trustees throughout the search process to identify a leader equipped to guide the organization into its next chapter. The search is expected to continue through late 2026 or early 2027.
Transition Leadership
To support Stonewall Columbus’s day-to-day operations during the search, the Board of Trustees has appointed Lois Hochstetler to serve as Interim Director. In this role, Hochstetler oversees daily operations, supports staff continuity, and helps ensure the organization’s programs and services continue uninterrupted while the search for a permanent Executive Director is underway.
Hochstetler brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across nonprofit organizations, behavioral health, and public service. Throughout her career, she has led organizations through periods of transition while strengthening operations and advancing services for individuals and communities facing barriers, marginalization, or inequitable access to opportunity.
“Stonewall Columbus has built something remarkable over the past 45 years, and I’m honored to help provide steady leadership during this transition,” said Hochstetler. “Transitions are an opportunity to build stability, strengthen organizations, and prepare for the future. My focus is ensuring our staff, programs, and community continue to feel supported throughout the transition so that whoever steps into this role can focus on leading the organization forward.”
About Stonewall Columbus
Founded in 1981, Stonewall Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio. The organization operates the Stonewall Columbus Community Center and hosts Columbus Pride, one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Midwest.
Learn more at stonewallcolumbus.org
