WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced the appointment of Cuc Vu as its first chief diversity officer. In this senior level position, Vu will work to foster a work environment where diversity is recognized as a fundamental part of the Human Rights Campaign's organizational culture regardless of rank and title. Vu, who will report directly to Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, will also oversee the organization's outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities of color.

"Cuc brings to the Human Rights Campaign a proven track record of bringing together diverse sectors of communities to work on common issues," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "She will play a key role in making sure we execute our vision of diversity within our ranks and membership with the same urgency we use to help companies create policies and work environments that are supportive and welcoming for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans."

Vu most recently served as the immigration campaign manager at the Service Employees International Union for almost five years where she helped build broad-based coalitions with church, immigrant, labor, civil rights, student, business and ethnic media groups. SEIU was widely noted for being the leading union on immigration issues and Vu organized SEIU's leaders and members to be at the heart of the immigration movement that took the country by notice last year with the largest demonstrations in U.S. history.

"I am very excited about working with Joe Solmonese and a very talented team to pursue the Human Rights Campaign's commitment to achieving diversity with a fresh perspective," said Vu. "I believe we can become one of the most successful organizations in the country by uniting the strength of our 650,000 members and supporters with people of all races and backgrounds. It's an incredibly exciting prospect with many challenges and rewards."

Vu began her post at the Human Rights Campaign in January 2007.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.