Tyler TerMeer Makes History as SFAF's First Black CEO
largest and most respected HIV service organizations in the country. Over 25,000 people currently rely on its programs and services per year, and millions more utilize its advocacy tools as well as its online information offerings.
So, many may find it surprising that the organization’s new CEO, Dr. Tyler TerMeer, is the first Black individual and only the second living with HIV to helm the foundation in its 40-year history.“I think I was also surprised, [yet] not surprised that I’m the first person of color to lead the foundation,” admits TerMeer. “Not surprised, because, you know, there are very few Black executives in the nonprofit sector leading organizations.
And that number becomes drastically smaller when you start to narrow down to specific fields of our sector. Personally, I have taken some time to think about my nearly 18 years now of living with HIV and how unbelievably rewarding that period of time has been for me to cultivate a group of peers that are also Black and brown folks around the country that have been a system of support.”Before taking on his new role at SFAF on February 14, Dr.
TerMeer served as CEO at Cascade AIDS Project, the largest community-based provider of HIV services in Oregon and southwest Washington, for over seven years.
