February 22, 2021
Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First has to get a new CEO. Former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield has resigned after several organizations pulled their support over his anti-gay views expressed while in the House. In a tweet, Chatfield said “for the betterment of the Kalamazoo community, the businesses that the board of directors represent, the staff at SWMF and for the sake of my conscience, please see the letter of resignation I offered this morning. I remain grateful for having had this incredible opportunity.” While serving in the House, he blocked a vote on legislation which would have expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to cover the LGBTQ community. Chatfield also won election to the House in northern Michigan against an incumbent Republican because the incumbent supported the gay rights addition.
Southwest Michigan First apologizes after Lee Chatfield resigns, promises ‘inclusive’ search for next CEO
Updated Feb 22, 2021;
Posted Feb 22, 2021
Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield talks to reporters at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019.Neil Blake | MLive.com
Facebook Share
KALAMAZOO, MI Southwest Michigan First said it is making internal changes to increase diversity, equity and inclusion after the selection of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as CEO led to public outcry from the community.
Chatfield announced his resignation as CEO on Monday, Feb. 22, morning, after being hired about a week earlier. He could not be reached for comment.
His bigotry finally caught up with him. Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, who was an outspoken opponent of LGBTQ protections when he was in.
Kalamazoo City Commission cuts ties with Southwest Michigan First over CEO hire westernherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from westernherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation ends membership with Southwest Michigan First over misalignment of ‘values and vision’
Updated Feb 19, 2021;
Facebook Share
KALAMAZOO, MI The Kalamazoo Community Foundation is the latest organization end its membership investment with Southwest Michigan First, citing a misalignment of values and vision.
Southwest Michigan First has taken heavy criticism after the regional economic development nonprofit hired former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its CEO last week.
Chatfield, who served as a Republican in the House for 6 years, has taken fire for his policy stances while in the legislature, including in 2019 when he said he would not allow civil rights legislation to come before the House because it would restrict religious freedom.