The MassEquality PAC stands with, develops, and elects candidates who outspokenly champion justice and equality for all LGBTQ people across Massachusetts. Since 2004, the PAC has consistently researched, interviewed and endorsed pro-equality candidates for both state and local offices. The six-member board works tirelessly to ensure that these candidates have the platforms to advocate for equality for all members of the LGBTQ community. MassEquality is working on a broad range of issues this year, from advocating for non-discrimination protections for members of the transgender community to providing services for homeless youth to ensuring that LGBTQ elders age with the dignity and respect they deserve and have access to competent health and social services.

The MassEquality PAC is governed by an independent Board of Directors.

Current board members include:

Rob Henry is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ equality having served in numerous roles over the years.
As the chair of the Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts, a statewide advocacy group, he was one of the key leaders in the marriage equality fight. He also founded and led North Shore Equality, a grass-roots organization focused on the North Shore that became MassEquality’s first local affiliate.
Currently, Rob is the board president of MassEquality, a statewide organization focused on ensuring that the entire LGBTQ community has lived equality throughout the commonwealth. In addition to his advocacy work, Rob is a principal risk management specialist working with government organizations to analyze and manage their risk. Rob lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts and for fun stage manages a
local pops orchestra that performs throughout the North Shore.

Stan Zanarotti is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Dimensional Insight, a small business intelligence software company, since 1989.  He has previously served as President of MIT BGALA, MIT’s LGBT alumni affinity group.

Holly Ryan is a veteran activist. She is the first openly transgender woman to serve on a City Council in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on the Newton City Council.

A founding member and former co-chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, she was instrumental in building the coalition that led to the passage of both the 2011 Trans Rights Law and 2016 Public Accommodations Law.

She has served as an advisor to a former president of the Massachusetts State Senate on prioritizing LGBTQ+ legislation. She was the first trans person to serve on the Newton Human Right Commission and served as LGBTQ+ Liaison for two Mayors.

Samantha Cox is a community organizer and advocate dedicated to advancing LGBTQIA+ equality across Massachusetts’ South Shore. They serve as Co-Chair of the Halifax Democratic Town Committee, Bridge Captain for the South Shore Bridge Brigade, Coordinator for Halifax Pride, and volunteer as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. Sam is also an active volunteer with MassEquality and a member of the Plymouth County Democratic League.

With a background in early childhood education and health and wellness, Sam brings experience in community engagement, collaboration, and leadership. Passionate about expanding MassEquality’s presence beyond Greater Boston, Sam is committed to strengthening partnerships, increasing public education, and ensuring LGBTQIA+ communities across the Commonwealth are supported and represented.