The League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) today announced the installation of veteran state board member and Orange County league leader Patricia “Patti” Brigham as the organization’s new state president. Outgoing president Pamela Goodman will pass the gavel to Brigham at the meeting of the state board on Saturday.
Goodman has presided over three years of unprecedented growth in membership and expansion of league engagement in voter education and advocacy. Her term capped 13 years serving in voluntary leadership positions at local, state and national levels. She is resigning from league leadership to pursue a new professional opportunity. As executive director of Ruth’s List, she will be working to encourage more women to run for public office in Florida.
“Our strong board of directors and our leadership succession plan allows this organization to seamlessly continue its mission under the new leadership of Patti Brigham,” Goodman said. “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization and I am confident their passion, commitment and professionalism will continue to make LWVFL a powerful force for Florida’s voters and our future.”
A proven national and Florida grassroots leader and coalition builder, Brigham joined the LWVFL state board in 2015 and moved into the position of first vice president in 2016. After joining the League of Women Voters of Orange County (LWVOC) in 2013 Patti quickly assumed leadership duties, serving on the Membership Committee and working with young League members to organize and host “Speak Easy with the League” events. In 2014 she formed the LWVOC Gun Safety Action team which was later adopted statewide. That same year she was appointed to the LWVOC Board of Directors and served for two years. In 2016, in the days following the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Patti partnered with Goodman to form the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence which now includes more than 100 organizational partners.
“This is an exciting time for the League with the growth we’re experiencing and so many young people eager to be ready to vote,” Brigham said. “I hope to carry forward Pam’s many accomplishments and build on them.”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. League has never endorsed a candidate or a political party in its 98 year history. Voting rights, voter registration, and election reform are consistent priorities of the organization. Other current issues include Education, Healthcare, Natural Resources and Solar Energy expansion, Gun Safety and Juvenile Justice. LWV Florida has experienced an 80 percent growth in membership in the last 3 years and is now the second largest league in the country. Florida touts the largest local leagues in the country with Palm Beach County, Orange County, and St. Petersburg leading the way. The League is represented in 30 counties throughout Florida.
“Election years are when the League becomes particularly vital to voters to help them make informed choices,” Brigham added. “I’m ready and excited for the challenge!”
To learn more and find your local chapter, visit lwvfl.org.
