Diane Randall to Leave Friends Committee on National Legislation

Diane Randall speaking at a May 2019 press conference to repeal war authorizations. Joining her were on her left, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.); behind her, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.); and on her right, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). Photo courtesy of FCNL.

Diane Randall will leave her post as general secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) at the end of 2021. Randall plans to take some time “for rest and reflection” before deciding on her future plans.

Founded in 1943, FCNL is the largest faith-based lobbying organization in Washington, D.C. Randall, just the fourth general secretary in FCNL’s history and the first woman to lead the organization, has served since 2011.

“[FCNL] is a strong organization,” says Randall. “We have a strong staff; we’re financially strong; and we have a very dedicated and committed governance. . . this organization is really well poised. . . to not only sustain its work but really go into the next phase of its life.”

Randall was named one of 15 U.S. “Faith Leaders to Watch” by Center for American Progress in 2020. In 2021, the Nuclear Threat Initiative named her a Gender Champion in Nuclear Policy, acknowledging her role in making FCNL a leading voice for nuclear disarmament and arms reduction.

During Randall’s tenure, FCNL has more than doubled its staff and budget, increased its outreach to young adults and non-Quakers, developed the Quaker Welcome Center, and acquired the Friends Place on Capitol Hill (formerly the William Penn House).

A search committee for the next general secretary has been formed. Applications will be reviewed beginning August 1, with plans to interview candidates, select three to five finalists, and present a final recommendation to the FCNL Executive Committee by early October. A final decision will be made by the FCNL General Committee at the annual meeting in November 2021.

“Because of the progress made under the leadership of Diane Randall,” says DeAnne Butterfield, clerk of the General Secretary Search Committee, “we are positioned to continue to grow our advocacy, youth programs, and diversity work, and also address emerging opportunities with the Congress to advance Friends’ vision of a world with peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. This is an opportunity for new leadership in the Society of Friends to guide this important and thriving organization into the future.”

FJ News Editors

Erik Hanson and Windy Cooler are the news editors for Friends Journal. They contributed to the reporting of this story. Do you know about any Quaker news stories we should be covering? Send us tips at news@friendsjournal.org.

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