Andrew Gillum found a lack of support for young progressive leaders when he was first elected to the Tallahassee City Commission. After meeting other young elected officials (YEO) facing a similar dilemma, he decided to search for an organization designed for elected leaders his age, and turned to People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF). Gillum, a founder and now, National Director of the Young Elected Officials Network with PFAWF, spearheads this program that seeks to unite elected officials age 35 and under. About the Network, Gillum states, “Our generation of leaders is not only young, but innovative, forward thinking, dynamic, inclusive, and experiencing the need for democracy like no other group. Ready to run the country in the future, this group of leaders recognizes the dire need for change now. Stepping up to the plate to make a difference now, when it is needed, makes their presence impressive and their voices crucial. In the YEO Network, members are empowered to transform their political vision into progressive action.”

With Gillum at the helm, in May 2006, the program evolved into a national network that links young elected officials across the country and helps identify solutions to the challenges facing communities and states. Ebony magazine’s February 2004 edition featured Gillum as one of “The Fast Track 30 Leaders Who are 30 and Under.” In 2003, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation awarded Andrew with the Emerging Leaders Award. Tallahassee Community College also spotlighted him in their 4th Annual African-American History Calendar that recognized achievers who have made significant contributions to Leon and surrounding counties. As a result of his advocacy efforts, the national Center for Policy Alternatives (Washington, DC) recognized him as the country’s top student leader in 2001. Gillum serves on the Board of Directors of the Black Youth Vote Coalition, a program of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (Washington, DC); is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and a member of the Community of Faith Church.

With a passion for public service, and the ability to motivate and mobilize people to action, Commissioner Andrew D. Gillum is truly an emerging leader of our time.