MMAA Officially Welcomes Rachel Branaman as Executive Director
Rachel Branaman Takes Lead in Top Organization for LGBTQ+ Military Communities
Washington D.C. (Dec. 19, 2023) After an extensive and thorough search process, the Modern Military Association of America is pleased to announce Rachel Branaman (she/her) as its Executive Director. Branaman was selected to lead the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ+ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families, and allies.
“Rachel joins MMAA at a pivotal moment in our mission to champion equality, diversity, and inclusivity within the military community,” says Board Chair, Dr. Joshua A. Fontanez, PhD (he/him). “Rachel has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to MMAA during her interim role. She successfully navigated operational challenges, implemented positive organizational change, and demonstrated a clear view of MMAA’s future. The unanimous support from the Board reflects our collective belief in her ability to guide MMAA toward continued growth and success.”
Branaman is a nonprofit executive and professional fundraiser with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit operations, fundraising, leadership development, and organizational management. She is the founder and principal consultant of Talem Consulting, a national, full-service diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), woman-owned firm that provides nonprofits the tools they need to build capacity, fundraise, and dismantle systems of inequity. She previously served as Interim Development Director for the National Women’s Health Network and Turtle Survival Alliance. Before turning to consulting, she served as executive director of Alley’s House and in development roles at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Dallas Heritage Village, and Dallas Children’s Museum.
Over the past six months, Branaman provided organizational management and built policies to support long-term success, while overseeing the development of new programs and legislative policy priorities. Throughout 2023, she attended Capitol Hill VSO roundtables and White House events, rebuilt relationships with military and veteran service organizations, and solidified partnerships with LGBTQ+ friendly organizations such as PFLAG, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USAA, and others – all while upholding the standards and reputation of MMAA.
“As Rachel assumes the permanent leadership role, we are confident she will lead MMAA to new heights while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and strategic impact within our community,” says Fontanez. “We express our sincere gratitude for her dedication during the interim period and look forward to a bright future under her continued leadership. We invite our supporters, partners, and the wider public to join us in support of MMAA’s positive transformation.”
Branaman explains what she anticipates for the new year. “I look forward to leading the organization into a new era of growth and impact. In the coming months, MMAA will be rolling out programs and campaigns focused on our key policy areas: HIV Positive Service, Military Families, Active Service Members and Veterans, Transgender Service, and the Drag Ban. I am excited to help MMAA further strengthen its commitment to fostering a military environment that is truly representative and supportive of the full diversity of its ranks.”
Alleria Stanley (she/her), Director of Advocacy for SPARTA and long-time MMAA organizational partner, states “I am excited to see Rachel Branaman cement her leadership of the Modern Military Association of America. MMAA has a rich history and is a bright star in the constellation of military LGBTQ+ advocacy and support organizations. Continuing to work with her and MMAA will be a joy as we all continue our efforts for the LGBTQ+ servicemembers, families, and veterans.”
Rachel graduated from Austin College with a BA in French, Regis University with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, and the Leadership Texas program. She is a returned U.S. Peace Corps volunteer (Namibia 2009-2011). She serves on the board of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and her other community work includes legislative advocacy on healthcare, civil rights policies, and Peace Corps reform.
