Neil Giuliano

Neil Giuliano is a politician, civic leader, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate recognized as the first directly elected openly gay mayor in the United States. Giuliano was the youngest person elected mayor of Tempe, Arizona, serving in that role for a decade. He began his political career as a city council member and was later appointed vice-mayor of Tempe. During his tenure, initiatives such as the creation of Tempe Town Lake, the Tempe Performing Arts Center, and the implementation of the regional light rail system were advanced. Under his leadership, Tempe was named an All-American City, an award honoring local governments for effective problem-solving.

After coming out as gay, Giuliano faced a recall effort from political opponents, which was unsuccessful. A subsequent recall related to city funding for the Boy Scouts of America proceeded to the ballot, but Giuliano won the election by a wide margin. He is a member of the inaugural class of the Victory Fund Hall of Fame of elected officials. Concurrent with his public office, Giuliano held positions at Arizona State University, including Director of Federal Relations and Co-Director of a presidential debate.

Giuliano served as president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), a national LGBTQ media advocacy organization, where he initiated programs to promote fair and inclusive representation in sports, advertising, and faith communities. During his tenure, the GLAAD Media Awards were first broadcast on the BRAVO Network, expanding LGBTQ-affirming messages to a broad audience. Giuliano also served as president and CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, leading a transition in care models to focus on health and wellness for thousands of patients annually.

Giuliano serves as president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership, a CEO business roundtable focused on advancing economic development and community well-being in Arizona. He serves on the board of directors for Visit Phoenix, the national LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Partnership for Economic Innovation, and Valley of the Sun United Way. Giuliano has also been a distinguished lecturer at the William J. Clinton School of Public Service at the Clinton Presidential Library. He is the author of "The Campaign Within: A Mayor's Private Journey to Public Leadership," which details his personal and professional journey. Giuliano has received awards for his work in public policy and community activism, including the Barry Goldwater Equality Award from Equality Arizona, Tempe Humanitarian of the Year, the Most Admired Leader Award from Phoenix Business Journal, and recognition as Man of the Year by Valley Leadership.