Businessman, lawyer and longtime political activist Michael Bauer will take the reins of the Midwest regional office of People For the American Way (PFAW) and People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF) in Chicago, announced PFAW/F President Ralph G. Neas.

Bauer has been a long-time Chicago leader active on issues affecting women’s rights, HIV-AIDS funding, the Jewish community, and gay and lesbian rights. He has been a two-time Illinois delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and serves on the boards of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Global AIDS Alliance and Personal PAC.

As Midwest Regional Director, Bauer is charged with providing strategic direction and leadership for PFAW/F programs in Illinois and several adjacent states where the organizations will increase their on-the-ground presence. PFAWF program priorities include increasing civic participation and voting programs and PFAW priorities include working with state legislatures to advance progressive issues, including women’s rights and gay rights. Together they further their longtime organizational priorities of maintaining the separation of church and state, battling intolerance and protecting civil rights and liberties.

“We’re extremely lucky to have a director who combines passion and eloquence on the issues with tremendous management skills and business acumen. Michael is a man with exceptional vision who brings great energy and ability to every task. He’s exactly the right person to provide leadership for our expanded presence in the Midwest,” said Neas.

“I am delighted and honored to join the People For the American Way family. We are in a great battle which will determine whether this country will remain true to the values and principles of the Founding Fathers. I can think of no organizations that are more at the forefront of this battle, and I look forward to helping build more awareness and support in the heartland of the country,” said Bauer.

Four Chicagoans serve on the national boards of directors of PFAW/F. Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Joan Harris, Howard Krasfur and Jack Melamed serve on the PFAWF board and Mr. Melamed additionally serves on the PFAW board.

A Chicago native, Bauer is a three-time alumnus of Northwestern, where he earned an undergraduate degree in 1973, a law degree in 1976, and an MBA in 1991. He lives in Chicago with his partner of 22 years, Roger Simon.