Chicago’s gay advisory council will have a new leader, thanks to Mayor Richard M. Daley’s recent appointment.

Elizabeth Kelly will serve a three year term on the gay advisory council and as an ex-officio member to the Commission of Human Relations Board of Commissioners, Chicagopride.com reports.

“The LGBT communities are fortunate to have a dedicated and energetic leader like Beth Kelly,” said Dana V. Starks, Chairman and Commissioner of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations. “We are looking forward to working with her and helping the council move forward in 2010.”

Kelly is Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, a founding member of DePaul’s interdisciplinary program in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies Program and a six-year Director of Women’s and Gender Studies.

“We have a diverse group of talented people currently serving on the Council,” Kelly told ChicagoPride.com. “I hope to develop new opportunities for showcasing everyone’s talents and our diversity as we work to further secure and sustain rights, dignity, and respect for all members of Chicago’s LGBT communities-and the larger community as well.”

To read more on this story, visit Chicagopride.com.