Dixon Osburn Email & Phone Number

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

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Witty, self-deprecating, and incisive, Dixon can speak to LGBTQ equality, politics, democracy, partisanship, social justice and leadership honed by three decades experience confronting vexing social justice issues. Dixon has addressed groups with Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

District Of Columbia, United States

Amazon's #1 New Release in LGBTQ+Political Issues Reviews: “nail-biting,” “must-read,” “riveting,” “gripping.”Under “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” the Pentagon discharged 2-4 service members every day for being gay. Some were subjects of witch hunts. Others faced criminal charges. Many endured harassment, assault and threats. Repealing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” was a stunning reversal of a law enacted just 17 years prior. It remains the most significant pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual legislation Congress has passed. How did it happen? C. Dixon Osburn’s Mission Possible describes the strategy that he and Michelle Benecke, co-founders of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, devised to overcome impossible odds. It takes readers behind the scenes as SLDN’s lawyers repeatedly rushed to the aid of LGBT clients and demanded justice from commanders and Congress. Mission Possible is a story about the politics of fear and the consequences of a government that tries to muzzle its citizens. It is also a searing, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant story of the power of coming out, building a movement, and political savvy. Mission Possible shows that overcoming the odds is both possible and essential.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Developed strategic roadmaps for Open Society Policy Center on legislative options for holding federal officials accountable for constitutional violations, including federal law enforcement and national security agents.

San Francisco Bay Area

Led efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of atrocity crimes through litigation and advance the rights of survivors to seek truth, justice and redress. • Led board and staff in finalizing strategic plan and theory of change.• CJA filed and won first war crimes case against Syria.• CJA represented civil parties in Khmer Rouge trials leading to historic genocide conviction.• Secured conviction of Pinochet officer for murder of famed singer / songwriter Victor Jara.• Testified before Congress on "Pursuing Accountability for Atrocities"• Directed strategic communications and branding assessment.• Significantly increased media coverage.• Instituted first defined major giving program, and federal grants program, securing million dollar gifts.

Washington, D.C.

Led efforts, through legislative, media and coalition strategies, to end counterterrorism policies that violate the rule of law with respect to detention, prosecution, lethal targeting and torture.•Secured new law, through legislative, media and coalition strategies, to help close GTMO.•Secured Senate Intelligence Committee votes to adopt and declassify CIA torture study.•Defeated amendments to overturn Executive Order ending torture. •Defeated defense bill amendments mandating military tribunals for all terror suspects.•Led and grew group of 55 retired U.S. generals and admirals who oppose torture and GTMO. •Launched int'l coalition of retired generals and admirals to help end torture worldwide. •Defeated legislation to authorize perpetual global war at the President’s discretion. •Served as national spokesperson in print and on radio and tv.•Responsible for $2+ million budget, including collaboration on key foundation grants.

The Osburn Network was a cutting edge strategic consulting firm for nonprofit organizations, foundations, and socially-minded businesses. Services include: Strategic Planning, Board Development, Interim Executive Management, Organizational Development, and Philanthropic Services.

Served as Co-Founder and Executive Director of national security and civil rights organization that led efforts to repeal don’t ask, don’t tell.•Crafted and implemented strategy ultimately leading to repeal of don't ask, don't tell.•Helped secure other new legislation, agency regulations, and Executive Orders.•Led response to 8,000 legal requests for assistance in thirteen years.•Won two significant federal court victories. •Grew budget from start-up to $2.8 million.•Obtained annual gifts of $200,000 and bequests of $1,000,000.•Served as national spokesperson before major networks and print media.•Implemented strategy leading to favorable 27 point shift in public opinion.•Noted for strong fiscal management and low overhead.•Led strategic planning effort and established metrics.•Managed staff of seventeen.•Scaled systems to grow from start-up to mature agency.

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Ab, English, Political Science