Jim Hormel

James Hormel is the first openly gay person to serve as a United States Ambassador. Hormel has devoted his life to the advocacy of human rights, social justice and the well being of all individuals. In more than 30 years working with top business, government and academic leaders, he has sought to create, fund and initiate major programs addressing these concerns and to involve others in public service.

Hormel served as United States Ambassador to Luxembourg from June 1999 to December 2000. He was alternate representative of the U.S. delegation to the 51st United Nations General Assembly in 1996 and a member of the U.S. delegation to the 51st U.N. Human Rights Commission in 1995.

Hormel is the founder and Chairman of Equidex, Inc., a San Francisco-based firm that manages his and his family's investments and philanthropic activities. He graduated from Swarthmore College, where he now serves on the Board of Managers. He received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where he is a life member of the Visiting Committee. In 1986, he established the James C. Hormel Public Service program at the law school.

During the last 15 years, Hormel has been instrumental in developing resources for organizations serving people affected by HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, and breast cancer. He has served as a member of the board of directors of The American Foundation for AIDS Research and Human Rights Campaign Foundation. He was a founding director of the City Club of San Francisco, a club created to bring together community leaders of diverse backgrounds. He is the 2004 recipient of Equality Forum's International Business Leadership Award. He lives in San Francisco with his partner, Tim Wu.