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Jonathan Lovitz

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For the comedian and actor, see Jon Lovitz.

Jonathan Lovitz
Lovitz in 2023 at US Department of Commerce
Born (1984-07-19) July 19, 1984 (age 40)
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Alma materUniversity of Florida
OrganizationUS Department of Commerce
TitleDirector of Public Affairs & Senior Advisor, US Economic Development Administration
MovementLGBT rights movement
SpouseSteven Sosna

Jonathan D. Lovitz (born July 19, 1984) is an American policy advocate, former actor, and non-profit executive.

Early life and education

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Lovitz attended Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts summer camp.[1] He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2006.[2]

Performance career

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Lovitz performed in the national touring productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar from 2006 to 2008.[3] After moving to New York City in 2008, Lovitz worked in regional theaters and began taking small roles on television. In 2011 Lovitz joined Logo TV[4] as an on-air interviewer for LGBT issues, as well as one of the hosts of Setup Squad.

Public service and advocacy career

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Lovitz joined the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in 2015 as Vice President of External Affairs and Director of nglccNY;[5] he has served as Senior Vice President since 2016.[6] At the NGLCC, Lovitz oversaw media relations and public policy initiatives focused on the LGBT business community. As head of the NGLCC advocacy division, he led the efforts to write, lobby for, and implement policies for the inclusion of certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) in the public sector, including in the State of New Jersey;[7] Los Angeles, CA;[8] Chicago, IL;[9] Miami, FL;[10] Orlando, FL;[11] Nashville, TN; Baltimore, MD;[12] Seattle, WA;[13] and Jersey City, NJ.[14]

In February 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Lovitz as Director of Public Affairs & Senior Advisor at the US Economic Development Administration within the US Department of Commerce.[15] He led communications and public policy strategy to implement the agenda of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo.[16]

In 2022, Lovitz ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 182nd district, representing Center City Philadelphia.[17]

Personal life

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Lovitz lives in Washington, DC with his husband, NBC News meteorologist Steven Sosna. The two were married in New York City in October 2017 in a ceremony officiated by Jim Obergefell, Supreme Court marriage equality plaintiff in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case.[18]

Out Magazine named Lovitz to the 2023 OUT 100 List[19] of "artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people."

Select filmography

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Television
Year Title Role Notes
2008 CSI: NY Paralegal (TV Series), 1 episode: "Page Turner"
2011 16th & 8th Sam (TV Series), 1 episode
Setup Squad Jonny (TV Series), 10 episodes
1 Girl 5 Gays Self (TV Series), 1 episode: "Episode #2.29"
2012 Broadway.TV[20] Host (Web Series) 14 episodes
Red Carpet Network Host (Web Series) 11 episodes

References

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  1. ^ "Jonathan Lovitz: On Finding His Voice and Using it to Promote LGBTQ Empowerment - Profiles in Pride". January 26, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  2. ^ "From captivating audiences to engaging communities | News | College of the Arts | University of Florida". arts.ufl.edu. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  3. ^ Bernstein, Jesse (April 28, 2021). "Activist, Former Actor to Run for State House - Jewish Exponent". Jewish Exponent. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  4. ^ "Review: Does Logo (Finally) Have Another Reality Hit with "The Setup Squad"?". LOGO News. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  5. ^ "NGLCC selects Lovitz to lead external relations and NY subsidiary". Affinity Magazine – Innovative. Successful. Loyal. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  6. ^ "Jonathan Lovitz Transitions to NGLCC Advisor - NGLCC". nglcc.org. April 19, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Enabling State Certification of Businesses as LGBTQ+-Owned". www.nj.gov. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Duffy, Brandon (July 26, 2019). "LA becomes largest city in US to formally include LGBTQ businesses in contract process worth billions". CNBC. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  9. ^ Byrne, John (January 14, 2020). "Lightfoot-backed study to look at possible set-asides for gay-, transgender-owned Chicago businesses advances". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  10. ^ "NGLCC | MIAMI BECOMES LARGEST CITY IN FLORIDA TO INCLUDE LGBT BUSINESSES CERTIFIED BY NGLCC | nglcc.org". www.nglcc.org. Archived from the original on September 30, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  11. ^ "NGLCC | Orlando to Become First City in Florida to Include LGBT Businesses Certified by NGLCC | nglcc.org". www.nglcc.org. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  12. ^ Cohn, Meredith (November 21, 2018). "Baltimore mayor issues order recognizing LGBTQ-owned businesses". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  13. ^ "LGBT-owned businesses to get boost from King County". The Seattle Times. July 7, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  14. ^ "Mayors of 2 NJ cities sign orders to include veterans, disabled and LGBT businesses". newjersey.news12.com. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  15. ^ Kane, Christopher (February 14, 2023). "Former NGLCC staffer joins Commerce Department". Washington Blade. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  16. ^ "EDA Leadership". U.S. Economic Development Administration. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  17. ^ "Philly LGBTQ activist Lovitz announces candidacy for Rep. Brian Sims' Pa. House seat". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  18. ^ "Jonathan Lovitz, Steve Sosna". The New York Times. October 9, 2017. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  19. ^ "The 2023 Out100: Jonathan Lovitz". out.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  20. ^ Getting Kinky with the creatives/cast of KINKY BOOTS on Broadway, retrieved August 15, 2023
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