Washington, D.C., July 3, 2025 — AIDS United welcomed its new president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Carl Baloney, Jr., on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The AIDS United Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Baloney at its January 2025 board of trustees meeting, following an extensive and deliberate vetting process. Baloney succeeds Jesse Milan, Jr., JD, who retired after four decades of service to the HIV sector and movement, including nine transformative years as president and CEO of AIDS United.
To honor Milan’s trailblazing tenure and legacy in the HIV movement, AIDS United has announced its inaugural Legacy Tribute: An Evening of Hope and Resilience, taking place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. preceding the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS.
“It is a tremendous honor to step into this role. As someone who has grown within this organization over the past decade, I carry with me not just institutional knowledge but a deep respect for the heart and soul of AIDS United: our people. I am one of you,” Baloney shared in a letter to AIDS United staff on his first day in the role. “I have seen firsthand your commitment to justice, health equity, and community-led change—and it is that spirit that will guide me every step of the way.”
Eugene McCray, M.D., chair of AIDS United’s board of trustees, expressed his enthusiasm for Baloney stepping into the role and his appreciation of Milan’s tenure, stating:
“Jesse’s tenure at AIDS United built upon the strong foundation laid by our members, grantees, and the leadership of our Public Policy Council. His guidance strengthened the organization’s role as a convener and advocate across the HIV movement. As we welcome Carl into the role of President and CEO, we are confident in his deep policy expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.”
About Carl Baloney Jr.: As a Black gay man from the Deep South, Carl Baloney Jr., 40, has built a career advocating for policies that improve the social and economic conditions of disenfranchised communities, especially across the Southern United States.
Baloney began his career as a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives for a Democratic member from Louisiana. He later served as Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where he cultivated partnerships with policymakers to expand access to women’s healthcare.
In August 2015, Baloney joined AIDS United to lead the organization’s federal advocacy portfolio. Over the last decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the HIV policy landscape in several leadership roles, most recently the Vice President for Public Affairs and Chief Policy Officer.
Under Baloney’s leadership, AIDS United’s Public Policy Council doubled in size to over 60 organizations. Under Baloney’s guidance, AIDSWatch, the nation’s oldest and largest federal HIV advocacy event, has doubled its reach and capacity, hosting nearly 650 advocates annually and supporting state-based advocacy efforts through its expanded program, AIDSWatch@Home, our local and state-focused power-building initiative.
We’re all very excited to see Carl in this new role. His commitment to community and to AIDS United is what will help propel the movement forward in these challenging political times,” Leslie McGorman, senior director of Policy and Strategy, stated. “Carl has the enthusiasm and dedication necessary to build power where we need it most—while keeping our work centered on the communities that for so long have borne the brunt of inequities. We are grateful for Jesse’s leadership and for helping facilitate such a smooth transition that makes it easy to move forward, together.”
Since Milan’s retirement announcement in February 2025, Baloney, as CEO-elect, has worked with both Milan and the board of trustees to ensure a smooth leadership transition and to advance strategic initiatives such as revitalizing AIDS United’s Sector Transformation Initiative and maintaining the organization’s persistent advocacy to protect the HIV safety net. His broader dedication to social justice is demonstrated through his service on the boards of It Gets Better, National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition, Planned Parenthood Advocates of D.C./MD/VA, and Global Black Gay Connect. Across all of Baloney’s roles and capacities, Baloney is committed to supporting the emerging work within the AIDS United network.
Our grantees and members reach communities representing more than 96 percent of today’s HIV epidemic, and AIDS United’s pillars support the work of over 600 organizations across 43 states, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Baloney” stated. “Whether they are people living with HIV, serving those with HIV, or advocating for communities impacted by HIV, their presence and participation in the movement is more vital now than ever. Ending the epidemic is possible when we work together.”
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Carl Baloney Jr., please contact AIDS United’s Communications team at communications@aidsunited.org.
About AIDS United: AIDS United is dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States through strategic grantmaking, capacity building, and policy and advocacy efforts. With more than $160 million in direct funding awarded and an additional $184 million leveraged, AIDS United supports organizations and communities most impacted by the HIV epidemic. To learn more about our work, visit www.aidsunited.org.
