For more information, contact:
Brenda Thompson | 512-461-5644 | brenda@brendathompson.com

– February 9, 2026 –

OutYouth names new
executive director

Jaryn Holbrook Janeway brings two decades
as second-in-command to top leadership role

AUSTIN—Following a national search, OutYouth has selected Jaryn Holbrook Janeway (they/them), currently the organization’s director of programs and operations, to be the new executive director effective Feb. 12.

OutYouth, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025, supports the physical, mental, and social well-being of youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Central Texas. The organization serves more than 5,000 youth every year with three locations, 16 employees, and a budget of $2 million.

Reporting to the board of directors, Janeway will lead OutYouth’s strategic direction, operations, finances, fundraising, and community partnerships; ultimately responsible for the quality and impact of all programs and initiatives.

“With Jaryn as our executive director, OutYouth is well-positioned for continued growth and success, and to serve the youth who need our programs and services more than ever,” says board chairperson Brandon Wollerson.

“Jaryn is the perfect person to help lead us into the future. During their 20-year tenure at OutYouth they’ve managed programs and operations during the period of a 700 percent increase in annual revenue, helped us adapt to completely virtual programs during the pandemic, and created a satellite-based service model after the catastrophic flooding that took our headquarters out of service in 2024, among other achievements.

“On a personal note, Jaryn and I met more than 20 years ago when we were students at UT Austin. Since then, I’ve served alongside Jaryn in numerous community leadership and advocacy roles and observed their highly effective and inclusive leadership style and deep commitment to OutYouth’s mission,” Wollerson says.

Janeway’s credentials include an undergraduate degree and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and certification as a senior human resources professional by the Society for Human Resources Management; community service including spearheading the $250K budget recommendation for the City of Austin LGBTQ+ Commission's landmark quality of life study and subsequently serving as its chairperson, on the board of the Central Texas Transgender Health Coalition, and as interim executive director of the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival.

Janeway co-authored a multiple award-winning book, “Trans +: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You” for teens of all gender identities, published in 2019 and lauded by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and the School Library Journal, among many others.

Longtime OutYouth supporter and former board chair Carla Contreras has known Janeway for 15 years, dating back to their early days as a volunteer.

“I couldn’t be more excited about Jaryn’s selection as OutYouth’s new executive director,” Contreras says. “Beyond their leadership and deep commitment to the organization, Jaryn has an authentic and powerful connection to the youth we serve. I’ve seen that firsthand since the very beginning of their journey with OutYouth, starting as a volunteer—and it’s exactly what makes them the right leader for this moment.”

Outgoing executive director Aubrey Wilkerson says: “No one understands OutYouth’s culture and history better than Jaryn. They are a talented and trusted community leader, storyteller, and visionary. I am leaving the organization in great hands,” Wilkerson says.

Janeway’s two decades of connection to the youth served by the organization, and commitment to their futures, is one of the one of the many things that set them apart.

“I have welcomed thousands of youth here over the past 20 years, and I tell every one the same thing: ‘This is your first time at OutYouth. You could come back a thousand times or never again, but that doesn't change the fact that you're part of this family now,’” Janeway says. “It’s part of our mission to ensure that every youth who walks through our doors knows they are loved, acknowledged, and accepted exactly as they are. We will walk the journey with them as long as they'll have us. And we'll always be here if they need us in the future.”

About OutYouth

Founded in 1990, OutYouth serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults. Now in its 36th year, OutYouth provides a safe space for youth to come together, receive support, and make friends who understand who they are. In addition, OutYouth offers trainings and resources for parents, teachers, and community members.