OutYouth Selects New Executive Director After National Search

Jaryn Holbrook Janeway (they/them) to lead Austin-based LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Austin-based nonprofit OutYouth has selected Jaryn Holbrook Janeway (they/them) as its new executive director after a national search. Janeway, who has been with the organization for 20 years, will take over the role on February 12, 2026, replacing former executive director Aubrey Wilkerson.

Why it matters

OutYouth is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth in the Austin area, providing services, support, and community. The selection of a new executive director is an important transition for the organization as it continues its mission of supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth.

The details

Janeway, who currently serves as OutYouth's director of programs and operations, will be responsible for the organization's strategic direction, operations, finances, fundraising, and community partnerships. They have an undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as certification as a senior human resources professional.

  • OutYouth celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025.
  • Aubrey Wilkerson announced in September 2025 that he would step down as executive director at the end of the year.
  • Jaryn Holbrook Janeway will assume the role of executive director on February 12, 2026.

The players

Jaryn Holbrook Janeway

The new executive director of OutYouth, who has been with the organization for 20 years and previously served as the director of programs and operations.

Aubrey Wilkerson

The former executive director of OutYouth, who announced in September 2025 that he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

Brandon Wollerson

The chairperson of OutYouth's board of directors.

OutYouth

An Austin-based nonprofit that provides services and support for LGBTQ+ youth, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brandon Wollerson, OutYouth chairperson (kxan.com)

“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.' 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.”

— Jaryn Holbrook Janeway (kxan.com)

The takeaway

The selection of Jaryn Holbrook Janeway as the new executive director of OutYouth ensures the organization's continued commitment to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth in the Austin community, building on Janeway's two decades of experience and leadership within the organization.