While Hymes assists the FSC in a limited capacity, outgoing Executive Director Michelle Freridge, Legislative Affairs Director Kat Sunlove and Director of Membership and Services Scott Lowther will carry out communications department responsibilities until a replacement is hired.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work for FSC for the past year,” Hymes said in a statement. “I am so proud of what we have accomplished during this tumultuous time for the industry. I have nothing but respect for my colleagues at FSC, and for the many members of the adult community who have stepped up to assist us. I remain 100 percent dedicated to the mission of FSC, and have made clear to Michelle and the board that I will continue to help in any way I can, for as long as I can.”
Hymes was responsible for maintaining media contacts, official FSC publications and the redesign of the FSC website. During his 14-month tenure at the FSC, Hymes was a key cog in the organization’s fight for free speech.
Hymes represented the FSC at the ICANN conference in New Zealand to lobby against the creation of the .XXX top-level domain, a rewarding experience he remembers fondly.
“New Zealand was memorable because I truly believe that FSC had a direct impact on the final outcome regarding .XXX,” Hymes told XBIZ. “I was just one part of that process, but one about which I am still extremely proud.”
Hymes also has conducted several dozen mainstream media interviews, spoken on seminars and panels and helped produce all official FSC announcements and press releases.
“Tom’s insight into the online segment of the industry helped FSC reach out to and improve our services for webmasters and many other online members,” Freridge said. “After only 14 months of hard work, Tom leaves FSC with a legacy of industry respect and confidence in this trade association that is well deserved.”
