Christopher Moore

Photo courtesy of AIDS Delaware

WILMINGTON — Christopher Moore has been named the interim executive director for AIDS Delaware, as John Gardner retires after 10-plus years at the helm.

The agency is preparing to celebrate 40 years as Delaware’s first and largest HIV service organization.

Mr. Moore will partner with the AIDS Delaware team and its board of directors to find the next executive director, with a goal of doing so by the end of next year.

Mr. Gardner’s journey into HIV/AIDS advocacy was driven by personal identity and a profound sense of purpose. As a gay man, he recognized the urgent need to address the crisis affecting the LGBTQ community. His passion led him to dedicate over two decades to AIDS Delaware, where he held roles ranging from volunteer to board member to executive director.

Mr. Gardner played a pivotal role in combating HIV/AIDS, raising awareness about knowing one’s HIV status and securing critical funding to expand essential services for those affected by the illness. With his retirement, he aspires for the organization to continue thriving, providing education and support and ultimately contributing to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“I feel very comfortable stepping down now with the very knowledgeable and tenured staff that is in place and knowing Christopher’s commitment to the Agency,” he said.

Mr. Moore’s interaction with AIDS Delaware began when he was a teen.

“It’s the first safe space I found as a queer person to ask questions to and receive answers from people who not only understood what I was saying but also were intent on ensuring I was supported,” he said. “The privilege to lead this agency and find the next great leader is one I take seriously.”

He is also familiar with the inner workings of AIDS Delaware, having served as secretary of the board for the past four years.

Before joining the group, Mr. Moore worked for ChristianaCare, most recently as the director of community health. In his 17 years with the state’s largest health system, he was employed first as a reproductive health educator and then as an advocate for education and access to resources, with a particular focus on creating equitable care for LGBTQ individuals.

This included leading the Alliance for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, one of Delaware’s largest providers of evidence-based education about HIV and sexually transmitted infections. He also co-created Camp FRESH, a summer program for Wilmington youth.

In 2019, he designed ChristianaCare’s Community Investment Fund, which has since awarded more than $5 million to local not-for-profits focused on improving the social drivers of health, like access to goods and housing.

“My career started in education and prevention, and I am thrilled to join a team where both are highly valued,” he said. “In a way, I feel like I have come full circle.”

Mr. Moore is a Sussex County native, a graduate of the University of Delaware, a two-time AmeriCorps alum, a Jefferson National Service Award winner and a part of the adjunct faculty at Delaware Technical Community College. He splits his time between Wilmington and Toronto, where his partner, Harman, and dog, Bingo, live.