There are many positions in which an openly LGBT person would make and signify dramatic progress.

An attorney general or other high-ranking Justice Department official would have a great impact on federal law.

And the day we have an openly LGBT Secretary of Defense would be historic for so many reasons.

But most of these positions would be reflective of a pro-equality presidential administration. One place where an LGBT person could exercise a great deal of discretion in a way that would benefit the community in untold ways would be the Department of Health and Human Services.

He or she could direct resources to HIV/AIDS, enhance LGBT health at all ages, and make positive changes for LGBT families. He or she could also draw attention to LGBT aging issues, an area that has been largely unaddressed.

Joe Solmonese is the president of the Human Rights Campaign

Go back to the main story for more opinions on where we need LGBT officials.