Meet Dan

Early Life

Dan has lived in Harrisburg most of his life. He grew up in Colonial Park, where his family instilled strong values of hard work, faith and community. He, along with his two parents and three sisters, regularly attended services at Calvary United Methodist Church. Growing up Dan was involved in team sports including swimming, basketball, and baseball. While attending Central Dauphin HS he was on the varsity tennis team and participated in student government.

Following graduation from high school, Dan enrolled at HACC. Upon obtaining his Associates Degree he transferred to Elizabethtown College where he earned his BS in Accounting. Dan subsequently obtained his MBA in Finance from Penn State (which explains his obsession with their football team!) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

Dan Gets It Done!

Dan’s Government and Professional Experience

Dan’s a Family Man

Dan has lived in the heart of Harrisburg for 32 years and is married to Carl Bechdel, an attorney, who brought two children into their family — Christian, who resides in Harrisburg, and Sarah, who lives in Chicago. Together, they have built a loving and supportive home. Dan and Carl have jointly managed thirteen apartment units for over 20 years. Dan also cares for his 92-year-old mother, who lives across the street from him, reflecting his deep commitment to family and community.

Dan as Civil Rights Activist

Dan understands the profound impact of civil rights because he has personally experienced the pain of discrimination. In 1990, Dan was abruptly fired when his employer discovered he was gay. At the time, there were no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, leaving him with no legal recourse. When many of his former clients followed him to the firm he founded, his previous employer sued him. In a deeply unjust ruling, Dan was ordered to pay him $156,000—far more than he could afford.

Since then, Dan has fought for others who have faced discrimination. He has testified before Congress, advocated for civil rights at the State Capitol, and fought many battles in the name of civil rights and equality for all. Dan feels strongly that no one should have to endure the discrimination he faced.

Dan’s story, along with the broader struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, was featured in an article, “Annals of Law: Gentleman’s Agreement”, in the The New Yorker magazine. Read the full text of the article here.

A Legacy of Volunteerism and Leadership

With decades of service, Dan has made a significant impact on the community through volunteer work and leadership roles in numerous nonprofit organizations:

Current Leadership:

  • Treasurer for the Community Check-Up Center in Hall Manor (8 years of service).

Past Leadership and Board Memberships:

  • Calvary United Methodist Church Board of Directors.

  • Central PA Literacy Council Volunteer.

  • South Central AIDS Assistance Network (AIDS Buddy Volunteer).

  • Founder of Central PA Pride Festival.

  • Founder of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of Harrisburg.

  • Board Member of Planned Parenthood of Central PA (Treasurer).

  • Board Member of the WITF Community Advisory Board.

  • Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard of Harrisburg.

Dan believes in the power of bringing people together to create positive change. Whether planting trees, founding community organizations, or volunteering as an AIDS buddy, he’s always been driven by a commitment to service and equity.

A Personal Life Rooted in Passion and Dedication

Dan’s deeply connected to our community, dedicating his time and energy to causes that make a difference.

  • Gardener and Community Builder: As the owner and manager of the Atlas Street Community Garden, Dan nurtures both plants and relationships, bringing neighbors together to grow food and share resources. His personal garden includes a vegetable garden, an orchard, and a berry patch.

  • Tree Planter: Dan has a passion for environmental stewardship, planting and giving away trees to help green our city.

  • Active Lifestyle: A familiar face on North Front Street or in a local 5K, Dan is a committed runner. He’s also a long-distance hiker, having completed treks over 100 miles in places like England, Spain (The Camino de Santiago), Nepal (Annapurna Base Camp), and the Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

  • Penn State Football Fan: As a proud season ticket holder, Dan proudly supports the Nittany Lions.

  • Aspiring Vegan: Committed to a healthier lifestyle and a sustainable future, Dan is on a journey toward embracing veganism.