Atlanta Pride, the nonprofit organization that serves the LGBTQ+ community and hosts the annual Pride Parade and celebration, recently announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors.
Elected during Atlanta Pride’s November 2024 board meeting, the nonprofit appointed Ben Ackerley, Chris Ruiz, Tony Uceda and Farah Witt to its executive committee.
Ackerley, founder of Katsura Creative, is a non-binary activist with extensive experience in queer advocacy through their time with organizations like TransParent, Georgia Rainbow Families and the Mayor of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.
Ruiz, the Staff and Community Development Coordinator at Georgia Tech, has over a decade of experience with the Atlanta Pride Committee as a volunteer, board member and former vice chair. He was also among the leaders during Atlanta Pride’s return to in-person events following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uceda, Senior Director of Institutional Giving for U.S. Soccer, brings knowledge in “advancing LGBTQ+ economic empowerment and health initiatives” through his leadership roles with the National LGBTQ Task Force and StartOut, according to Atlanta Pride.
Witt, the Director of Finance for the Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD), offers extensive financial management proficiency from her time with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, along with a “passion for public service and community building” that Atlanta Pride said will help guide the nonprofit’s financial stewardship.
In a release, Atlanta Pride said that the four new faces will provide their respective expertise and experiences to the nonprofit, aiding in the organization’s ongoing mission of advancing equity and commemorating LGBTQ+ communities across the state of Georgia.
“We are excited to welcome Ben, Chris, Tony, and Farah to our Board of Directors,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride. “Their expertise, dedication, and passion for community advocacy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Atlanta Pride as we continue to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ voices.”
The newly-announced members, who began their tenure this month (December), join a returning board roster that includes Board Chair Crystal Bowman, Board Secretary Brian Desarro and Board Treasurer Gabriel Martinez, among others.