Becky is the current President of APQC, having previously served on the board for over 3 years, one of those as the Director of Community Outreach. She taught in Clarke County schools, where she provided students with a safe space, and recently transitioned to supporting students with disabilities, by helping them prepare for life after high school, specifically the workplace. After moving to Athens in 2017 from NJ, she quickly realized that this community would become her home. She feels that Athens holds a special place in her heart, stating that, "It's where I came out and where I met my chosen family."

She is dedicated to ensuring people in the greater Athens area know they have a community that celebrates and advocates for them. While serving on the board, she's helped facilitate support groups and events, and looks forward to fostering an environment where the LGBTQIA+ population feels heard, valued, and empowered. Guided by a vision of inclusivity, her goal is to continue the work of making Athens a place where people not only feel safe and comfortable being their authentic selves, but can also thrive.

Becky@AthensPride.com

John-Presley is the current Vice President of APQC. Having served the board for three years now he is excited to step into this leadership role to help celebrate the Athens Queer Community. Having lived in Athens for 7 years, John-Presley has fallen in love with the town’s quirkiness. He interacts with the community on a daily basis as a small business owner and hairstylist while working to create space in the salon to allow queer individuals to feel safe and express themselves. Athens was the first place that John-Presley felt that he could be his true authentic self, saying, “Serving on this board is a huge honor — to help preserve and pursue an Athens that welcomes our LGBTQIA2S+ community.”

He is deeply invested in fostering a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive without fear of discrimination. By serving on the board of APQC, he aims to leverage his skills and experiences to contribute to meaningful change and empower the LGBTQ+ community. John-Presley’s goal is to work towards a future where love, acceptance, and equality are universal realities for everyone.

JP@athenspride.com

Ben is the current Treasurer of APQC. He is excited to help APQC grow through strong financial management and planning. Ben is Co-Founder of Fully Financial, a local financial planning firm that serves the Athens and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Ben has a bachelor's degree in Consumer Economics and a Master's degree in Financial Planning from UGA. He is a Certified Financial Planner professional and Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the IRS. Ben and his husband, Cody, have lived in Athens for over a decade. Ben is committed to making sure that Athens is a safe place for its LGBTQIA2S+ residents and visitors.

Ben@athespride.com

Marissa moved to Athens 15 years ago to pursue her undergraduate degree in Art Education. As so many others who experience Athens, she fell in love with the vibrant town and knew it was meant to be her home.

Marissa enjoys working with local businesses in her role as Director of Membership & Marketing with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. She has previously served as Vice President of the Athens Pride Board for two years.

Marissa loves serving the Athens community and is committed to creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Marissa@AthensPride.com

Ida@athenspride.com

Jarrett Martin has served Athens Pride and Queer Collective in multiple capacities including President and Vice President. He is a REALTOR with Corcoran Classic Living and heavily supports APQC by helping us create genuine sponsorship connections in our communities to affect change!

Jarrett@athenspride.com

Kiersten has lived on the outskirts of Athens for over a decade and has always been an active member of the community! She and her wife decided to join the board together so that they could volunteer for the LGBTQIA+ community that has always embraced them, expanded their networking of friends, and helped spread love and acceptance to those who are in need. She loves interacting and socializing with people from all walks of life and enjoys getting to hear their stories. She hopes to bring some comedic joy into the lives of everyone she meets!

Kiersten@AthensPride.com