MEET OUR BOARD

Don came out in 1972. The next year he joined the Gay Activists Alliance. In 1974, he became the head of GAA’s Speakers Bureau and traveled around New York, New Jersey and Connecticut speaking to educational, civic and religious groups about what it was like to be gay. He remained a member till the organization disbanded in 1980. In the late 90’s, Don joined Heritage of Pride, the organization that produces NYC’s Pride events. He volunteered with them for 10 years, always working on the Pier Dance, which was the main fundraising event. He was director of the Pier Dance in 2007. In 2011, Don volunteered for NOLA Pride (New Orleans). He has also volunteered for many other LGBTQ events including Washington DC’s Cherry Fund and the Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach. He is proud to be serving on the Board for Fernandina Beach Pride.

Rachel Tyler is the bistro director at Story & Song Bookstore & Bistro, a destination independent bookstore on Amelia Island. Having previously managed The Patio Place and worked for the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Rachel is a longtime Fernandina Beach resident and supporter of Fernandina Beach Pride. She and her husband, Zachary Williams, enjoy cooking, reading, performing arts and supporting community events that empower women, children, the LGBTQ+ community, and other underserved communities.

Genece has been involved in social justice issues since 1975 when she first became involved in working for the Equal Rights Amendment and years later, she is still working for social justice as a founding member of Fernandina Beach Pride. She and her partner of 39 years, Sue Simpson are happily retired and love living here in beautiful Fernandina Beach.

Fernandina Beach Pride is long past due and is an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to have a safe space and a voice in Nassau County.

It’s an honor to be a part of Fernadina Beach Pride and its efforts to build a more inclusive community in Nassau County. I believe all citizens deserve equal treatment & opportunity and look forward to working alongside an organization that values and encourages diversity.

Richard is retired from a career in fashion advertising, having worked for Bloomingdales, Nautica Sportswear and finally retiring from Ralph Lauren. He and his husband, Hugh, retired to Fernandina after visiting for the Shrimp Festival and loving the vibe of the island.

Kat Rentas is a certified life coach with an online business and podcast dedicated to helping women transform their relationship with food. While she advocates for mental and physical health, Kat's commitment to human rights is all-encompassing. A life-long ally and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, she believes in the universal right to love without barriers. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment," Kat proudly serves on the board of Fernandina Beach Pride. Recognizing her privilege as a straight cis-woman, she's dedicated to ensuring that the rights she has are extended and protected for all, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.