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.

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.

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.

Paula is a native New Englander and a proud Army veteran. As a nurse, Paula practiced in various healthcare settings across the United States and upon achieving her Doctor of Nursing, she then taught nursing at the university level. Paula and her wife, Shauna Snyder, retired to Amelia island in 2019 when Shauna retired after 30 years in the U.S. Army. Paula began volunteering with Fernandina Beach Pride soon after moving here and most recently joined the Pride board. "I am excited to be involved in Pride so that we can continue to build awareness and acceptance in our community. It is important to be visible while creating safe spaces for the diverse LGBTQ+ members of our city and county." said Paula.  Paula and Shauna live on the island with their two small, yet mighty dogs, Mochi and Roo.

Laticia is an accomplished travel industry professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In September 2023, Laticia and their wife relocated to Nassau County (Hilliard) from Northern Virginia, and together they have a blended family of five adult children. With a 20-year corporate background in sales leadership and development, Laticia made the bold decision in 2022 to leave the corporate world to run her travel agency, Travel Concierge Partners, a NGLCC Business Enterprise and certified woman- and minority-owned agency. Laticia is excited to serve as an executive board member of Fernandina Beach Pride as she is committed to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and creating meaningful connections that strengthen the local community.

Betsy and her spouse Jo Colleran hale from the great state of Minnesota. Retirement and the wisdom of age brought the knowledge that after years of sub-zero Januarys, it might be time to thaw out and put the snow shovel away. They fell in love with the island, the sense of community in our corner of the state and moved here in 2019. While freezing in Minnesota, Betsy kept herself occupied by owning a small graphic design and marketing company. It provided a fun and creative 30-year career.

Today, Betsy is looking forward to being involved in this wonderful Pride organization. As this country becomes less inclusive, it is time to stand up and protect the rights, relationships and security of our LGBTQ+ community.