Randall Roop has been named Nashville Pride president for the upcoming festival year. He and the new slate of leaders will officially take office on Nov. 1.
The board includes some new members but is widely comprised of festival-planning veterans, including: Jack Davis, president elect; Jenn Garrett, secretary; and Chris King, treasurer. Former president Pam Wheeler will serve in an advisory role as past-president.
The Board of Directors will include Joey Brown, Kirby Duncan, Deborah Hayslop, Keith Hinkle, Jason Hunt, MAC, John McFarland, Ron Sanford, Rob Sikorski, Erica Rubinsky and Joseph Woodard.
Upcoming Pride Fundraisers Nov. 18 Jan. 20 |
As dictated by the group's new bylaws established in August, Roop will automatically become past-president in November 2010 and Davis will assume the role of president.
"The new bylaws ensure that their there's no major loss in momentum or knowledge between festivals," Roop said. "It has been a roller coaster ride in the past. The new bylaws provide the structure that we should have."
The Nashville Pride Board kicked off fundraising for the 2010 festival with the Plaid Party earlier this month and has other events schedule through January of next year. Roop said the early fundraising is meant to continue the momentum from the 2009 festival as the board continues to deal with the debt remaining from past festivals.
Roop said the goal is to be out of the red by the end of this year.
"I call it the good red because we know everything we owe, every dime that went out and came in and what’s outstanding," Roop said. "Nothing’s a surprise this year."
The board has scheduled a mid-October retreat where board members will come together for several hours to plan the budget for next year's festival, Roop said.
"We’re very optimistic that we can do it (get out of debt by January)." Roop said. "We’ve got a great board with returning members and some fresh faces that will bring in new ideas."
Roop said the 2010 festival is being planned for June 19 at Riverfront Park. Visit nashvillepride.org for more information.