2024 Board of Directors

He/Him/His

Wiley Smith is Chair of MS Capital City Pride. He is a Portfolio Manager by day, and passionate photographer off the clock. Wiley believes in living life to the fullest and capturing beautiful memories and inspiring snapshots for his clients. He's engaged to the love of his life, Aaron, and is the proud doggie dad of Zara, Tucker, and Khaleesi. Originally from Florence, MS, and now living in Brandon, the South has always been his home and he is committed to working towards a more inclusive and loving environment for all of the LGBTQ+ and ally community.  

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Chris Ellis is the Chair-Elect of MS Capital City Pride. Chris has lived in Jackson for 5 years with his wife, Stephanie, and their 3 very cuddly cats. He is an IT project manager and a board member of Our Fondren Neighborhood Association. Chris loves pro wrestling and K-Pop, but his main passion is finding creative, collaborative ways to solve problems at their root cause. Chris looks forward to bringing that passion to life with Capital City Pride. 

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Brandi Westbrook is the Treasurer of Capital City Pride. Brandi is a native Mississippian and lives in Jackson. She is actively involved in her community and has volunteered to serve on the boards of multiple nonprofit and community organizations. She has a passion for volunteerism and advocacy and is excited to help a create a safer, more inclusive, and supportive LGBTQ+ and ally community.

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Ryan Upshaw is the Secretary of MS Capital City Pride. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, Ryan Upshaw currently serves as Assistant Dean for Student Life at Millsaps College. In this role, he oversees a variety of student engagement areas including fraternity & sorority life, residence life and student conduct as well as serving as an advisor to several student groups including the Student Body Association. He also leads efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds and to create an inclusive environment on campus. Upshaw also serves on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Food Network and volunteers with Big House Books. Being from the MS Gulf Coast, he enjoys good music, good art, and good food.

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Lucas Posey is a Co-Founder and Director Emeritus of MS Capital City Pride. He is a graduate of the Mississippi State School of Architecture. They work as a Project Manager at WBA Architecture where they get to use their passions of creative place-making and problem-solving to improve the built environment. They are excited to use their energy to help strengthen the LGBTQ+ community. Lucas has recently been inducted into the Change Collective, an organization that helps connect and elevate emerging leaders. Lucas is also the Marketing Committee Chair for 2024.

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Tyler Griffing is a Co-Founder and Director Emeritus of MS Capital City Pride. He grew up in Byram, MS and is a graduate of Mississippi College with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Tyler is currently living in Lafayette, LA. He is privileged to be the dog and cat dad of Mason, Dixie, and Rico. He believes that the ultimate goal of creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community means to eventually create a safer Jackson; where the community is able to be their most authentic self without fear of backlash. Tyler is also the Fundraising Committee Chair for 2024.

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Ashlee Pitts is a Director Emeritus for MS Capital City Pride. Ashlee is an educator currently working as a Data Coach with Amplify in Jackson. She is also the Secretary for Grace House Inc. When she thinks of Capital City Pride, she is most excited about the opportunity to celebrate diversity and togetherness in the community. Ashlee also served as a founding Board Member for MS Capital City Pride from 2020-2023.

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Danny Tovar has been actively involved with MS Capital City Pride for the last 2 years as Co-Chair Elect of the "It's Pride Y'all" Committee in 2022 and as Co-Chair of the Committee in 2023. He is a Project Design Manager with a professional background in Interior Design. He prides himself in being a designer always, in all ways! He is engaged a wonderful man and is a doggie dad of two sweet pups. Originally from Los Angeles, he moved to the south to pursue his higher endication at Tuskegee University and later at SCAD - Atlanta. He fell in love by the rich culture of the south, specifically the LGBTQ+ inclusivity in Atlanta, and once he moved to Jackson, he has committed to help provide the LGBTQ+ community safe spaces to be loved and accepted! He is also the Programming Committee Chair for 2024.

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Kim is the immediate past chair for MS Capital City Pride. She is a transplant from San Diego and has worked with Visit Jackson as their Destination Development Manager for eleven years. In that role, she spends most of her time working on community-based projects, signature programs, and community partnerships.  

Kim also serves on the Board of Directors for Keep Jackson Beautiful and the MS Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities. She is an ally and advocate for all, believing that everyone deserves to feel valued and supported. Kim is also the Outreach Committee Chair for 2024.

She/Her/Hers

Christina Spann is a native of Columbus, MS and moved to Jackson after the
passing of her father. Christina has a passion for people and making the
spaces she lives in better. Christina continues to be a champion for mental
health and the wellbeing of youth. Christina is a strong advocate for
Jackson, MS and is involved in different organizations to improve the city
while also celebrating its achievements. In her spare time, Christina operates
a pet sitting service, volunteers with Junior League Jackson, serves with the
McClean Fletcher Center and does stand-up comedy.

She/Her/Hers

Merry Barnes is currently serving as the Director of School and Teen Programs at the Mississippi Museum of Art. She previously taught middle school Art in JPS for 9 years and has always played a role in creating spaces and opportunities for young people in our state. As a lifelong resident, Merry is devoted to advocating for others and building a better and more united Mississippi.

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Kam’Ry is a native of Collins, MS. However, she has resided in Jackson, MS for 10+ years. She is a former of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. Currently Kam’Ry is “Our Liberation Table” Coordinator for Mississippi In Action. Additionally, she is a cook, designer, and makeup artist. Kam’Ry recently embarked on her journey in community advocacy, and she is excited to plateau in her efforts to be a voice and positive representative/role model for our community!  

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 Stan Nichols has been actively involved with Ms Capital City Pride for the last 2 years as co chair elect of the “It’s Pride Ya’ll” Committee in 2022 and as co chair of the Committee in 2023.  Originally from Belzoni Ms, Stan is a 1983 graduate of Ms College with a degree in Music Education and Voice.  After teaching band for 9 years, Stan left education to pursue a career in furniture sales and sales management.  After living in Charlotte NC for many years, Stan moved back to Ms in 2010 to be closer to family. He is currently employed in furniture sales and lives in the Brandon area. Stan has a deep love for Ms Capital City Pride and its mission and is excited to be a part of an organization that does so much for the community that he loves.  

She/Her/Hers

Genetra is a dynamic individual with a multifaceted career as an educator, event coordinator, capacity builder, and advocate for both education and the LGBTQIA community. Genetra's keen organizational skills, coupled with a deep understanding of the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces, have contributed to the success of numerous initiatives that bring people together for learning, dialogue, and celebration. Genetra has been a vocal propponent for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and diversity within educational institutions. Genetra is a proud, life-long member of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church in Jackson, MS. She is also the proud fur mama to her chihuahua, Chi Chi Nicole.