2024 Board of Directors
Paul Conroy | President
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Out Front Theatre Company
Paul Conroy is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Out Front Theatre Company, Georgia’s LGBTQIA+-focused theatre company. Originally from the Boston area, he holds a BA in English/Writing with a Minor in Theatre from Long Island University and an MA in Directing from Roosevelt University, and an MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho. As a playwright, his original musical,
The Ethel Merman Disco Christmas Spectacular! (which he also directed) premiered at Out Front Theatre Company in December 2018. Other select directing credits at Out Front include Kinky Boots, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, The View UpStairs, La Cage aux Folles and Xanadu.
Paul teaches courses in Theatre at Georgia State University, sits on Historic Atlanta’s LGBTQ Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, and is a founding member of the City of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, for which he co-chairs the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment subcommittee.
He was named one of Georgia’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ people in 2020 and has been featured in The New York Times, The Times of London and numerous other media outlets, speaking about the importance of queer-centered arts. Paul is also the co-founder of the Queer Theatre Alliance, a national coalition of LGBTQ+-centered theatre companies. In 2022, Out Front Theatre Company was honored as one of Atlanta Pride’s Grand Marshals for its annual parade and festival.
Paul resides in the Old Fourth Ward with his husband, Brian, and their four-legged child, Monty.
Danielle Bonanno | Vice President, TGX360 Advisory Council Chair
Pronouns: She/Her
Affiliation: Inclusive Recovery Athens
Danielle Bonanno (She/Her) serves as the Executive Director of Inclusive Recovery Athens and is the Director of Equity and Community Engagement at Acceptance Recovery Center. She has been an advocate for various oppressed and stigmatized populations, including those with substance use disorders, LGBTQIA2S+, homeless and low-income individuals, and those with complex traumas. Danielle’s life’s work revolves around bridging the gap between the queer and recovery communities, educating addiction professionals on how to serve LGBTQIA2S+ populations in a trauma-informed and culturally-affirming way.
Her extensive experience in corporate and nonprofit lead generation equips her to build essential connections and expand her referral network. Danielle’s talent as a master storyteller allows her to identify and leverage funding opportunities, crafting impactful and competitive grant proposals.
In addition to her roles at Inclusive Recovery Athens and Acceptance Recovery Center, Danielle leads as the President of Athens Pride and Queer Collective, the leading nonprofit in Northeast Georgia dedicated to enhancing the well-being of queer individuals through education, outreach, event curation, and support. Her visionary leadership was evident when she launched the Athens Pride and Queer Collective Trans Surgery Scholarship Program in 2022, awarding full scholarships for gender-affirming surgeries within the Athens community.
Danielle’s outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the top 10 leaders under 40 in Athens-Clarke County by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Internationally, the Georgia Voice celebrated her as one of the six LGBTQ leaders globally to watch.
In 2023, Danielle’s impact continued to grow, as she received the Community Leader of the Year award from OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community was further honored when she was selected as a Grand Marshal by the Atlanta Pride Committee for the 2023 Atlanta Pride Parade, highlighting her unwavering dedication to leadership and advocacy.
In her personal life, Danielle enjoys writing and values time spent with her two canine companions, Blueberry and Hershey. Through her steadfast dedication to inclusivity, advocacy, and leadership, Danielle remains a driving force in transforming communities and promoting the well-being of marginalized individuals.
Matt Mitchell | Secretary
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Mitchell Event Planning
Matt Mitchell is a multi-award-winning Master Certified Wedding Planner and the Owner and Lead Planner at Mitchell Event Planning, a full-service wedding and event planning company that provides inclusive professional assistance to all couples in love and delivers the best wedding experiences in Atlanta and beyond.
Matt has served on the Board for Voices of Note, the non-profit organization for the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus. He has also served as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Wedding International Professionals Association, and currently serves as the Vice-President of WIPA Atlanta. Matt is a Certified Inclusive Professional (CIP) through Equally Wed, and is a Certified Educator through the Certified Wedding Planner Society. He is a wedding industry speaker/educator and has had the pleasure of speaking on stages all across the U.S.
Mitchell Event Planning has been recognized with the 2021 & 2022 Best of Georgia awards in the Event Planner category and is proud to be an NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise.
Matt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Management from The University of Alabama. He has been a resident of Georgia for 8 years, a member of OUT Georgia since 2021, and is the proud dog Dad to his Miniature Schnauzer, Tucker.
Joey Tripp | Treasurer
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: The Cancer Foundation
Joey Tripp is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and social sector. His journey began as an award-winning national volunteer, and he has since ascended to Executive Director of The Cancer Foundation. As a childhood cancer survivor, he has a profound connection to the mission of The Cancer Foundation. His own experiences have fueled his passion for alleviating the financial burden of cancer patients and have shaped his approach to leadership within the organization.
His diverse career spans various roles in organizations dedicated to social causes, such as supporting human services, disabled children, disaster responses, and military veterans. His contributions have significantly impacted organizations like the American Red Cross, Sisu Integrated Early Learning, Tripp Family Christmas Lights, and The Warrior Alliance.
Joey’s academic credentials include a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Georgia Southern University. These qualifications highlight his commitment to the field and his unique blend of scientific knowledge with nonprofit expertise. Beyond academia, Joey is an active contributor to community well-being, serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Gainesville.
Joey Tripp’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to societal betterment. His leadership at The Cancer Foundation underscores his commitment to making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. His varied experiences have established him as a compassionate advocate and strategic leader in the nonprofit sector, leaving a lasting imprint on the organizations and causes he supports. Joey is proud to serve on the OUT Georgia Business Alliance Board of Directors and use his service to make a meaningful impact in the LGBTQ+ community.
Carlton Brown | Small Business Relations, LGBTBE Council Chair
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Occasional Occasions, by Carlton Catering
Founded in 1994 by Mr. Carlton A. Brown, Occasional Occasions by Carlton has been repeatedly praised for its culinary displays, dynamic flavors, and unique table presentations. Chef Carlton is the Founder and owner of Occasional Occasions by Carlton LLC, a boutique-style, custom catering company specializing in Contemporary Southern cuisine with a fusion twist. Also providing off-premise catering for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. He has launched a national subscription program of gourmet condiments called Bon Appetit Y ‘all by Carlton™ and Pantry Picks™. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Occasional Occasions is a Minority, NMSDC Certified MBE, NVBDC Certified Veteran Owned Business, and LGBTBE Certified LGBT owned establishment. His cuisines, talents, and presentations can be viewed via his website at OccasionalOccasionsCatering.com.
Chef Carlton is an accomplished culinary professional who has tickled the palates of celebrities Who’s Who, such as The Housewives of Atlanta, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom, and Nikki Giovanni (Grammy-nominated American poet) just to name a few. He has also provided services to such corporate giants as; The NFL (Superbowl VIII), Georgia Power, Coca Cola and NBA Team Washington Wizards alongside other corporate entities.
Chef Carlton received “Building a High-Performance Business” certification from Tuck School of Business at the Prestigious Dartmouth College. He received the award from (Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) AGLCC Member of the Year, and AGLCC Businessman of the Year. He also received the LGBT Veteran’s Business Enterprise of the Year award. Chef Carlton aired his own cooking show entitled “Cooking with Chef Carlton” on the AIB local Atlanta TV Network. He acquired his CPCE Certification (Certified Professional Catering Executive). He has appeared on WAGA Fox 5 “Breakfast with Buck,” highlighting his former breakfast restaurant “Hilda’s…A Breakfast to Write Home About!” and appeared on WXIA Channel 11 “Atlanta and Company,” demonstrating several live cooking segments.
Dr. Elijah Nicholas | Technology
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: 100 Black Trans Men, Inc.
As the Executive Director of 100 Black Trans Men, Dr. Elijah Nicholas orchestrates strategies and initiatives to empower, equip, and elevate Black Transgender Men globally.
A prominent figure in the academic realm, Dr. Elijah holds a plethora of advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Business Administration and a certificate from Harvard Divinity’s Executive Education program, embodying his devotion to continuous learning and personal growth.
Internationally celebrated, Dr. Elijah is a steadfast Trans Advocate who tirelessly works to promote health equity. His literary contributions include inclusive children’s books that bring transgender narratives to the forefront, fostering understanding and empathy. In the cinematic sphere, his debut short film “Second Chance” serves as a beacon of love and compassion, encouraging viewers to transcend personal biases and embrace understanding.
Under his visionary leadership, 100 Black Trans Men, Inc has become a cornerstone in the movement to enrich the lives of Black Transgender Men through health equity, mentorship, leadership, and economic empowerment programs. His tireless efforts were acknowledged with the prestigious 2021 Trans Life “Pioneer of Inspiration” Award, underscoring the deep and lasting impact of his advocacy within the community.
A recognized voice on platforms such as TV One, The Steve Harvey Show, and The Book of Sean on Fox Soul, Dr. Elijah carries the mission of the organization to international audiences, magnifying its reach and influence. Beyond his professional commitments, he finds joy and solace with his beloved pets, King Duke and Queen Tillie, at his residence in Atlanta, GA, embodying the perfect blend of passionate advocacy and personal tranquility.
Nathan Regan | Corporate Relations, Technology
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: CNR Consulting
Nathan Regan is the Founder of CNR Consulting, where he serves as a Fractional COO and Business Strategist to startups and small to medium-sized businesses locally, nationally, and internationally.
Before joining CNR Consulting, Nathan served as the chief operating officer of an Atlanta-based SaaS tech company. He previously served as the Senior Vice president of Economic Development for the city of Atlanta under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. He served as a Legislative Fellow to a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Senior International Trade Specialist in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Prior to his Federal service, Mr. Regan worked in sales and marketing in international business development. He began his career in program management and business development for the U.S. operations of various European automotive supply companies. He later served as a Business Advisor with the French Consulate in Atlanta and the Danish Trade Council in Atlanta, where he served as a Senior Business Advisor and was responsible for managing a small business incubator in Buckhead. Subsequently, Mr. Regan served as an Economic Advisor to the Bahraini Ambassador in Washington DC and was responsible for Federal and state government relations and bilateral economic policy and growth.
Nathan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Furman University and a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He served as a Commissioner for Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Age-Friendly Business Initiative. He currently serves on the Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board in the Economic and Community Development Committee. He is originally from Greenville, South Carolina.
Dewayne Queen | ERG Council Chair
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Delta Airlines, Swank Arts & Entertainment
Dewayne Queen, a native of Baltimore, MD, founded Swank Arts & Entertainment, A professional service provider specializing in events production, logistics, media, and marketing. We have also created a multi-media production division that provides space to the Black community through services to and support of its LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories and perspectives.
After graduating from high school, Dewayne moved to New York to attend Nyack College. At Nyack, he was instrumental in developing the current musical theater program. While in New York, Dewayne studied and perfected his craft. Dewayne performed in two tours of the musical, Rent and worked in Patrik-Ian Polk’s, The Skinny.
Moving to Atlanta In 2016, Dewayne became a valued team member of Delta Airlines. In addition to his robust travel schedule, Dewayne is an ambassador and member of Equal, Delta’s LGBQTIA+ Business Resource Group. He is also an ambassador for LGBTQIA+ matters for Delta’s Inflight community. Annually, Dewayne volunteers to work on Delta’s Atlanta Pride Parade committee.
And if that isn’t enough, In 2021, Dewayne created and chaired the countries first awards program honoring the tireless efforts of the transgender community. The Trans Life Awards is an annual event that takes place during Labor Day Weekend to empower, uplift and celebrate the beauty of transgender men, women, and gender-nonconforming members of our community.
Stephen Scriber | Legal Affairs
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Modern Estate Planning, by Scriber Law Group, LLC.
Stephen Scriber is an attorney and the owner of Modern Estate Planning, an Atlanta-based law firm that helps our clients celebrate their lives of our clients and tap into their power to create the legacy of their choice. In addition to running a growing practice, he has numerous involvements with charitable and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, having served on the board of the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia and the Atlanta Leadership Committee of Lambda Legal.
