Special to IFN
The Statesville Pride Alliance is excited to introduce its Board of Directors for 2026 to the community. The new board is ready for a great year full of Pride events.
Board Members
♦ President, Drew Norman: Our fearless leader is a 27-year-old transman. When he isn’t serving up your favorite coffee, he enjoys working on creative projects, expressing his identity through make-up, and stocking local Blessings Boxes with donations. He is open about his transition story and encourages questions.
♦ Vice President, Amanda Veazey: Local writer and chair of the Communications Committee. She is amazed every day by the warmth and acceptance she has found in the Statesville Pride community. To quote Elton John, “I thank the Lord for the people I have found.”
♦ Treasurer, Lucas Campbell: We are proud to have him join us in creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community and expanding access to resources, especially for the transgender community. He is an unstoppable force for good in our community.
♦ Secretary, Este-Eve Mountainsmith: Our new resident parliamentarian is so passionate about procedure, she bedazzled her edition of Robert’s Rules of Order! She keeps us on our toes with dazzling efficiency.
♦ Events Chair, Jeanne Gaither: The heart and soul of our operation, Jeanne excels at creating welcoming events where people feel safe to be themselves. She looks forward to spreading more laughter and love as our community continues to grow.
♦ Chris Gilbert: A service-connected veteran, retired nurse, and community volunteer who is passionate about solving food insecurity in our community, Chris lives in South Troutman with his husband and two chi-wieners. He is an energetic and committed addition to our Board.
♦ Alisha Cordle: A funny and warm-hearted Statesville native heavily involved in the local community, Alisha works with those who are intellectually/developmentally disabled and is happy to be a proud ally. She is a delightful new addition to the Pride Board.
♦ Gay Shaver: An activist for as long as she can remember, Gay served for over 10 years as a Red Cross disaster officer. She was born an Army brat in Anchorage, Alaska, to Statesville natives. She has lived in many places but now calls Statesville home along with her husband and two senior furbabies.
♦ Beth McMahon: Beth loves living in Downtown Statesville and is proud to join the great group of folks on the Pride Alliance Board. You’ll often see her around town walking her awesome dog, Floyd. We love the warmth and humor Beth brings to our Board.
♦ Dustin Jett: A proud member of the Statesville LGBTQ community, where he lives with his husband, Tyler, their four Miniature Schnauzers, and Gus the cat. Dustin emerged from a conservative religious upbringing in the mountains of West Virginia with a commitment to community service. He is a proud blue-collar telecommunications professional and advocate for labor rights who currently serves on the I-Care Community Action Board of Directors, the I-CATS Transportation Advisory Board, and the City of Statesville Stormwater Commission.
♦ Brie Zmaczynski: A part of our amazing organization for nearly three years now, she is a strong ally who believes no one should hide who they are to make someone else comfortable. Her hobbies include drawing, painting, singing, and her 20-year career in dog grooming. Brie brings energy and joy to every Statesville Pride event.
♦ Tony Tomes: A fun-loving member of our community and a king at trivia, Tony has leapt into his new role as social media manager with energy and aplomb.
About Statesville Pride Alliance
The Statesville Pride Alliance a nonprofit organization of LGBTQ+ people and allies educating, advocating, and supporting mental health in the community by planning and hosting inclusive events in the Statesville area.