Core Beliefs and Commitments
- Focus on the whole person (7 Dimensions of wellness: Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual, Environmental, Social, Emotional, Occupational)
- Connect Global, National, State, and Local Issues
- Support any/all organizations that will benefit from out vision
- Provide differentiated avenues for involvement and contributions
- Promotion of our 'allies'
Board of Directors
President
Gary Wood
Gary Wood has lived in Houston for the majority of his life and has been involved in many local community organizations for over 20 years. He has supported and contributed to such organizations as the Krewe of Olympus, Bunnies on the Bayou as well as served on the board for the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Most recently his efforts and energy have been focused on creating Houston's first annual Houston Coming Out Party that celebrated its third year in October 2009. The event has had amazing success and last year raised over $30,000 in an art auction with nearly 300 people in attendance. To date the event has raised nearly $100,000, the proceeds are to be donated to organizations that support the Gay and Lesbian community. In 2010 he had the distinct honor of being named the Grand Marshall of the Houston Pride Parade for 2010.
Gary feels that his greatest successes are still to come. His desire is to get more people involved in organizations that profoundly help the GLBT community and to instill in them his guiding principles in everything you do ... “Participate, Make a Difference and Leave a Legacy.”
Vice President 1
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson has been in Houston, Texas since first grade. Born in Hawaii to a military family had him moving around in the early years and finally settling in Houston. After high school Bryant left to pursue his BA in Education and Psychology in Arkansas and moved back to Houston after graduation. He began teaching elementary school and during that time completed his Masters in Psychology and Education. Bryant is an active individual in his community and encourages others to volunteer for different events. He has worked at the Montrose Counseling Center as a Community Educator, camp counselor, former member of the Krewe of Olympus and other charities.
Vice President 2
Brandon Carroll
Brandon Carroll is a native Hoosier. After graduating from Ball State University in Indiana, Brandon moved to Houston to begin his career in education. After nine years of successful teaching, Brandon graduated with his Masters in Educational Administration and is currently an Assistant Principal.
Brandon is an advocate for community service and everyone doing their part. He started by volunteering as a youth mentor, camp counselor, Resident Assistant in college, as well as, serving on numerous advisory boards, search and selection committees, overseen federal grants, volunteered for his local HOA . He is also an underwriter for the Krewe of Olympus and a host of the Mystery and Fantasy Mardi Gras Party.
Treasurer
Lee Ingalls
Lee Ingalls has been a part of the Houston Gay community since the late 70's. He has worked with not only this community, but many non-profit organizations serving a variety of Houston's charitable interests. Professionally he has worked at the same communications company for over 30 years. Lee believes the one event that all Gays and Lesbians have in common that distinguish us from the rest of the world is we all have a "coming out" experience or will have one in our future. It is an amazing transformation where nothing that exists before it is the same, and life after it will be far different than we could have imagined.
Secretary
Bob Briddick
Bob Briddick was born, raised, and graduated from high school in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from NTSC with a BA--double major in English and Art. Bob did a summer of graduate courses at the University of Denver and has also studied sculpture under Evaline Sellors and drawing under Bror Utter. Bob served on active duty with the US Army from 1960-1962 (1961-62 in Korea), and he was honorably discharged in 1966. Bob taught school and was in advertising and public relations until 1972, when he started working for a designer showroom in Dallas. From 1974 until 2004 Bob came to Houston and worked at the Decorative Center managing designer showrooms.
Bob is actively involved in the community: 1987-92 He served on the Board of the Assistance Fund, 1995-96 was EPAH Community Affairs Committee Chair, reigning King Olympus XXX in 2000 for Krewe of Olympus, 2004, was Krewe of Olympus Ball Co-captain, 2005, served as President of the Diana Foundation.
Bob is currently an active member of the Diana Foundation, Four Seasons Club, two cooking clubs, two bridge clubs, and he is one of the hosts of the Mystery and Fantasy Mardi Gras Party.