Our board consists of 8 people, all members of the Rutherford County community. Meet our board members below!

Norman Hanks

Founder
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Norman is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, season 4 star of HBO's "We're Here", and legendary performer Veronica Paige-Velour. He also worked with Boro Pride, but recognized the need for a Pride organization that encompassed ALL of Rutherford County. Norm wanted to find a way to help bring the community together through monthly events and gatherings, like our annual Friendsgiving, Holiday party, and Pride Celebration.

Norman's passion for community and service can also be seen in his current role as Executive Director at Nourish Food Bank.

Missy Lay

Co-Founder & Event Planner

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A Rutherford County native, Missy is passionate about making Rutherford County the greatest place to live, work and raise a family for ALL its residents. Missy is owner of Wild Goose Chase Events, a local event company that specializes in one-of-a-kind events around Rutherford County. Celebrating her 7th year in business in 2025, Missy uses her creative gifts to help local nonprofits raise money and individuals throw the most unique parties.

If you see Missy's name on an event, you are in a safe place and are welcome just as you are!

Michael Maupins

Entertainment & Stage Manager

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Michael is the logistic side of RuCo Pride, making sure the music, lights, and entertainers are doing what they should be. Michael also performs as Micaiah Marvel, known across the country. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Consider This Theater Company and is a freelance choreographer for other local theaters.

Michael is a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS and works to build community, strength, and support for the Rutherford County community and beyond.

Mychael Schwab

Public Relations & Event Safety

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Mychael is a Kansas native who moved to Middle TN 10 years ago. He started working alongside Norman and Michael to promote and assist with the "Veronica's Vixens" Drag Show. Mychael currently serves as our organization's media coordinator and ensures the safety of  ALL who attend our many events.

Outside of his work with RuCo Pride, Mychael serves as a 911 dispatcher for the community, creates visuals for various other organizations and theaters, and creates synchronized light and music displays for the community to enjoy throughout the year.

Drea Brown

Historian & Social Media
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Drea is a Murfreesboro transplant and is still new to the area and community. She is passionate about individuals being unabashedly themselves and is always working to encourage others. Drea is often found at our events, camera in hand, capturing images and video of the group and the memories being made. She is a walking rainbow, often in brightly-colored outfits, so she's easy to spot!

When Drea isn't working with the RuCo Crew, she can be found working her day job with data, watching anime or catching up on Project Runway.

Connor Moss

Board Member At-Large
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Connor is a TN native and MTSU graduate. He has become a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Rutherford County, with a passion for inclusivity and building stronger community. His commitment to making the area a more welcoming space for everyone is evident through his involvement in local initiatives and Pride events. Connor’s journey reflects his drive to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

Connor currently serves as the Special Events Representative at Oaklands Mansion ,where he has worked for almost 20 years.

"Cutter" Eberhart

Event Planner/Secretary
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Cutter has a passion for advocacy in both her professional and personal lives. Cutter hails from Central Louisiana but now calls Murfreesboro home. As a member of RuCo Pride, you will often find her helping plan our events and coordinating our volunteers. Her passion for equality extends to her work, as a Contract Compliance Specialist for a DDA/ECF/Choices Provider agency and as a Chair Person for Agencies DEI Committee.

Cutter spends her free time involved in fundraisers and other civic organizations, or spending time with her husband, dogs, and friends.

Keith Churn

Board Member At-Large
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Keith grew up in Nashville, moving to Murfreesboro 15 years ago as a transfer student at MTSU. He currently serves as Club Director for Boys & Girls Club in Murfreesboro. Keith strives to make Rutherford County a welcoming environment to ALL, and wants to do all that he can to move our community forward, not back.

Keith, along with his partner Connor, regularly frequent events throughout the county to support local businesses and create a safe space wherever they may be.