About Us
Colgay Pride is a project of the Debra Smith Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Georgia. Colgay Pride and the Debra Smith Wellness Center stand for pride, health and equality for LGBT people and allies in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley region. It has become a leading resource for youth and adults in this region, and works to be a guiding light for our communities.
Meet Our Board
Jeremy Scott Hobbs
FOUNDER, President, CEO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jeremy Hobbs (pronouns he/him) is an organizer and political consultant. He served as Columbus Georgia’s First LGBT Liaison to the Columbus Georgia Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity under Mayors Teresa Tomlinson and Skip Henderson from 2014 to 2019. He established and founded the Chattahoochee Valley Better Way Foundation (now the Debra Smith Wellness Center) in 2007, and created and organized the first Colgay Pride event in June 2013. A native and lifelong resident of Columbus, Jeremy has worked in our city in various managerial positions for over 30 years. Hobbs who is also HIV positive since 2003 as well as being a Gay Male, has used his experience as a motivation for his community work. Hobbs got into politics at an early age and has ran for Columbus Georgia City Council unsuccessfully three different times. Hobbs works everyday trying to make our city the Best, Diverse place FOR ALL to live, work & play.
Harry Underwood
Vice President of Communications and Political Awareness
Harry (pronouns he/they) is a web designer and political consultant
PLEASE APPLY TODAY FOR DIVERSITY VICE PRESIDENT
Vice President of Diversity
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Secretary
Aaron Chandler
Treasurer
Timothy Vance
Vice President of Gay Mens' Relations
Timothy (pronouns he/they) is a peer group facilitator.
Cheryl Ann Neal
Vice President, Transgender Affairs
Cheryl is working hard to ensure every trans member of our community is heard and know they have a family here and encourages people to live their truth. Cheryl just celebrated her first year as living a woman every day. Whether it be spiritual needs or just needing a person to talk to Cheryl is here for you.
PLEASE APPLY FOR LESBIAN AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENT
Vice President of Lesbian Affairs
Garrett Vance
Board Member
Michael Martin
Staff Photographer
Our Committees
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Events Committee
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Plans, budgets and executes the DSWC’s events throughout the year, handles invitations and guests, and aids with logistics
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Transgender and Gender Non-conforming (TGNC) Advisory Committee
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Advises the board on issues and needs relevant to transgender and gender non-confirming persons, as well as opportunities to improve and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of TGNC people, including Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in November and Trans Week of Visibility (TWOV) in March.
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Justice, Accessibility and Outreach Committee
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helps to ensure that DSWC programs and Colgay Pride-branded Festivals are as accessible as possible for people with disabilities; Handles communications for the DSWC operations, including social media and relations with the press; helps to spread the word of the Center by speaking on our behalf. Ideal for people with a passion for LGBT justice and no fear of public speaking.
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Financial and Fundraising Committee
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handles fundraising through donor recruitment and retention, grant writing, and promoting the Center’s services.
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Programs, Health and Wellness Committee
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Helps to ensure the integrity of DSWC’s operations, including health, wellness, and trainings, as well as investigate opportunities for growth and improvement in those operations.