2024-2026 Board of Directors | Candidate Profiles
Zach Anderson (he/him)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I own a recruiting firm, which allows to me to bring expertise to the field of workforce development, professional development, and education. I would love to contribute in those ways to escalate the careers opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community of the Carolinas.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I am seeking to become a board member to help the LGBTQ+ community focus closer to workforce development and professional education.
About you:
I have been living in Charlotte, NC for 15 years, and I am a graduate of UNC Charlotte. I have been participating with LGBTQ+ organizations for almost the whole time that I have been living here between Charlotte Royals, Rugby Stonewall, Out in Tech, Pride, CLGBTCC, etc. I started a recruiting firm called Zaddy Solutions in March of 2021, after 7 years of recruiting experience.
Bethany Corrigan (they/them)
How do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
Nonprofit expertise, area partnerships, subject matter expertise and philanthropy.
Why are you seeking a board position?
Continuation of nonprofit partnerships with the Chamber and expansion of needed services and support for LGBTQ+ Folx in NC & SC.
About you:
Bethany Corrigan, MPH (they/them) is a gender equity and social justice specialist with over 15 years in public health and nonprofit settings across 50 countries. They have a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Georgia and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. In 2016 Bethany directed a program that was cited in the World Health Organization HIV/AIDS Guidelines and was a contributing author to the Zambian National Adolescent HIV/AIDS Guidelines. In this publication, they successfully included a section on the specific risks and health needs of transgender youth. Bethany is currently the Executive Director of Transcend Charlotte and a member of the From Pledge to Action PSEA & Safeguarding Solutions Advisory Committee. In 2020, Bethany became the Executive Director of Transcend Charlotte, where they expanded programming and supportive services for trans and gender diverse folx in NC & SC. In 2022, they led Transcend into a merger with Carolinas CARE Partnership with the aim of expanding mental health as well as housing options for LGBTQ+ communities. They are also adjunct with University of North Carolina Charlotte and Queer rights advocate in NC & SC.
Dewitt Dees (he/him)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I hope to contribute my expertise in strategy development, marketing and being a strong team player to raise awareness, advocate and contribute to the continued growth and success of the Chamber. This is a unique opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much over the years.
Why are you seeking a board position?
Since moving to Wilmington, NC, four years ago, my husband and I have become more active in advocating for social justice issues and LGBT rights. Ultimately, I hope that showing representation for New Hanover and surrounding counties could help bring awareness of our Chambers mission and, in turn, raise the LGBT profile in our business community. For example, when you look at the Wilmington Chamber’s DEI statement, the LGBT community is not mentioned. I think this is merely a case of education and I think there is an opportunity to change this by showing that it makes good business sense to be inclusive and that it’s not just the right thing to do. I also hope to offer my experience in corporate teams and leadership positions and my current work in leadership development and team building to the chamber. I have 40 years of experience leading and managing teams and currently consult other organizations and teams on how to raise the bar on their performance best. I do believe that my experience puts me in a unique position to share a lived experience as a gay man and the struggles I had to overcome to get to a place of total acceptance. Not only within myself, but in my personal and professional relationships as well.
About you:
My husband, Phillip and I have been together for 23 years and married for 5. Four years ago, we moved to Wilmington from Denver, Colorado. Having family here for the last 20 years, we were familiar with the area and couldn’t be happier in the great state of NC. I am hoping to join the board as a member and look forward to advocating for our causes in New Hanover County and surrounding areas and working alongside the other members to continue all the great work accomplished so far. Having served as CEO, Director, and Senior Vice President over the last 30 years, I joined our family business with Phillip 5 years ago to focus on Leadership Development and Executive Coaching in the energy, industrial, education, and medical fields. Most of my career was building, mentoring, and developing teams focusing on Business Development and Marketing. I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a unique ability to assure buy-in on a shared vision, define a clear mission, and improve performance overall. I understand firsthand the issues and struggles of being a gay man in predominately straight professions and how that can undermine someone from being their best, authentic self. I hope to bring my learned experiences to the board and learn from the other members to make the next two years a great success. It would be a true honor to have you consider me for this position.
Wyona Eaton (she/her)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
Leading by example, encouraging others to stay true to themselves, and providing support to those striving for success in venture performances is my goal. I have acquired leadership certificates, DEI experience, and business knowledge that will be an addition to the chamber’s goals.
Why are you seeking a board position?
As a long-time admirer of how the chamber has grown, I aspire to join the transformative journey. The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce has been a refuge and support to me in my entrepreneurial pursuits. I am welcomed and respected every time I attend an event. I want to be on the other end of that feeling by expressing to others a warm inviting welcome and unyielding support. I am passionate about people and how we operate. I strive for businesses to be healthy and profitable. My personal mission is to produce quality business environments through human factorization and organizational acumen. I believe my expertise and knowledge would contribute to the chamber's mission of business development. Also, I am an advocate for human rights. I first became acquainted with the chamber by volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign in 2016. I have dreamed of one day being a part of a chamber in some fashion. I envision sharing my knowledge and experience in organizational development with business owners, executives, and peers. If selected as a board member at the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce I believe those visions will manifest.
About you:
I am passionate about people and how we operate. I strive for businesses to be healthy and profitable. My personal mission is to produce quality business environments through human factorization and organizational acumen. I believe my expertise and knowledge would contribute to the chamber's mission of business development. Also, I am an advocate for human rights. I first became acquainted with the chamber by volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign in 2016. I have dreamed of one day being a part of a chamber in some fashion. I envision sharing my knowledge and experience in organizational development with business owners, executives, and peers.
Matthew Humphrey (he/him) - INCUMBENT
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I hope to contribute towards the advancement of our community and help guide small businesses to thrive in a safer more equitable world.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I believe in the mission of CLGBTCC and seeking to continue to provide my time and energy into the success of our communities.
About you:
Matthew is originally from Nevada and landed in Charlotte in 2021 after relocating with Fifth Third Bank from Indiana. He discovered his passion for helping people navigate their financial lives shortly after starting his banking career in 1999. He has worked in many capacities within retail banking and is currently a Financial Center Manager III, VP and has been with Fifth Third since April 2012.
After moving to Indianapolis, he began his undergraduate degree at The University of Indianapolis in 2006. Matthew earned his bachelor's degree in organizational leadership with minors in Psychology and Business Administration in 2010 by attending evening courses while working full time. In May of 2020 he earned his MBA with his certificate in Marketing and International Business. In his current role, Matthew primarily focuses on helping small business owners navigate the complex financial environment to achieve their goals and attain financial stability. He has a passion for coaching and developing his team to help these customers by providing resources to uncover and achieve their individual dreams.
In Bloomington Indiana Matthew discovered the joy of serving the community while joining the board for Lemonade Day Monroe County, on which he served for five years before relocation to Charlotte. The mission of Lemonade Day is to help today’s youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow...one lemonade stand at a time!
When Matthew isn’t working, he serves the board of the Carolina's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce as Director of Resource Connect, and he enjoys traveling, cruises, camping, hiking, skydiving, and spending time with his pup, Miss Ella.
Erik Jamison (he/him)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I hope to bring new and vibrant ideas to the board and to prepare for a fabulous 2024 full of new events and ways to grow the involvement in the community.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I want to be more involved with CLGBTCC. I want to be able to have a voice in the change and growth in the community involvement with CLGBTCC.
About you:
My name is Erick Jamsion and I have wanted to become more involved with CLGBTCC Board for quite some time. Sitting back watching the growth of our community through the planned efforts of CLGBTCC has been a great experience but now I feel its time for me to step up and become even more involved and what better way than to become a Board member. Through this experience, I will have a hands on challenge as I get to experience working with each and everyone closely as we continue to grow the community and plan things that will bring more awareness of HIV and prevention in our community. Although I work at RAIN as a Peer Support Specialist I dont want that to be my stopping point in educating and making the community more aware of the happenings, but by this experience I can truly be more involved.
Stephen Maddox (he/him) - INCUMBENT
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I hope to help the Chamber grow and prosper in the SC region.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I am seeking a position on the board to continue growing the chamber in the Lowcountry and other regions in SC.
About you:
M. Stephen Maddox is an experienced, independent Lowcountry business owner who has demonstrated a history of working in the hospitality and service industries with skill sets in catering, food preparation, sanitation, point of sale systems, Adobe, and social media management. He holds a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree with a focus in Food and Beverage from the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College and currently in attendance for a degree in Digital Media. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Carolina's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. Maddox serves with the Chamber to support LGBT+ and allied businesses through development and growth strategy training; provide networking and collaborative creation; procure assets and funding; and advocate for LGBT+ visibility and economic equity. The Chamber's vision is to foster equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for the LGBT+ community.
Wesley Mancini (he/him)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I’ve been an out gay man for over three decades in Charlotte actively pursuing change for our community. Thirty plus years ago, everyone in Charlotte was closeted for fear of job loss, ridicule, or bodily harm. I was fortunate to have my own business and was always myself publically. I’ve been on many art boards in Charlotte and have rubbed elbows with society’s elite as a result (CEOS, Presidents of banks, etc.). I think with the reputation that I have amassed I could bring awareness to the chamber in a circle where it currently may have little presence if any. In this day of trumpism, we need to be present at every level of the community as possible. We must be visible everywhere! My business is 40 years old, I'm a DEI advocate and a senior, all need to be represented on your board.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I’m seeking a board position with the chamber to get back to my roots in the gay community. I left to join straight boards because decades ago we were part of the problem. That is, we were insular (understandably so because homophobia was abound and stereotypes was all we were seen as). Gay people had fund raisers for LGBT organizations attended by LGBT individuals. There was no intermixing between the gay and non-gay communities. This is when I decided to focus on straight boards to show them that as an out gay man, we were just like them (attempting to break stereotypes).
It’s been over 20 years in doing that and it’s time to get back to my roots, the LBGTQA+ community, and focus within it verses on the outside. My business recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary. When textiles were still in this country, I had a staff of 30 designers from all over the world (Tokyo, London, Beirut, Seoul, Lima, etc.). When foreign textiles flooded the country, we had to downsize dramatically but we are still here.
I’m also a senior and the elderly need to have a presence in today’s DEI environment.
About you:
I was out in the 70’s, a time when not many were. I supported the only gay organization in town, the Metrolina AIDS Project. After that a group of gay men started the Gay and Lesbian film series, I supported that as well. As LGBT organizations popped up, I put my name on them with my financial support. In those days, no one wanted to be associated with anything gay for fear of rampant homophobia in the workplace and on the street. I also singularly organized, raised funds for if not paid 100% of four major LGBT fundraisers in Charlotte when they never before had them. When “Angels in America” caused the religious right to picket the Pulitzer Prize winning play because of a 7 second nude scene depicting an AIDS Patient covered head to toe in lesions (all the right said was it was about “SEX” and not about feeling compassion for the dying patient). The city council as a result banned anything that had a gay theme or character in it stating no funding would go to those organizations if they chose to do so. That was city wide discrimination. As a result, I started the Wesley Mancini Foundation that fostered the inclusion of the LGBT community as full participants in Charlotte and promoted freedom of speech. There were only three organizations in the country at that time that supported the LGBT community. I was fortunate to have received the HRCs Corporate Leadership Award as a result and became the Grand Marshal for the first Gay Pride Parade in the state of NC (I was also the Co-Grand Marshall for the first Gay Pride Parade in Charlotte). I was known in the city/state as a gay advocate. That position has followed me on the many art museum and university boards I’ve been on. I stepped away from being on LGBT boards because I saw us as part of the problem. We didn’t let straight people know “us” since we were so insular as a community thus feeding the stereotypical notions, they had instead of breaking them. That’s when I stepped outside of our LGBT community to foster us in theirs.
In this day of Trumpism, we need to have as much visibility as possible in all sectors of society. My long-standing presence in Charlotte has given me the opportunity to rub elbows with people like Lynn Good (CEO of Duke Power) as an example or attending the many galas in town where this echelon socializes. I’ve also attended the yearlong course from the Community Building Initiative on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and recently was the catalyst for the DEI workshops for the International Textile Alliance.
Our community needs to be present at every level of society, if were’ not present, were omitted. Running my company for four decades, knowing people in the city that few others are privy to, being abreast of DEI in today's workplace help make me a formidable candidate for the LBGTQA+ Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.
Jason Nunez (he/him)
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
As a board member of the Carolinas LGBT Chamber, I hope to contribute my diverse background, experiences, and expertise to support the growth and success of LGBT-owned businesses in the region. With my extensive knowledge in digital marketing and entrepreneurship as the Founder and CEO of Go Digital Hero, I can offer guidance and insights to help members maximize their online presence and reach their target audience effectively. Additionally, as a US-based, LGBT, Hispanic, and veteran-owned business, I understand the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities and can advocate for inclusive policies, connect members to valuable resources, and foster a supportive and inclusive business community. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships, I am committed to contributing to the chamber's mission of empowering LGBT entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in the Carolinas.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I am seeking a board position with the CLGBTCC because I am passionate about supporting and empowering LGBT-owned businesses in the Charlotte and surrounding area. As the Founder and CEO of Go Digital Hero, a digital marketing and personal assistant company, I have experienced firsthand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of having a strong support system. By joining the CLGBTCC board, I aim to contribute my expertise, diversity, and leadership skills to advocate for inclusive policies, provide resources and mentorship, and foster a thriving business community for LGBT entrepreneurs. Together, we can create an environment where all businesses can thrive and succeed.
About you:
As a highly accomplished and diverse individual, I would be a valuable addition to the CLGBTCC Board. With my extensive background in digital marketing and entrepreneurship as the Founder and CEO of Go Digital Hero, I bring a wealth of expertise in the field of business development and growth strategies. My experience in the military, specifically as a Senior Master Sergeant in the US Air Force Reserve and as the Religious Affairs Senior Enlisted Leader, demonstrates my leadership skills, commitment to service, and ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals.
Moreover, being a US-based, LGBT, Hispanic, and veteran-owned business owner, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented communities in the business world. My active memberships in various organizations, such as the NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) and the MDGLCC (Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), reflect my dedication to supporting and uplifting these communities. Through my previous recognition as the 2022 LGBT Veteran Business Enterprise of the Year by NGLCC/NaVOBA, I have proven my ability to succeed and make a positive impact.
If elected to the CLGBTCC Board, I would bring my expertise, passion, and unique perspective to support the growth and development of LGBT-owned businesses in the Charlotte area and across the reach of the CLGBTCC. By advocating for inclusive policies, fostering networking opportunities, and providing resources and mentorship, I would contribute to the advancement and success of all members. Members should vote for me because of my proven track record in entrepreneurship, my understanding and commitment to the LGBT community, and my dedication to driving positive change and growth within the business landscape. Together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous environment for all.
Kelly Durden Posey (she/her) - INCUMBENT
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of serving as the Director of Policy and Advocacy. I have worked to elevate insight received from chamber members and be responsive to the needs of members. More specifically, in the past year of unprecedented legislative action directly affecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in North and South Carolina, I have strived to provide chamber members informed and energized on how to utilize their power as business owners to advocate for legislation and policies in the best interests of the local economy. I would love to continue to be a responsive and knowledgeable resource for our members by continued service on the Board of Directors of the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you seeking a board position?
Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of serving as the Director of Policy and Advocacy. I have worked to elevate insight received from chamber members and be responsive to the needs of members. More specifically, in the past year of unprecedented legislative action directly affecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in North and South Carolina, I have strived to provide chamber members informed and energized on how to utilize their power as business owners to advocate for legislation and policies in the best interests of the local economy. I would love to continue to be a responsive and knowledgeable resource for our members by continued service on the Board of Directors of the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
About you:
Kelly Durden Posey is an attorney and the Owner/Founder of Inspired Inclusivity Consulting, LLC. Through her work, she breaks legal and social concepts down to accessible bites to amplify the experiences of underrepresented groups. She often says her passion and goal is to demystify the art and language of inclusion. Kelly has taken every opportunity to speak her truth, while inspiring and educating others. She has spent over 15 years finding inspiration in the tremendous resilience of her clients and community partners. Previously, Kelly practiced public interest law with a focus on representing LGBTQ+ individuals in the areas of domestic violence, family law and employment law. In 2013, she was the founding attorney of the region's first LGBTQ Law Center in Charlotte, NC. While at the Law Center, she co-presented Know-Your-Rights workshops for LGBTQ+ and Transgender community members, helped organize events to prepare advanced directives for same-sex couples and educated the legal community on the most effective ways to work with LGBTQ+ clients. After the Law Center closed, Kelly continued providing community education for the LGBTQ+ community and worked to teach businesses how to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community through training opportunities. Kelly later worked with both public and private corporations in the areas of Human Resources, Employee Relations and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), notably developing a procedure for a fortune 500 company to support transgender employees who seek to transition while at work. Throughout her career, she has always strived to help open the minds of others to inclusive ways of seeing the world. Kelly founded Inspired Inclusivity Consulting to continue educating and supporting businesses in fostering inclusive spaces, with a particular emphasis on including LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and disabled individuals.
Nate Turner (he/him) - INCUMBENT
What do you hope to contribute to the Chamber?
I am running as an incumbent.
Why are you seeking a board position?
I would like to continue to improve our offerings for our members.
About you:
I am a high school teacher and own a catering company. I have more than 13 years of experience in planning and executing events and have served on HRC steering committee, Black Pride Board, HUG Board. I believe gives me the skills needed to enhance what the chamber does.