The Board
The Capital City Pride Board centers on the fundamental responsibilities of providing the organization with sound governance, fiduciary and strategic oversight, and direction. The board is responsible for assuring the financial integrity and solvency of the organization and establishing procedures to safeguard the organization from fraud and risk.
WES MULLINS
Executive Director
Wes Mullins was born in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, where scientists believe Dolly Parton’s local influence made young boys gay. More seriously, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.
Wes has served in nonprofit leadership since 2003, living in many places around the US, including Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Missouri, and now Iowa. Wes came to CCP from St. Louis where he was known as a passionate supporter of equality. He is a recipient of the Shel Anderson Award for Human and Civil Rights, and, as an ordained minister, he also performed the first gay marriage in the State of Missouri in 2014.
Wes and his husband Kevin have been together since 2010 and are proud parents to some spoiled four-legged children.
In September 2023, Wes came to Capital City Pride in order to further advance the cause of equality and inclusion in the Des Moines region. With his vision, passion, and extensive experience, he is poised to drive CCP’s mission forward through the Four Pillars of Pride: Community, Education, Family, and Wellness.
Hillary Gardner
(she/her/hers)Chair
Meda Brkic
(she/her/hers)Vice Chair
Bartley Mullin
(he/him/his)Secretary
Shannon Samuelson
(she/her/hers)Director of Finance
Burl Hutchison
(he/him/his)Ex-Officio
Jake Sahr
(he/him/his)Director of Diversity, Accessibility, & Inclusion
Kyli Hassebrock
(she/her/hers)Director of Brand & Marketing
Jim Hegarty
(he/him/his)Director of IT
Cal Solverson
(they/them/theirs)Director of PR & Social Media
Amanda Becker
(she/her/hers)Director of Education
Erik Pingel
(he/him/his)Director of Community
Derek Klopfenstein
(he/him/his)Director of Health & Wellness
Raul Canahui Artola
(he/him/his)Director of Family
The board is responsible for assuring the financial integrity and solvency of the organization and establishing procedures to safeguard the organization from fraud and risk. In addition, the CCP Board is a working board where each Board Member has specific duties that require at least a weekly investment of time and regular engagement. We are proud to have a hard-working and dedicated team. If that sounds like you, consider applying to join us as we work to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in our community.
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