Our Team

  • A young man with brown hair and a beard smiling, wearing a dark coat and a cream-colored turtleneck sweater, standing on a balcony at night with city lights and tall buildings in the background.

    Alex Chair, Board Chair

    (he/him)

    Alex is a life-long resident of Hendersonville, NC. He is dedicated to a life of advocacy for the LGBTQIA2S+ Community all across North Carolina.

    Alex began his life of advocacy as an undergraduate at App State through working with the LGBT Center and as the Vice President of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA).

    Alex has been a member of the Hendersonville Pride Board since October of 2023 and is proud to be part of the work of creating safe spaces of inclusion in his hometown of Hendersonville.

    In his free time, you can find Alex hiking local trails, gaming, or traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway with his dog Todd!

  • Portrait of a woman with short hair, glasses, wearing a pink top and a checked blazer, smiling against a plain background.

    LaDonna Huffaker, Board Vice Chair

    (she/her)

    LaDonna identifies as queer. She has been a civil servant in many aspects of her evolving professional career that spans from working in North Carolina as well as working in federal government in Washington, D.C. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Brevard College in the field of Exercise Science and a master’s in public health degree from the University of North Carolina – Gillings School of Global Public Health. LaDonna feels lucky that she has been able to impact her community as a foster parent, working in community mental health companies in western North Carolina and providing COVID-19 response at the NC Division of Public Health.

    Being on the Board of Directors for Hendersonville Pride helps her stay grounded in the community she calls home. She looks forward to working with other board and community members to ensure that we create a safe place that all can call home.

  • Eden Lewis, Secretary

    (She/Her)

    Eden is a compassionate and dedicated person who has been working in the non-profit community for the past 20 years. She is dedicated to using her experience and skills to build relationships with the community. Alongside her work, she passionately fosters animals, offering a safe haven to those in need and advocating for the well-being of all creatures. Her non-profit work, combined with her love for animals and her unwavering commitment to equality, defines her as someone who is constantly working to make the world a more just place for everyone. Eden is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Hendersonville Pride Board because the organization is a strong advocate for equality and strives to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their identity. In her free time, she can be found hanging out with her wife and their animals and most likely watching a crime show.

  • Close-up portrait of a man with a bald head and a beard, wearing a black suit, a dark shirt, and a patterned tie, against a blue background.

    Richard Harris, Treasurer

    (He/They)

    Richard was born and raised in Hendersonville NC over the past 40 years. He considers himself a true native to our small town. Richard’s family settled in East Flat Rock where he went to school through Hillandale Elementary, was in one of the first classes at Upward Elementary when it opened, Flat Rock Middle, and eventually East Henderson High.

    Richard recalls all the transformations of Main Street from a straight line with no stops to what it is today. Richard even remembers the days of no paid parking! Richard was also probably one of the first people who got yelled at for “riding the bears” when the bears first got introduced to downtown. Richard has seen and adapted to the change within our town.

    Richard stepped away for some time working in the Navy as Missile Technician on a Submarine. Unfortunately, Richard’s mother grew ill so he ended his time with the military and returned home to look after her. When she passed, Richard planted roots here in Hendersonville to continue looking after his father.

    Currently a single father of a beautiful 11-year-old daughter exploring her societal norms. Richard works in Risk Management for TD Bank as the Head of US Process Risk. Richard looks forward to how he will be able to help Hendersonville Pride and not only being an ally but be a warrior for the community.

  • A young woman with black and green hair, multiple facial piercings, and earrings, smiling at the camera, wearing a maroon Nike sweatshirt and a necklace with an evil eye pendant.

    Alivea Turner, Communications Officer

    (they/she)

    Alivea is a Hendersonville native who graduated from Balfour Educational Center. Alivea is a person in long term recovery from substance misuse and mental health diagnoses who is now giving back to the community. Alivea is Director of Operations at Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness and has launched LGBTQIA2s+ initiatives within the recovery field and focuses her work in the MH/SUD field on serving marginalized and underserved communities.

    Alivea is excited to be a board member for Hendersonville Pride and is particularly looking forward to bridging gaps in the community and making any queer person feel welcomed and seen.

    In her spare time, Alivea enjoys spending time with her son, partner and reptiles.

    To reach Alivea directly, please email them at Alivea@hendersonvillepride.org

    “Strength lies in differences, not similarities.”

  • A young man is wearing a black cap and a gray hoodie, lying down on a dark surface, and taking a selfie with a relaxed expression.

    Dal Davis, Board Member

    (They/He/She)

    Hello, I'm Dal. I am a lifelong advocate for black and queer rights. Currently am a social emotional teacher by day and a performer at night. I value community building and meeting folks at there needs. I enjoy, rapping, Drag, and showing up for the people. And I am so excited to be apart of Hendersonville's pride.

  • Marko Rodriguez, Board Member

    (They/Them)

    Marko Rodriguez has called Hendersonville, NC home for the past 10 years, after relocating from Texas. With a deep passion for community service, Marko is dedicated to serving individuals in recovery and uplifting the LGBTQI2S+ community and the Latin community. 
    As the Outreach Lead at Love & Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness, Marko brings three years of hands-on experience in the substance use and mental health field. His work is grounded in lived understanding, compassion, and a commitment to bringing hope and light to every person he meets.

    Now proudly serving on the board of Hendersonville Pride, Marko is excited to contribute visibility, joy, and a fresh perspective—infusing the board with laughter, cultural insight, and a deep love for community.

    Marko enjoys Dancing, singing, making others laugh and his plants on their free time.

    Marko may be reached at: Marko@hendersonvillepride.org

     


  • A woman smiling, wearing a dark patterned shirt and a necklace with a blue eye charm, standing in front of wooden blinds.

    Spring Dungan, Board Member

    (she/her)

    Spring Dungan is a lifelong resident of Hendersonville. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Appalachian State University. She is a lifetime Ally of LGBTQ+ community and wanted to do something to help out some of her favorite people in the world. She volunteered with her mother Joi at Hendersonville Pride Festival in 2024 and is absolutely thrilled to be a member of Hendersonville Pride Board 2025.

    She lives with her husband and 4 kitties and enjoys watching movies and hanging with friends! 

    She wants everyone to be able to shine their beautiful lights! Please let me know how I can help you! 

  • Elan Turner, Board Member

    (He/Him/His)

    Elan Turner is a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and community support in Western North Carolina. His advocacy began in high school, where he founded the GSA at Ashe County High as an effort to creating safer, more affirming spaces for queer youth.

    For the past seven years, Elan has been an active drag performer, using his platform to uplift the community, raise awareness, and support local causes. He has consistently given back through volunteer work with Pride organizations across the region and by organizing or performing in benefit drag shows that support both LGBTQ+ individuals and broader community needs.

    Elan is passionate about building spaces where people feel welcomed, celebrated, and empowered to be themselves. He is committed to bringing creativity, visibility, and a strong sense of service to the Hendersonville Pride Board. Through his experience in performance, outreach, and community organizing, Elan hopes to help strengthen the mission of Pride and continue fostering a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment for all.

  • Maddie, Board Member

    (She, Her, Hers)

    Hi! My name is Maddie. My wife and I moved to Hendersonville a few weeks before hurricane Helene. We lost our home and didn’t know anyone in the area so we had to rely heavily on many different local pride and community organizations for food, warmth, and community.

    I’m excited to join the Hendersonville Pride Board because I learned firsthand the importance of community and mutual aid and wanted to be a part of an organization that’s working to do just that.

    Contact Maddie directly at: Maddie@hendersonvillepride.org