Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated leaders driving change in our business community. Together, they’re building a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.

Charles Pickard

Board President | Founding Member | Events Committee Chair

Charles “Chooch” Pickard’s (he/him) career in Memphis spans over 25 years in the private, non-profit and quasi-governmental sectors. He is currently a principal at Architecture, Inc. His diverse career path including architecture, preservation, urban design, development, political candidacy, and community engagement/facilitation gives him the ability to bring creative ideas, innovation and problem-solving skills to any team.

His why: Chooch is excited about the opportunity to help grow his and other LGBT and LGBT friendly businesses through networking opportunities and professional development education.

Chris Miller

Vice President / Membership Committee Co-Chair

As President of Sales at AZOR Western TN Division, Chris oversees the sales strategy, operations, and performance of a leading office supply company. With more than 49 years of experience in the office solutions industry, he served as President of Yuletide Office Solutions for over 48 years before joining AZOR in 2023. Chris has a proven track record of developing new business, managing key accounts, and building effective teams. He is passionate about delivering high-quality products and services to customers, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization. Chris is also committed to supporting the local community and the environment through various initiatives and partnerships. His mission is to create long-term value for stakeholders, employees, and customers by leveraging his expertise, skills, and network in the office solutions field.

John D Smith

Treasurer

John D Smith is a real estate attorney with 25 years in the industry, and currently serves as Midsouth LGBT Chamber’s Treasurer. John graduated with a B.A. from The University of Memphis in 2005, and with a J.D. from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2010. John enjoys working with clients to acquire and protect their assets, and strengthening our community through networking and advocacy. In his free time, John eats. A lot.

Erin Swinney

Founding Member | Membership Committee Co-Chair

Erin Swinney (she/her) is a daughter of the city. She worked as a retirement savings expert for six years, specializing in corporate and international accounts. Active in Memphis’ LGBTQ+ community for decades, Erin’s contributions include founding outreach programs for masculine of center lesbians, speaking at college Gay Student Alliances, serving as a trustee of affirming churches, and building a network of LGBTQ+ resource groups for advocacy in the corporate sector.

She serves as the Local Chair of the Raymond James Pride ERG and is a proud member of the OUTMemphis Board of Directors.

Her Why: The MidSouth is ready to lead the way in diversity and industry. She wants to see her community reach its full potential.

Taylor Manning

Communications Chair

With extensive experience spanning years in marketing leadership roles within the entertainment and pet industry spheres, I’ve honed expertise in crafting compelling narratives, driving impactful engagement, and spearheading innovative digital strategies. My journey includes orchestrating high-impact campaigns, fortifying brand visibility, and consistently achieving business objectives. Leveraging data-driven insights and a forward-thinking approach, I’ve navigated dynamic landscapes, continuously innovating to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. My career is defined by a passion for achieving excellence, fostering lasting connections, and propelling brands toward sustained growth and success.

Krista Thayer

Advocacy Chair

Krista Wright Thayer is the current Manager of Health Services at the Shelby County Health Department and former Director of Outreach and Prevention at Friends For All. She is a PhD student at the University of Memphis in the Urban Affairs and Public Policy program. She is on the board of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce as the Advocacy Chair, the secretary of the political action committee House of Memphis and is a member of the TN HIV Modernization Coalition. Her goals include the removal of barriers to care for everyone and a focus on stigma reduction. Please quote her as saying, “We all deserve joy!”

Lena Chipman

Secretary

Lena Chipman (she/they) is a dynamic technology executive and LGBTQ+ advocate who brings together cutting-edge technical expertise with passionate community leadership. As Managing Director of Technology Transformation at Concentrix, she guides companies through digital transformation with innovative API strategy and enterprise solutions, while her published works in peer-reviewed outlets establish her as a recognized thought leader in the field. A proud transgender woman who identifies as bisexual and polyamorous, she channels her “Main Character Energy for Good Trouble” into creating positive change across both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community is reflected in her numerous leadership roles, serving as Board Member and Secretary of the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Board Member and Operations Director of Mid-South Trans Nation, and Executive Director of the House of Memphis PAC. Known for her welcoming spirit and declaration that “a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet,” Lena openly offers herself as a resource for those seeking support, especially individuals looking to come out or simply needing a friendly ear. She holds a Master of Science in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Memphis and is currently pursuing an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, combining her technical innovation with community leadership to make meaningful change in Memphis and beyond.

Nancy Brownlee

Education Committee Chair

Nancy Brownlee is a seasoned serial entrepreneur, pitch coach, and certified master life coach with a passion for empowering individuals and businesses to reach their fullest potential. With several years of experience in launching and scaling successful ventures across diverse industries, Nancy has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face.

As a pitch coach, Nancy has helped countless startups refine their messaging and present their ideas with confidence. Her expertise in storytelling and strategic communication enables her clients to effectively engage investors and stakeholders, resulting in successful funding and partnerships. Nancy’s hands-on approach, combined with her keen insights, has made her a sought-after mentor in the entrepreneurial community.

In addition to her coaching work, Nancy is a certified master life coach, specializing in personal development and goal setting. She believes that success begins with a strong mindset and offers tailored coaching sessions that help her clients overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Her holistic approach combines practical strategies with motivational techniques, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration w/emphasis in Marketing, Master of Public Administration, and currently is pursuing her DBA in Business Administration from South University. She also has participated in numerous entrepreneurial workshops and seminars, continuously honing her skills and knowledge. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing her insights on entrepreneurship, pitching, and life coaching.

Join us in our mission to help LGTBQ+ business owners and professionals in the MidSouth thrive.

Join the Chamber for community, advocacy, and access to resources.

Board of Directors

Charles Pickard

Chris Miller

John D Smith

Erin Swinney

Taylor Manning

Krista Thayer

Lena Chipman

Nancy Brownlee

Join us in our mission to help LGTBQ+ business owners and professionals in the MidSouth thrive.

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