Hays Pride
The Board of Directors
Meet Our Team
J. David Macey, President
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J. David Macey is the president of Hays Pride’s Board of Directors. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at colleges and universities in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Washington state and is currently professor of English and dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Hays State University, where he advises FHSU’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
Kiernan McCarty,
Vice President
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Kiernan McCarty is the Vice President of Hays Pride's Board of Directors. He graduated wtih a BFA in Studio Art from Fort Hays State University, where he also earned certificates in Community Engaged Arts and Building a Nonprofit Career. Keirnan has been an active member in his local GSA since high school and served as president and vice president of FHSU's GSA during the last three years of his undergraduate degree. Kiernan is also a proud Fellow Alumni of the Kansas statewide civic organization Loud Light.
Hollie Marquess, Secretary
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Hollie Marquess is the secretary of Hays Pride's Board of Directors. She is a lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy at Fort Hays State University where she specializes in women's history, gender and sexuality, and queer history. She also advises FHSU's Students United for Reproductive and Gender Equity (SURGE).
Amber N. Nickell, Treasurer
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Amber N. Nickell is the treasurer of Hays Pride. She is an assistant professor of history at Fort Hays State University, where she teaches courses on global Human Rights, the Holocaust and Genocides, and Central and Eastern Europe. She is deeply engaged in community education and service. She is also a proud parent of queer children and a fierce ally.
Anniston Weber,
Social Media Coordinator
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Anniston Weber is the Social Media Coordinator of Hays Pride. She is an advocate at Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, specializing in sexual assault support and outreach. Beyond her professional role, Anniston is deeply committed to community advocacy. Her topics of passion include abortion access, transgender rights, and diversity and inclusion. Anniston is also a board member for The 802 United and The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. ​
Arvin Cruz,
Member at Large
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Arvin J. Cruz, a.k.a. A.J., is a member-at-large of Hays Pride. He serves as a professor and is chair of the FHSU Chemistry Department. His specialization is in physical and inorganic chemistry. His research area is in photophysical and electrochemical characterization of transition metal complexes as photosensitizer-dyes for photovoltaic applications. His professional affiliations include serving as chair of the American Chemical Society (ACS) – Wichita Local Section, member of the ACS-Midwest Regional Board, and Associate Editor of the American Journal of Applied Sciences. He has been a board member of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Wichita (FAAGW) since 2023 and served as Print Traffic Director of the Wichita Tallgrass Film Festival (TFF) from 2007 until 2014. He continues to volunteer for the TFF programming committee and occasionally serves as Venue Manager during the film festival.
Ben Houchen,
Member at Large
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Ben Houchen is the Priest at the Episcopal Churches in Hays, as well as the Director of Feeding Hays, a food and resources service in town. He is also an active and vocal advocate for marginalized communities. Ben is the proud dad to some amazing queer kids, and through them and this community he is learning how to be a better ally every day.
Thomas Mathews Horne, Member at Large
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​Thomas joined our Hays community in June of 2023. His passion for fostering inclusive communities has led him to leadership roles in several nonprofits, where he focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, mental health, youth homelessness, and cultural humility. As a Hays Pride board member, he is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for everyone and continuing to uplift and support our vibrant community.
G.G. Launchbaugh, Member at Large
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G.G. Launchbaugh is a staff member of the Science and Mathematics Education Institute at Fort Hays State University, where he directs campus and community science outreach though the Fort Hays State University Makerspace and statewide outreach with the FHSU Makervan.
Jessica McGuire, Member at Large
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Jessica M. McGuire is a member-at-large of Hays Pride. She is the former Library Director of the Russell Public Library and currently works at Fort Hays State University in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Jessica serves as the Co-Sponsor of the FHSU Sociology Club and the Social Media Chair for the FHSU Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
Beck Watson,
Member at Large
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