Meet our Founder & Co-Founder, Founding Members, and active Board Members!

Norman Hanks

Founder
Member at Large
He/Him

Norman is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, season 4 star of HBO's "We're Here", and legendary performer Veronica Paige-Velour. He also worked with Boro Pride, but recognized the need for a Pride organization that encompassed ALL of Rutherford County. Norm wanted to find a way to help bring the community together through monthly events and gatherings, like our annual Friendsgiving, Holiday party, and Pride Celebration.

Norman's passion for community and service can also be seen in his current role as Executive Director at Nourish Food Bank.

Missy Lay

Co-Founder
Treasurer/Event Director

She/Her

A Rutherford County native, Missy is passionate about making Rutherford County the greatest place to live, work and raise a family for ALL its residents. Missy is owner of Wild Goose Chase Events, a local event company that specializes in one-of-a-kind events around Rutherford County. Celebrating her 7th year in business in 2025, Missy uses her creative gifts to help local nonprofits raise money and individuals throw the most unique parties.

If you see Missy's name on an event, you are in a safe place and are welcome just as you are!

Rachel Wilson

Board President
She/Her

Rachel's Bio Coming Soon!

Michael Maupins

Founding Member

Board Vice President

He/Him

Michael is the logistic side of RuCo Pride, making sure the music, lights, and entertainers are doing what they should be. He currently serves as the Director of the Rutherford County Voices of Pride choir, and is a freelance choreo-grapher for local theaters.

Michael is a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS and works to build community, strength, and support for the Rutherford County community and beyond.  He also performs part time as nationally-known drag queen and "Broadway Babe," Micaiah Marvel.

Keith Churn

Founding Member

Board Secretary/Planning & Logistics
He/Him

Keith grew up in Nashville, moving to Murfreesboro 15 years ago as a transfer student at MTSU. He currently serves as Club Director for Boys & Girls Club in Murfreesboro. Keith strives to make Rutherford County a welcoming environment to ALL, and wants to do all that he can to move our community forward, not back.

Keith, along with his partner Connor, regularly frequent events throughout the county to support local businesses and create a safe space wherever they may be.

LaTashia Battle

Member at Large

She/Her

LaTashi is a Murfreesboro transplant from Mississippi and is proud to call the Boro 'home.' She is constantly out loud and colorful at community events and believes in creating safe spaces where EVERYONE can thrive. If you run into her, you may see her colorful hair first!

In addition to joining the RuCo Pride board, LaTashi is co-organizer of The Lavender Closet Project. Outside of community-building, she is often walking the greenways. She is obsessed with her cats and anime.



Zoe Bacurin

Member at Large
She/Her

Zoe is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County. She is a local novelist who emphasizes the deep importance of queer characters in fiction, and fights to keep them visible. When she isn't attending book signings or short story readings, she works with RuCo Pride to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ members of the community.

If you catch Zoe in the wild, she's likely chasing after pixies or tending to a spirit's unfinished business!

"Cutter" Eberhart

Founding Member

Asst. Event Director
She/Her

Cutter has a passion for advocacy in both her professional and personal lives. Cutter hails from Central Louisiana but now calls Murfreesboro home. As a member of RuCo Pride, you will often find her helping plan our events and coordinating our volunteers. Her passion for equality extends to her work, as a Contract Compliance Specialist for a DDA/ECF/Choices Provider agency and as a Chair Person for Agencies DEI Committee.

Cutter spends her free time involved in fundraisers and other civic organizations, or spending time with her husband, dogs, and friends.

Drea Brown

Founding Member
RuCo Event Photographer

She/Her

Drea is a Murfreesboro transplant and is still new to the area and community. She is passionate about individuals being unabashedly themselves and is always working to encourage others. Drea is often found at our events, camera in hand, capturing images and video of the group and the memories being made. She is a walking rainbow, often in brightly-colored outfits, so she's easy to spot!

When Drea isn't working with the RuCo Crew, she can be found working her day job with data, watching anime or catching up on Project Runway.

Connor Moss

Founding Member
Planning & Logistics

He/Him

Connor is a TN native and MTSU graduate. He has become a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Rutherford County, with a passion for inclusivity and building stronger community. His commitment to making the area a more welcoming space for everyone is evident through his involvement in local initiatives and Pride events. Connor’s journey reflects his drive to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

Connor currently serves as the Special Events Representative at Oaklands Mansion ,where he has worked for almost 20 years.

Mychael Schwab

Founding Member
Social Media Director

He/Him

Mychael is a Kansas native who moved to Middle TN in 2014. He started working alongside Norman and Michael to promote and assist with the "Veronica's Vixens" Drag Show, which evolved into becoming RuCo Pride's Social Media Director. Mychael also ensures the safety of all who attend our many events.

Outside of his work with RuCo Pride, Mychael serves as a 911 dispatcher for the community, creates visuals for various organizations & theaters, and creates synchronized light/music displays throughout the year.