Spencer Pride names first executive director as organization marks 20 years

Written from press release

SPENCER, Ind. — Spencer Pride has appointed Jake Taylor as the organization’s first executive director as the nonprofit marks its 20th anniversary.

The appointment, announced June 1 to begin Pride Month, marks a shift for Spencer Pride from an all-volunteer organization to one with professional staff leadership. Taylor is expected to officially join the organization Aug. 19.

Spencer Pride launched its search for an executive director in February and spent three months screening and interviewing candidates.

“We were thrilled with the high interest that we received for this position,” Spencer Pride President Jonathan Balash said in a statement. “It was highly competitive. We had a lot of great candidates, and given the stakes of this decision, we invested the time needed to make a well-informed decision.”

The Spencer Pride Board of Directors approved the recommendation from its executive director selection committee last week.

Taylor is a native of rural Michigan, Missouri and Indiana and has a background in community development, nonprofit work, education and equity-centered practice. They hold a master’s degree in intercultural encounters from the University of Helsinki and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.

Before joining Spencer Pride, Taylor served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, where they worked with local communities on education, health and agricultural initiatives. Their work included managing grant-funded projects, working with local organizations and helping launch a village library.

Taylor also served as a team leader with AmeriCorps NCCC, leading a team through disaster relief, public health and community service projects across the United States.

Their previous advocacy and nonprofit experience includes roles with the Human Rights Campaign and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, where they supported equity programming, community engagement and board relations.

“We are excited about the diverse experiences that Jake brings to Spencer Pride, and in particular, their thoughtful and inclusive approach,” said Elisabeth Solchik, the organization’s vice president.

Balash and Solchik both served on the selection committee that recommended Taylor for the position.

“They are passionate about creating welcoming spaces, strengthening communities, and building systems that help people feel seen, supported, and connected,” Balash said. “We believe that Jake will be an excellent representative for Spencer Pride and a powerful advocate for our mission.”

Taylor recently completed their master’s program in Helsinki, Finland.

“I am excited to return to Indiana from Finland and work alongside the volunteers, board members, and community members in support of Spencer Pride’s mission and future,” Taylor said.

The community will be invited to meet Taylor during Spencer Pride’s annual meeting in September.

Spencer Pride operates the commUnity center, hosts the annual Spencer Pride Festival and offers year-round programming and services focused on improving quality of life for the rural LGBTQ+ community in south-central Indiana.

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