President

Kelsi Edwards

Born and raised in Logan County (Lincoln), I am a devoted wife and mother of three, along with two beloved fur babies. My passion in life is helping others, and I find joy in traveling and experiencing different cultures. With a background in history from my college studies, I became involved with LCP in its first year after witnessing hateful comments online that sparked the discussion to host a festival. Recognizing the importance of such an event in a rural area, I worked to establish a formal board to sustain the mission and ensure its lasting impact.

Vice President

Tristen Karrick-Woods

Tristen (He, him his) has served as the Vice President since 2023. After joining the team to help plan the annual pride festival, Tristen began to work on forming Logan County Pride as a 501c3 Organization. Outside of Pride, Tristen works with the senior health population in ensuring that their care teams have all of the necessary data and records to follow-up care following a recent hospital admission. Tristen is born and raised in Logan County, but currently resides in Decatur with his husband. 

Secretary

Eric Struck

• Bio coming soon!

Director of Marketing

Taylor Lyon

My name is Taylor Lyon and I am a graduate of 2012. I started with Pride in 2021. I have a passion to help make Logan County a more accepting and safe town for people to grow up. I love the impact that we are making and the support we have gotten along the way. I enjoy spending time with my family walking downtown playing Pokémon Go or enjoying the little shops we have! 

Director at Large

Sam Downs

With over 20 years of experience working with developmentally disabled adults, I have dedicated my career to advocacy and support. As a longtime Special Olympics head coach, I have spent two decades empowering athletes and fostering inclusivity through sports. My commitment to community engagement extends to my role as an alderman for Ward 2 in the City of Lincoln and as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission Board. Additionally, I am an active member of the Springfield C.O.R.A.L community. Although I am 100% straight, I am a proud LGBTQ+ ally, guided by the values instilled in me by my incredible parents, who taught me to be a good person and to love and respect everyone.

Director at Large

Lisa Cotton

 I was born and raised in Lincoln. I have always wanted the best for my
home town. I feel a strong sense of pride in where I came from.
I have two adult children, who are my most pride and joy.
I have worked for my family’s business in Lincon, then went to UPS,
own a landscaping business, and also sold
antiques. I have volunteer for many organizations and as well served on
their board.
I was Cochair and historian for the Gay and Lesbian Association of
Decatur (GLAD). I’m the Vice President and Activities Chair of Coalition
of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL), and Board member at large for Logan
County Pride.
I’m very passionate about my work within the LGBTQ+ community.
I love talking and educating people about our community. I do believe
that it’s important to be of service in helping others.
Be the change that you want the world to be and see.

Director of Community Engagement

Autumn Stambaugh

• Bio coming soon!