Board of Directors

314-974-7625

president@pridestl.org

Staci Stift has been enjoying St. Louis Pride since 2002 and recalls the many changes she has seen at the Parade and Festival through the years. Like so many, Staci celebrates Pride as one of the highlights of the year. She is thrilled to have been elected as President of the Pride board where she will bring her experience in business management, entertainment, and marketing.

Staci is one of the owners of Absolutli Goosed, a gay owned and operated lounge on South Grand. Staci Stift grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Staci and her wife have been married for seven years and have a wonderful six year old son. An avid Harley-Davidson rider, she created the LGBT Motorcycle group, the STL Rainbow Riders. She’s a dedicated LGBT supporter and looks forward to helping Pride St. Louis evolve into a thriving organization.

vicepresident@pridestl.org

Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Arts in German, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Public Policy Administration, and certificates in Nonprofit Management & Leadership and Local Government Management from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

He also completed the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs from 2002 to 2003 in St. Louis. The City of St. Louis Department of Personnel Recruitment & Examination Section currently employs Lawrence as a Human Resources Specialist II.

He serves as Vice President of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources St. Louis Chapter. He enjoys performing with BandTogether, Gateway Men's Chorus, University City Summer Concert Band, the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, and the Metropolitan Community Church Small Ensemble.

secretary@pridestl.org

Matt Harper studied music education at Southwestern Illinois College and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He teaches part time at Belleville East High School in the vocal music and theater department and is the General Manager of Dots Clothing Store. He is a part time bartender at Bastille in Soulard.

In the past, he was the assistant to the Director of Choral Activities at Southwestern Illinois College and an active member of the Activities Board at SWIC and SIUE. He is very excited in serving the Pride Board in whatever capacity he can.