Cokie Thompson – President

Cokie Thompson spent six years as a student at the University of Alabama from 2013-2019. After graduating with a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration, she moved to Baton Rouge to facilitate leadership and service programming at LSU where she facilitated a variety of events, led the Tom W. Dutton Scholarship committee, and managed the LSU Food Pantry. Since 2021, she has been on staff at the Blackburn Institute at UA where she facilitates a variety of student programming including social events, lectures and panels, the Don and Barbara “Bobbie” Siegal Scholarship. Currently, she also serves as the Chief of Staff for the American College Personnel Association's Commission for Student Involvement, managing internal operations for the team and representing the Commission on the 2024 Leadership Educator's Institute planning committee.

 

OPEN – Executive Vice President

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Austin Gaddis – Vice President – Executive Committee

​Austin Gaddis grew up in Scottsboro, Alabama. He graduated from The University of Alabama in 2013, majoring in communication studies. During his time on campus, Austin served as chair of the Anderson Society, president of his fraternity, Communications Director for the SGA Senate, a Blackburn Fellow, and authored a weekly column in The Crimson White. Austin obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado in 2016, where he served as chair of the law school’s Committee for Inclusiveness and Diversity and was an editor of the Colorado Law Review. Professionally, Austin has worked in television and video distribution for over seven years. In his current role at DIRECTV, Austin acts as a lead attorney in partnership with business clients to acquire and distribute television and video content through programming rights agreements, including via cable networks, regional sports networks, broadcast networks and affiliate station groups, studio motion pictures, and interactive/digital media content for DIRECTV's video platforms. Personally, Austin lives in Brooklyn, NY with his partner. He loves Alabama athletics, single-malt scotch whisky, bluegrass music, The Real Housewives, and birdwatching in Central Park

 

Will Thomas – Vice President, Finance

An Alabama native, Will is currently the Principal of Patelana Group, a consultancy in Washington, D.C. Will has spent over a decade in Washington, D.C. working at the intersection of food insecurity, health, and LGBTQ issues, securing funding for important causes, achieving advocacy wins and effecting policy changes at the local, state, and Federal levels, at organizations such as Quantified Ventures, Meals on Wheels America, AARP Foundation, the David Mathews Center for Civic Life, and Food & Friends. Will has a Master of Public Health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Auburn University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from The University of Alabama. Currently, Will serves on the Board of Directors for the Queer Food Foundation, and on the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and is a parishioner at St. Thomas's Parish Dupont Circle. He previously served on the Executive Committee of The University of Alabama National Alumni Association as its first LGBTQ representative. In addition to his background in business and finance, Will has served on multiple boards with fiduciary oversight duties and runs a small businesses. At Alabama, he served as the Treasurer of Apwonjo, overseeing fundraising efforts totaling nearly $20,000, and as President and EVP of the LGBTQ Alumni Association, he oversaw the financial management and fundraising necessary to secure two endowed scholarships and an emergency fund.

 

Donnie Whiteaker-Smith – Vice President, Communications

Donnie works in marketing for UnitedHealth Group in Minneapolis, MN. As part of that work, they are also the Communications Lead for the Pride at UHG employee resource group, the 6000-member strong LGBTQIA+ affinity group. And for the past three years, Donnie has led UHG’s activation in the Twin Cities Pride March. He served as editor-in-chief of the yearbook when they were at UA, and worked for several years at Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, editing and designing all game day programs for the Athletic Department. Donnie now lives in The Twin Cities with their husband, Eamon; 11-year-old daughter, Cora; and their two cats, 7-year-old Eleanor and three-month-old Clementine.

 

Kaila Pouncy – Vice President, Events

Kaila Pouncy recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama's Honors College with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Political Science in May 2023. A trailblazer and community builder, she lives in her purpose through a commitment to changing the harmful stigmas that fuel the mass incarceration crisis by advocating for restorative justice practices. Throughout her undergraduate career, she remained actively involved in organizations such as the Student Government Association, the Women & Gender Resource Center, the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Blackburn Institute, The XXXI, and other various honor societies on campus that promote mutual respect and encourage finding common ground. On her campus, she served as Founder and President of Tide Against Time, the Capstone's first of its kind student organization to educate students on Alabama prison crisis through education, service and community collaborations. She has served as a Fellow for Alabama Possible, where her student story about financial aid contributed to the 2022-23 Pell Grant Fund increase and making the FAFSA a high school graduation requirement in the state of Alabama to increase equitable access to higher education for Alabama's students. Kaila has gained experience through fellowships and internships with several highly esteemed social action organizations including the ACLU of Alabama, Alabama Appleseed, IGNITE National, Southern Black Girls, WokeVote, Rock The Vote, Values Partnerships and Congresswoman Terri Sewell. She has been referenced by a number of media outlets including The Birmingham Times, PBS NewsHour, The Guardian and USA Today for her service, as well as contributing to several award-winning publications as a writer and poet. Prior to her graduation, she was named the 2023 Most Outstanding Senior, as well having been the recipient of the 2022 Don & Bobbie Siegal Scholarship Award presented by Blackburn Institute for her demonstrated concern for the promotion of cultural understanding. As one of 10 Alabama students selected for the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative, she was selected to participate in a student exchange trip to India where she will had the opportunity to collaborate with a group of 19 other aspiring young civic leaders from India and the U.S. to advance civil rights, social justice, and cultural competency. She enjoys staying active, trying new foods or skills, and spending time with her support system.

 

Taetrece Harrison, Esq. – Vice President, Career & Community

Taetrece is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School with an LLM in Taxation and Southern University with a Jurisdiction Doctorate. She has been practicing law for 18 years as a solo practitioner in New Orleans. Her practice spans a variety of legal issues, reflecting my diverse expertise and commitment to serving my community. Additionally, Taetrece is the author of “Bitch Hunt,” a book that explores the experiences of black female attorneys facing racism, sexism, and other challenges, highlighting their resilience and unique responses. Passionate about fostering connections and supporting our alumni, she is excited to bring her experience and dedication to the UA LGBTQ Alumni Association. Beyond her professional endeavors, Taetrece enjoys football (Roll Tide and Who Dat!), Spoken Word, live music, and attending the vibrant festivals New Orleans has to offer.

 

Holly Kennedy & Clayton Lawing – Scholarship Co-Chairs

Holly Kennedy was born and raised in North Alabama. After graduating from Hazel Green High School, she attended the University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Holly worked for UA for over ten years, seven of which were spent as a University police officer. During that time, she earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from UA and was an active member of Capstone Alliance, where she served terms as President and Secretary. Holly currently serves as a digital forensic examiner for IRS Criminal Investigations in Washington, DC, where she lives with her partner, their son, and their cat.

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Clayton Lawing (he/they) is a 2020 alum of the University of Alabama. Clayton calls Udon Thani, Thailand and Montgomery, Alabama home. After graduating with their B.S. from the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Clayton went on to get an M.Ed in College Student Affairs Administration at the University of Georgia. Clayton recently moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where they began their first year of law school at Tulane University. Clayton plans on returning to higher education after law school to continue working on their passions related to Title IX and student-led activism. However, Clayton is also very open to whatever the future may bring during the next three years of law school.

 

Skye Busse & Bryant Cooper – Fundraising Co-Chairs

Skye Busse is a class of 2024 graduate with a degree in Accounting, and is currently pursuing her Master of Tax Accounting. This year will serve as her fourth year as an elected member of the executive board of the Queer Student Association. Skye has served two terms as Social Chairperson and this will be her second term as Treasurer.

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Bryant Cooper (he/him) grew up in rural Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2014 with a degree in Business Management. Now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Bryant works as a project manager in healthcare, specializing in implementing data software solutions. Outside of work, Bryant has worked to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation and for local nonprofits who support queer youth that are experiencing homelessness. Bryant is excited to use his skills to give back to the queer community in Alabama.

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Sean Atchison & Joe Tomlin – Communications & Marketing Co-Chairs

Sean Coffman Atchison is a 2024 graduate of the University of Alabama from which he holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies. Sean is an impassioned advocate for social justice and democratic engagement. During his time at the University, he organized campus and co-led statewide efforts across Alabama against SB 129, the bill that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at state institutions. In addition, Sean served as president of UA's Queer Student Association from 2023-2024 where he led QSA's efforts to reach over 1,000 students and spearheaded an engagement increase of 200% on Instagram. Before leading QSA as president, Sean served as secretary, leading the communications arm of the organization.
Sean's passion for social justice extends beyond Alabama, in 2022, he was named a David L. Boren Scholar for Portuguese. This year, Sean was named a Fulbright award recipient for a research project based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he will be located from January to November 2025.

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Joe Tomlin is a 2005 graduate of the Capstone, and there are few passions that he holds more dear than his passion for the University of Alabama. He has stayed involved with the University in some capacity since graduating, most noticeably of which is with several alumni chapters. Joe has served in the past as Chapter President for the Columbia, SC NAA Chater and for several years as the Treasurer and then Finance VP for the UA LGBTQ NAA Chapter. Joe would love the opportunity to continue to serve for its mission of bringing more awareness of the LGBTQ community to the University along with connecting more Alumni across the country.

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OPEN – Membership Chair

 

Charlie Ray – In-State Events Chair

Charlie Ray is a graduate from UA with a degree in PolySci and Communications. He has served as a marketing and advertising executive for Fortune 500 companies in Dallas, Austin, Atlanta and Charleston and launched his own digital advertising agency in 2010. He has returned to Alabama and currently resides in Birmingham where he is a marketing executive for a national financial services company and is active in the community. Charlie serves on the Board of Directors of AIDS Alabama, the Birmingham Historic Advisory Council and serves as HOA President. He is passionate about serving his community and supporting LGBTQ causes.

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David van der Griff – Out-of-State Chair

David received his B.A. from the University of Alabama in 1988. He is a Senior Attorney with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and resides in Sacramento, CA with his husband Steve Palmer, who is also a UA alum. While at UA, David served as a President of Gay/Lesbian Support Services, now known as the Queer Student Association. He is one of the founders of the Elliott Jackson Jones Memorial Scholarship for LGBT Activism and considers it one of his proudest accomplishments

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Katie Grayson – Career & Networking Chair

Katie is a native of Fayette, Alabama, and has lived in Alabama for most of her 41 years. She has earned five degrees from The University of Alabama: BA, English Literature; BS, Finance; BS, Economics; MBA; JD. Katie is very interested in making sure students have successful, satisfying careers. she spends a lot of extra time coaching students in the business school on getting jobs - everything from perfecting elevator speeches to strategizing on the best approaches at the UA Career Fairs to practicing formal interviews and salary negotiations. Katie has advised many current and former students on how to deal with workplace problems, especially those that relate to gender/sexual/racial/religious issues (and referred them to practicing attorneys if they need that sort of help).  Coming to the University and meeting people like her saved her life back in the early 2000s. Katie would like to pay that forward.

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Eli Strong – Nominations Chair

Born and raised in Alabama, Eli Strong (he/him) is an avid lifelong Bama fan who attended the University of Alabama from the fall of 1999 to the spring of 2005, earning both his BSW and MSW. During that time he co-founded Safe Zone, was an active member of the (then) GLBTA, and was a member of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. He then lived in Washington, DC for a decade, where he was the facilitator of the DC Area Transmasculine Society. Eli now lives in rural North Carolina with his wife and child but he stays active within the UA queer community, speaking at conferences and events like the Southeastern Student Leadership Conference, Druid City Pride, and Lavender Graduation.

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OPEN – University & Government Relations Chair

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Past Presidents

Russell C. Howard 2022-2024

Chase Sanders 2020-2022

Will Thomas 2018-2020