Movers & Shakers
Our board of directors are a committed group of individuals. They are committed in shaping a better community, in helping you get your earned dues. They are committed to putting on an event that's both memorable and worthwhile. Most of all, they are committed to changing minds, shifting realities and shaping the future.
Rick Barns, President (rickbarnes[at]gctide.org)
Rick Barnes is a charter member of the Greater Houston Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Diana Foundation, the oldest gay organization in the United States, already in their 68th year.
In his community work, Rick has helped raise $200,000 for Christmas Songfest, raising money for HIV/AIDS kids and $436,000 for Casa De Esperanza, a hospice for kids and adults with HIV/AIDS.
Rick also serves as director of KW Cares, which raised $5.4 million for Katrina victims. In his professional life, Rick works as an International Motivational speaker and author of seven best selling books, including “The Self Made Salesman,” and owner of Rick Barnes Coaching, which helps small business owners succeed in business.
Rick is married to Michael Kemper for 11 years, they reside in Pensacola and Houston and enjoy time off at their ranch in San Antonio, Texas.
Troy Evans, Vice President (troyevans[at]gctide.org)
Having just graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Communication Arts, Troy Evans brings a fresh, new viewpoint to Gulf Coast TIDE's vision. His ambitious attitude and professional behavior make him a perfect young leader to connect to our community's youth.
Troy has served a leadership role is many school organizations, and his love for art and photography enable him to see things others might not.
Marge Cumpston, Treasurer (margecumpston[at]gctide.org)
Marge is currently the president of Pensacola Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons (PFLAG).
Marge is married to Lou Cumpston, a retired engineer. She has four daughters, two of which are gay and is also the stepmother of four children, one of which is gay.
In 2000, Marge retired from her position as Director of Libraries at a private boys’ school in Philadelphia. Marge is a strong advocate for all LGBT persons and has participated in many programs and has represented the LGBT community with a voice of compassion and reason.
Rick Ling, Secretary (rickling[at]gctide.org)
Rick Ling currently serves as Foodservice Director and Executive Chef for Appetite for Life, an organization that provides home-delivered meals to HIV positive and the chronically ill, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary and serving of their 300,000 meals in November 2006.
Rick has volunteered and helped in the area of HIV services throughout the Gulf area for a number of years, serving as Chair and team member of the World AIDS Day program for Pensacola for the past 7 years.
Rick is a member of the Order of Zeus, Pensacola’s most diverse Mardi Gras Krewe. He has also participated as a vendor ad the past two ComeOutPensacola! Festivals in addition to attending gcTIDE organizational meetings since its formation. Rick and his partner of 10 years live in the North Hills area.
Sonia Mason, Member-At-Large (soniamason[at]gctide.org)
Brian Tucker, Member-At-Large (briantucker[at]gctide.org)
A North Alabama Native, Brian Tucker and partner, Tommy O’Brien, bought a vacation home in Pensacola the February before Hurricane Ivan. Living through that experience, being part of the Gulf Coast’s rebuild, and an ever-growing love of the area and its residents made their decision to make Pensacola a permanent home in 2006 an easy one! Not long after his decision to relocate from Tuscaloosa, AL, Brian also decided to change careers. Jumping into the Real Estate industry at a moment in time when others were considering getting out is just one testament to Brian’s tenacious nature and brightly optimistic attitude!
Highly involved in the Gulf Coast community, Brian is a strong voice in such organizations as the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce; the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce; gcTIDE; Pensacola Young Professionals; the Pensacola, Navarre, Emerald Coast, Florida, and National Associations of REALTORS; and HRC; serving on committees and Boards of Directors for many of these. Through his brokerage firm, Brian is also involved with the Autism Society, Gulf Coast Kids House, Ronald McDonald House, Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Ballet, Pensacola Ice Pilots, Pensacola Pelicans, and several other local charities. “Giver’s Gain” is Brian’s motto!
Brian’s goal for gcTIDE this year is to work with and develop the Corporate Sponsors, increasing the organizations presence in the business community and thereby gaining strong support from local and community leaders.