George (he/him) is honored to lead the SoKno Pride board and contribute to Knoxville’s vibrant and inclusive community. Having grown up around the world, he has proudly called East Tennessee home for the past 15 years. During his time in Johnson City TN, George was deeply committed to local service and founded the TriPride organization in 2017. By day, he works as a mechanical engineer, and outside of work he is a dog dad, enjoys exploring new places, hiking, photography, and hosting dinner gatherings with friends.
George Chamoun (President)
Baylor has called Knoxville home since 2018, when he moved here with his husband, Kyle, and their Bernedoodle, Norris. By day, he’s a Product Director who puts his Type A tendencies to good use—skills he also brings to the SoKno Pride Board to help turn big ideas into reality. Now in his second year on the board, the experience continues to be a true source of pride (pun intended) and joy. Outside of work and Pride planning, you’ll likely find him at a musical, experimenting in the kitchen, out for a run, traveling somewhere new
Baylor Sezate (Vice President)
Stephanie Cox (she/her) is excited to be a part of the SoKno Pride Board as Treasurer! She has called Knoxville home for the last 12 years. While currently working at a nonprofit, she got her masters in social work and has always had a passion for being of service to others and her community. When not on Pride business, she enjoys attempting to read more, a good tv show binge, and arguing with at least one of her pets that always has something to say.
Stephanie Cox (Treasurer)
Amber (she/her) is honored to serve as SoKno Pride's Secretary! She has called Knoxville home for collectively eleven years throughout college and her career. Her career as a software developer has brought her to several places, but she returned to Knoxville in 2020 to re-establish her roots and serve the community she loves. In her free time, she enjoys hacking away at Minecraft mods, experimenting with new dishes in her kitchen, tinkering with computers, and spending time with her partner and two cats.
Amber Denton (Secretary)
Shannon (He/Him) is a Knoxville native and is excited to return this year as the Merchandise Director for SoKno Pride! With a background in fine art and an MFA in design from the University of Tennessee, Shannon has channeled his creativity into his role as the Marketing & Creative Director for Dogwood Arts, another local nonprofit that champions the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee. Shannon is a current member of the Mayor’s Maker Council and has lent his talents to boards like the Old City Association, the Tennessee Equality Project, and the Appalachian Equality Chorus. At home in East Knoxville, he lives his best life with his husband Tucker and their two dogs, Henley and Holston.
Shannon Herron (Merchandise Director)
Caroline is so excited to serve on the SoKno Pride board this year! First moving here in 2021, she quickly fell in love with the people, community, and nature she experienced. The SoKno Pride festival has become one of her staple events for the area, so she feels very lucky to be able to help coordinate it! Outside of the board and managing a local national service program, you can find her with her friends exploring Knoxville’s urban wilderness.
Caroline Stevens (Logistics Coordinator)
Morphine Drip has been the drag coordinator for four years with SoKno Pride. She is the show host at hi wire brewing and is the producer of Drag Survivor and numerous other shows around Knoxville, including Sunday nights at Core and events at the Space Bar.
Morphine Drip (Drag Coordinator)
This is Baylee's (she/her) second year on the Board as Entertainment Coordinator! She's called East Tennessee home for her entire life and has worked in the music industry for the last 8 years. When she's not working on an event, she's either cooking, petting a stray cat, marathon training, or attending a concert.
Baylee Neely (Entertainment Coordinator)
Leah (she/her) is beyond excited to serve as SoKno Pride’s Volunteer Coordinator! She has called Knoxville home for a few years and has loved becoming a part of this community. She is looking forward to being a part of SoKno Pride and giving back by welcoming and supporting volunteers as together they advance the mission of SoKno Pride with the rest of the Board. Leah first came to Knoxville to work at UTK and is now the Training Coordinator for the City of Knoxville. When she’s not planning for Pride, you can find her playing softball, exploring local breweries, or spending time with her girlfriend, friends, and her crazy dog, Griff. If you are interested in volunteering for SoKno Pride, reach out to Leah to get connected!
Leah Pendarvis (Volunteer Coordinator)