SPENCER, Ind. – June 1, 2026 
Celebrating two decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy and rural community building, Spencer Pride today announced a historic milestone to kick off Pride Month: the appointment of Jake Taylor as the organization’s first-ever Executive Director. Coinciding with Spencer Pride’s 20th anniversary, this landmark leadership expansion marks a bold new chapter for the Indiana nonprofit, transforming it from a purely volunteer-led powerhouse into a professionally staffed anchor for the region’s LGBTQ+ community.
Spencer Pride officially launched the search in February and spent the last three months screening and interviewing candidates for the role.
“We were thrilled with the high interest that we received for this position. It was highly competitive. We had a lot of great candidates, and given the stakes of this decision, we invested the time needed to make a well-informed decision,” said Spencer Pride’s President Jonathan Balash.
Last week Spencer Pride’s Board of Directors approved a recommendation from their Executive Director selection committee to hire Taylor.
Taylor is a native of rural Michigan, Missouri, and Indiana, and brings a background in community development, nonprofit work, education, and equity-centered practice. They hold an M.A. in Intercultural Encounters from the University of Helsinki and a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University.
Before joining Spencer Pride, Taylor served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, partnering with local communities on education, health, and agricultural initiatives, managing grant-funded projects, working with local organizations, and helping launch a village library. They also served as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC, leading a team through disaster relief, public health, and community service projects across the United States.
Their experience includes advocacy and nonprofit work through roles with the Human Rights Campaign and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, where they supported equity programming, community engagement, and board relations.
“We are excited about the diverse experiences that Jake brings to Spencer Pride, and in particular, their thoughtful and inclusive approach,” said Elisabeth Solchik, the organization’s Vice President.
Balash and Solchik were both members of the selection committee that made the recommendation to hire Taylor.
“They are passionate about creating welcoming spaces, strengthening communities, and building systems that help people feel seen, supported, and connected,” Balash added. “We believe that Jake will be an excellent representative for Spencer Pride and a powerful advocate for our mission.”
Taylor wrapped up their M.A. program in Helsinki, Finland this month.
“I am excited to return to Indiana from Finland and work alongside the volunteers, board members, and community members in support of Spencer Pride’s mission and future,” they shared.
Taylor will officially join Spencer Pride on August 19, and the community will be invited to meet them during the organization’s annual meeting in September.
Spencer Pride operates the commUnity center, hosts the annual Spencer Pride Festival, and offers year-round programming and services focused on improving the quality of life for the rural LGBQ+ community in south central Indiana. For more information about Spencer Pride, visit www.SpencerPride.org or follow on social media @SpencerPrideInc.
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