Meet the Leadership Team Behind Fayetteville Pride

Fayetteville PRIDE was started in 2017 as an interest meeting, in a local library, where a group of like-minded individuals came together to organize a Pride celebration. Soon after, we knew we were more than just party planners and the modern vision of Fayetteville PRIDE as a non-profit community driven organization was born. We fulfilled the first part of that vision by achieving our IRS 501c3 status in October 2017, just six months after the original Board of Directors formed the organization and wrote our official bylaws. The Board continued their hard work by planning community picnics and meetings, taking on community service projects, gathering LGBTQ* resources, building partnerships, and spreading education and awareness.

Although Fayetteville PRIDE is more than just a festival planning organization, the Pride Festival each year is our biggest fundraising and community event. On June 22, 2018 the inaugural Pride FEST celebration was held in downtown Fayetteville, with an amazing attendance of 1500 people, Fayetteville PRIDE and its volunteers and supporters showed the surrounding community that we were here to stay. Having already outgrown our first location, Our second annual Pride FEST moved to Festival Park in 2019 with an attendance of more than 5000 festival goers, 100 volunteers, 80 vendors  and dozens of sponsors and entertainers. We were forced to take a break in 2020, and creatively restructure our traditional festival in 2021. However, we brought back our festival bigger and better than ever in 2022 with almost 100 vendors, 100 volunteers, entertainment, a community art project and over 6000 festival attendees. We look forward to continuing and improving the tradition in 2023 and for many years to come. 

As Fayetteville PRIDE continues to grow, we envision ourselves as a community resource for all of those in Cumberland County, and we remain ever dedicated to our original mission.

Krystal Maddox has been reelected as President of Fayetteville Pride for 2026-2027, bringing a strong commitment to advocacy, visibility, and community empowerment. During her first term as president, she helped bring the ‘Pride not Prejudiced’ prom to reality and led the fight to move the Festival out of the June heat in the park. As president, Krystal is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies throughout Fayetteville and surrounding areas. With a passion for leadership and grassroots engagement, Krystal focuses on strengthening community partnerships, expanding outreach efforts, and ensuring that Pride reflects the diverse voices within the community. Her vision for the 2026-2027 Fayetteville Pride centers on unity, education, and celebration, creating opportunities for connection while advancing equality and social justice. Krystal is honored to serve in this role again and looks forward to leading with transparency, compassion, and purpose as Fayetteville Pride continues to grow and thrive.

Sean Clark is a community-minded leader from Fayetteville, North Carolina, known for his commitment to service, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Deeply rooted in the Sandhills region, he brings a practical, people-first perspective shaped by strong ties to his hometown and a belief in supporting families and local institutions. His work consistently reflects values of accountability, compassion, and inclusion, guiding both his professional life and community involvement. Professionally, Sean is a licensed funeral director, a role that places him at the intersection of technical expertise, ethics, and human care. Serving families during their most difficult moments, he is recognized for his professionalism, attention to detail, and respectful approach to memorialization and end-of-life services. In addition to his work in funeral service, Sean is a small business owner as the operator of Raeford Flowers and Gifts, where he combines creativity and entrepreneurship to provide floral and gift services that support celebrations, remembrances, and community events throughout the area. Beyond his professional roles, Sean serves as Vice President of Fayetteville Pride, where he helps lead initiatives focused on education, equity, and community support. He has played a key role in developing scholarship proposals and outreach efforts designed to expand opportunities for local students in Cumberland County. Through his work as a funeral director, business owner, and community leader, Sean Clark remains dedicated to strengthening Fayetteville while ensuring that progress is thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded in service to others.

Bill McPhail grew up in Fayetteville because of his father’s military career. He graduated from Terry Sanford Senior High School and later graduated from Appalachian State University. After embarking on a career in the flower business, he lived in the Raleigh/Durham area for 15 years. He returned to Fayetteville in 1992. He became active in the Lambda Association of Fayetteville and later helped found Fayetteville Area Gay Pride, which helped NC realize the queer community of Fayetteville by Fayetteville Area Gay Pride’s partication in the annual North Carolina Pride Parade. His love of his hometown pushed him to become a board member of Fayetteville PRIDE and later its current Treasurer. His goal for the organization is to do everything possible to bring a Pride Center to Fayetteville, where he can volunteer when he retires.

Julie Collins Fayetteville Pride secretary 2026-2027. Julie Collins is a Hispanic professional and ministry leader with extensive experience in administrative operations, financial oversight, and nonprofit fundraising. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, she previously served as administrative assistant to the chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), where she supported departmental operations and played a key role in budget planning and fiscal management. During her tenure at UNCP, she also served as secretary on the Staff Council Board, focusing on fundraising and organizational support, and was an LGBT Safe Zone representative, contributing to an inclusive campus environment. In ministry leadership, Julie serves as First Lady of The Inclusive Impact Church and has held roles as member-at-large and treasurer, faithfully serving as church treasurer for over 15 years. She demonstrates a strong commitment to stewardship, accountability, and sustainable growth. Julie has been married for over 26 years, is the mother of two children, and is deeply committed to community engagement.

Joslyn Lacosse was born and raised in Fayetteville and is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces for queer youth to express themselves and build meaningful connections within their community. A 2024 graduate of Massey Hill Classical, Joslyn now works downtown while dedicating her free time to local activism and theater. Through advocacy, creativity, and community engagement, she strives to uplift and empower the next generation in Fayetteville. Joslyn is the youth director for Fayetteville Pride. She is also the youngest member on the board of directors.

EmJay ( MJ ) is a nonbinary creative and professional chef currently on hiatus, using this time to focus on art, DIY projects, and community involvement. Passionate about creativity in all its forms, EmJay dreams of one day opening an art studio that doubles as a welcoming community space where people can gather, create, and express themselves freely. Grateful to be part of Fayetteville Pride Board and the broader Pride community, EmJay is committed to fostering connection, creativity, and safe spaces for others to be their authentic selves. EmJay is currently the longest serving at large board member on the Fayetteville Pride Board. They have also served as secretary and with event planning.

Cindy Corey is a 20 year Army retired nurse, and 20 year retired home contractor. She is a proud member of Fayetteville Pride, Fayetteville Resistance Coalition, and National Handmaid Army. She is a Board member for Fayetteville Chapter of Team River Runner.