2008-2009 Board & Staff

 

STAFF

Warren Redman-Gress, AFFA Executive Director

Warren was named the first Executive Director of AFFA in October of 2001. He is one of the founders of AFFA and has served on the board since its inception. Warren holds a BA in History and a Masters in Divinity and began his working life as a Roman Catholic priest to two very large congregations in New York. After 13 years as a priest, he and his partner moved to South Carolina and established RGA Logistics – US Customs Brokers. He worked for 5 years as part-time administrator of a small Episcopal Church; and concurrently, as program director of a LGBT youth group in Charleston. He and his partner of 22 years, Jim Redman-Gress, have one son, Cristopher. Warren is currently a member of ACLU, NAACP, GLAAD, Family Pride Coalition, NGLTF, HRC, National Notary Assoc., Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Custom Brokers Association. He has served on the boards of Incest Survivors in New York and We Are Family here in Charleston.


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Sue Weller Sue Weller, AFFA Board President

Sue Weller was born in Vietnam and was quickly shipped to the US to be raised in Red Bank, NJ. She relocated to the Charleston area Jan.2005 to seek fame and fortune. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Montclair State University, NJ and a Masters in Non Profit Management from Pratt Institute, NYC. Sue’s civic involvement in the GLBT community include serving as president of her college GLBT group, volunteering on the HELPLINE for GAAMC (Gay Activist Alliance of Morris County), cycling in the 2000 Boston/NYC AIDS Ride, and producing a lesbian art show for Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation in NYC.

Jason Guerra Jason Guerra, AFFA Board Vice President

Jason is a native Virginian but fell in love with Charleston while serving in the United States Air Force. After a six year hiatus to Washington DC, and Philadelphia, Jason returned to Charleston in 2003 and is happy to call it home once more. Jason is currently working as a Manager for Brooks Brothers, a part time Mortgage Broker, and will be working on his Bachelor degree in Business Mgmt at the College of Charleston this fall. He is a member of SCEC, HRC, SLDN, and the Citadel GALA. He enjoys hanging out with friends, traveling, bowling, reading, and house projects.

Jim Redman-Gress, AFFA Board Treasurer

Jim is responsible for “why don’t we do a billboard?”!! Originally from Miller Place, NY, he has lived in Charleston for 12 years. He’s the partner of Warren Redman-Gress and the father of Cristopher Redman-Gress. He has a BA in Marine Transportation Economics from SUNY Maritime College and is President of RGA Logistics, a U.S. Customs Broker firm. He lists his honors received as: “Warren”! He is a member of LLDEF, SCGLBG, SLDN, GLAAD, Family Pride Coalition, NGLTF, HRC, Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Customs Brokers Association and has served on the board of We Are Family.

Steven Clem, AFFA Secretary

Steven is a native of Fairfield County, CT and has been in Charleston for 4 years. He has a BA in Finance from Fairfield University and is the President and owner of Charleston Tax Masters, a tax and financial advisory firm.  Prior to founding CTM he was a Corporate Trainer for H&R Block; served as Director of Operations at Matrix Alliance Market Research, a quantitative research firm specializing in the film industry; and ran his own market research firm.  He’s a member of ACLU, AFFA, HRC, LGLA, NGLTF, SCG+LBG, SCEC, the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. He has served as Treasurer of the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, and currently serves as President of the West Ashley chapter of BNI -- a national networking organization, as Treasurer for LGLA, and is a Delegate to SCEC. Friends would describe him as ambitious, idealistic and diplomatic. He finds it difficult to work with those who operate in extremes – overly optimistic or pessimistic, abrasive or indecisive, irresponsible, demanding, or ego-driven. He likes working with those who have vision, coupled with optimism and pragmatism; are diplomatic, compassionate, humble, respect those with differing opinions and adhere to commitments.

 

65 Cathy Godshall, AFFA Board

Cathy was born in Baltimore MD, but grew up in Columbia SC. Cathy has a BA in government and international studies/political science from USC, an MAT in History from the Citadel and an MA in History (Southern Cultural from the Citadel/University of Charleston.
Cathy has taught at-risk youth, high school and college level students, and has worked the Tri-county Literacy Program. Cathy is currently a corporate trainer, and is on the staff of Crisis Ministries.

 Mike Schwarzott, AFFA Board

Mike was born in Medina, NY, and raised in Lyndonville, a small town on the shores of Lake Ontario, graduating in 1974. After graduation he attended college for one semester then joined the US Navy. He was stationed in Charleston in the mid 70’s where he fell in love with the city. After being caught with another sailor he was discharged and he returned to NY. Mike tried to be fit into society and married for 9 years, having a daughter and son from the marriage. After 9 years the marriage ended with divorce, and Mike received a promotion and transfer to the Charleston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1989 and has been employed with them for 30 years, 18 here in Charleston as a Food Service Supervisor. Since returning to Charleston in 1989, he became active in 1994 in the GLBT community, and has been an activist, jumping in with both feet and never looking back. He has been active in LGLA, AFFA, HRC, MCC, Open Door Christian Church, The Progressive Network, SCEC, and before coming to Charleston VA, president of the local union, AFGE-AFL-CIO at the Batavia, NY VA Hospital for 6 years. Human rights and equality is in his blood and a large part of who he is. He has recently become a grandfather to two additional grandsons born in Early February 2006, a week apart, and has two other grandsons for a total of 4.

4 Barbara Hunt, AFFA Board

Barbara Ruth Hunt is a James Island girl, who grew up and resides there. She goes by Barb or Barbaru as her family and most friends call her. She attended Winthrop College majoring in Physical Education. She has worked as a Sr. Materials Planning Analyst and Systems Support Administrator for the past 20 years.  Barb lives with Allison, her partner of 20 years, and their five loveable dogs. Barb enjoys boating, mountain biking, photography, and playing on the Three Dollar Bills (Charleston’s only GLBT kickball team).  For relaxation, she enjoys gardening, reading, and swimming.

Susie Prueter, AFFA Past President

Susie was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but her family moved when she was young and she calls Little Rock, Arkansas, home. She has been in Charleston for five years. Before arriving in Charleston to work in the Production Office with Spoleto Festival, USA, she worked as a Company Manager for Broadway shows and touring companies. Susie has a BA in Speech and Theatre from Louisiana Tech University and a MFA in Arts Administration from the University of Alabama. She is currently a member of the Center for Women, Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM), and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. She has served as a labor negotiator and has done training and development for ATPAM. She’s won academic scholarships and honors, athletic honors and leadership awards.

 

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Meredith EarnestMeredith Earnest, Leadership Group

Meredith Earnest comes from the Center of the Universe known as Marion, IN.  The College of Charleston Women’s Basketball Team brought her to the Charleston Area in 1997.  She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications and a minor in Spanish. Meredith has worked for Millennium Financial Services located in Daniel Island for six years as a Commercial and Residential Mortgage Consultant.  She is active in the Cougar Club with focused support in the Women’s Basketball Team.  She is also involved with other local organizations of business and personal interest.  Meredith enjoys her life and resides in North Charleston in the Park Circle Community. 


Jan Gilbert Jan Gilbert, Leadership Group

Jan Gilbert is a native of the Charleston area.  She holds a BA in theatre and a BS in psychology from the College of Charleston.  Jan is a member of Coastal Conservation League and a volunteer for Pet Helpers.  She is also active in the local theatre community, working with companies such as Charleston Stage and Footlight Players and also studies voice with June Bonner.  She is extremely excited to be involved in this wonderful organization!



 Catherine LaFond, Leadership Group

Catherine grew up in Summerville and went to the College of Charleston for undergrad and USC for law school. She has been a real estate attorney for over ten years and owns her own practice in West Ashley. She and her partner, Lindsay Dukes, have been together over five years and they currently live in West Ashley with their three dogs and one cat.


Jennifer OwenJennifer Owen, Leadership Group

Jen Owen (Twiglet) grew up in St. Louis, Mo and went to college in San Jose California where she earned her BS in Advertising. She did additional coursework at both Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley in marketing and art. She is an artist and creates jewelry. Her work is sold in museum gift shops and galleries in cities across the US.
Jen supports a variety of socially conscious causes within the Charleston area through donations of her art, talents and time. She is a member of AMA, AAUW and company “Twiglet” is a business member of AFFA. “I was so jazzed to be asked to be on the leadership committee at AFFA and I am truly looking forward to helping Charleston create a mind-set of acceptance and regard for the GBTL community.”

 

1 Barbara Tuttle, Leadership Group

Barbara Tuttle grew up in Clemson, SC, graduated from Clemson University, and her blood continues to run orange.  She has lived in Charleston for the past 24 years and cannot imagine living away from the coast.  After working as a recreational therapist in the mental health field and with senior citizens for some years, she made the switch to the business world. She has been a manager with The Sportsman’s Shop, a local sporting goods store, since 1997. She and her partner of 22 years, Teresa, attended the very first business meeting of AFFA and have been members ever since. Although they have no children of their own, they have been active participants of the AFFA Parenting Group and serve as unofficial aunts to several of the children. Barbara is an avid reader and also loves to travel to places she has read about.