SAN DIEGO — The future of San Diego Pride was the focus of a town hall meeting Monday night.
The long-time executive director abruptly resigned three weeks ago and now new leadership needs to take over.
Two people with years of experience at San Diego Pride have been named the interim replacements. But they said Monday that they don't have plans to officially apply for the position.
The Board of Directors says the search for a new permanent leader will be swift. Whoever that is, will be taking on and supporting one of San Diego's biggest events.
Our local PRIDE parade started as a grassroots march. It now attracts around 300,000 people annually.
The interim Executive Directors, Sarafina Scapicchio and Jen LaBarbera said you can expect the same in 2024.
"There are no plans to change our current programs, no plans to change anything about PRIDE week, LaBarbera said.
"We need to make sure PRIDE is strong and that our volunteers are supported," Scapicchio added.
The organization was first formed in the 1970's to help with health-related resources during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since then San Diego PRIDE has distributed three million dollars to organizations locally, nationally, and globally. From education, advocacy, legislation, policy and civic engagement.
"It's an honor to be part of something that changed my life," Noah Lomax said, who sits on the board. "As PRIDE, we serve our community, so it's important that we listen to our community," he added.
So while there's been progress, there has also been change.
"What are they doing to keep the LGBTQ population in the public eye, in a positive way?," Michael Donovan asked at the Town Hall.
The majority of the questions focused on former Executive Director Fernando Lopez Jr, who resigned at the end of November.
The board has still not commented on what happened.
"As it is with any personnel decision, not a lot we can share on that - what I can say though, is organizations grow and change all of the time," Lomax added.
The board has selected a local executive recruitment firm to assist in the nationwide search of a new executive director. PRIDE faced criticism though, following Lopez's departure and admit they lost some monthly donors.
"I've been an active advocate for 20 years, I don't know any of the board members. That's a problem."
But they have also received an outpouring of support and want to reassure the LGBTQ community they remain fully committed to the mission of fostering pride, equality and respect for all.
If you were not able to make it to this meeting, your voice can still be heard. There's a virtual session happening at noon on Wednesday.
Here's how to register: https://bit.ly/sdpcthreg
WATCH RELATED: SD Pride Parade 2023 | Full Parade Coverage