Board Members

Jeff Gregory (He/Him) – President

Jeff is a Joliet resident who believes in the power of community engagement. As the owner of Realty Executives Success and Chairman of the Board for Midwest Real Estate Data, Jeff balances a busy professional life with a passion for giving back. He is a prolific fundraiser, having secured more than $2 million for charitable organizations, and has served as the anchor sponsor for Joliet PrideFest since day one.

Jeff’s current mission is to grow the Joliet Pride Network, ensuring its resources reach as many people as possible in Joliet and the surrounding areas. Outside of his advocacy work, Jeff is a fan of the arts and sports, often spending his time at concerts, movies, or traveling with friends.

Michael Smith (He/Him) – Vice President

A lifelong resident of the Joliet area, Michael has dedicated his life and career to serving his community. With over 20 years of experience in social work, he has specialized in supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges and living with HIV. This background in advocacy and care provides a strong foundation for his extensive leadership within the local LGBTQ+ community.

As a founding organizer of Joliet PrideFest, Michael has been instrumental in the event’s success since its inception. He remains deeply committed to increasing the visibility of the Joliet Pride Network, with a primary goal of fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout Joliet and its surrounding communities.

Marione Trabucon (He/Him) – Secretary

Marione Trabucon is an immigrant from the Philippines who has proudly called Joliet home for the past eight years. He holds a degree in Business Administration in Operations Management and brings a strong background in leadership, organization, and community engagement.

Marione has been actively involved in several cultural organizations, including the Filipino American Lions Club. Through his work and service, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities.

Passionate about promoting cultural diversity, Marione strives to help create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals and families feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Mailyn Hill Gotlund (She/Her) – Treasurer

Residing in Homer Glen, Mailyn is a dedicated professional who uses her expertise in American Sign Language to bridge communication gaps throughout her community. A 2007 graduate of MacMurray College and a licensed IL interpreter, Mailyn is a familiar face in a variety of settings—from local classrooms and university lecture halls to the stage at concerts and theatrical productions.

Mailyn’s commitment to service extends to her role as the Fundraising Chair for the local elementary school PTO. Guided by the philosophy that acts of kindness and mutual respect are essential to a thriving community, she strives to bring a spirit of compassion to every interaction, whether she is on the job or volunteering.

Josh Brehm (He/Him)- Board Member

Robert Burbridge (He/Him)- Board Member

Manuel Manzo (He/Him) – Board Member

Hi, I’m Manuel, but most people call me Manny or Manu. I’m a firm believer that consideration is key to understanding how the world works and life is best lived when you’re helping others. Whether I’m navigating the insurance world at Gala Insurance (the brokerage I co-own with my husband) or advocating for our local LGBTQ+ community on the board of the Joliet Pride Network, I lead with organization, compassion, and integrity. When I’m not working or volunteering, you can usually find me leaning into my casual side—whether that’s through playing sports, gaming sessions, reading, anime, or having a game night with friends.

Ryan Queeney (They/Them) – Board Member

A longtime advocate for the LGBT+ community, Ryan Queeney has lived in Crest Hill all their life. As the former president of Joliet Junior College’s Pride Alliance they’ve already dedicated years of hard work and care into making LGBT+ spaces safer and more inclusive. That path quickly led to public service, and straight into the Joliet Pride network. Ryan is also a member of the Will County Health Department as an HIV Counselor and Outreach Specialist, providing free HIV testing, PrEP access, and health resources to the community.

Organizing and hosting community events is one of their passions; Ryan loves to see the local community come together to support one another and show their pride. In collaboration with the Office of Student Activities, they played a key role in hosting multiple events, both as a student leader and former President of Pride Alliance. 

Ryan also has experience in working with legislators, traveling to our state capital, Springfield, to advocate for JJC. Serving as the Student Trustee on the JJC board of trustees has given them even more first-hand experience in impactful decision making and considering the far-reaching effects every decision has on the local community.

Tracy Ritter (She/Her)- Board Member

A 37-year IT professional, Tracy pair’s technical precision with a profound commitment to community building. Her record of service spans veteran support, electoral integrity, and human rights advocacy.

As a long-term leader within the National Organization for Women (NOW), Tracy has held executive roles at both the local and state levels, driving communication strategies and grassroots organizing. She is notably one of the founding forces behind Joliet PrideFest, an initiative she sparked to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Beyond her leadership roles, Tracy believes in “boots on the ground” service—whether she is assisting travelers at the Midway USO, ensuring fair elections as a Will County election judge, or helping manage feral cat populations through her nine-year TNR program.