Toward Pride Appoints Tierney Ridley as Interim Chief Executive Officer

Powering Institutions Toward Pride is pleased to announce the appointment of Tierney Ridley as Interim Chief Executive Officer during Founder and CEO Don Abram's planned sabbatical this August.

This appointment marks a historic moment for the organization. For the first time in Toward Pride's history, the Board of Directors has appointed an Interim Chief Executive Officer. Tierney will be the first person to hold the role and the first Black queer woman to serve in it.

For those who know Toward Pride well, this appointment comes as no surprise.

Tierney's journey with Toward Pride began long before she joined our staff. She first encountered our work through one of our earliest church trainings. She later became a participant in the Black Church Equality Fellowship, one of the organization's signature leadership development programs. She eventually joined our staff and quickly became an indispensable member of the team.

Since then, Tierney has helped shape nearly every part of the organization. She has strengthened our internal operations, guided major initiatives from planning to implementation, supported staff through seasons of growth, and built systems that allow Toward Pride to serve communities with excellence. Much of what makes the organization function each day bears her fingerprints.

Her leadership extends beyond operations. Tierney leads with humility, steadiness, and deep care for people. She has earned the confidence of staff, the trust of partners, and the confidence of the Board through her consistency, judgment, and commitment to Toward Pride's mission.

Founder and CEO Rev. Don Abram welcomed the appointment.

"I've had the privilege of watching Tierney grow as a leader over the years. She didn't arrive at this moment overnight. She has grown alongside this organization, earned the trust of our staff, our Board, and our partners through her work, her character, and her unwavering commitment to our mission. I can't think of anyone better to lead Toward Pride during my sabbatical."

As Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tierney will oversee the organization's day-to-day operations, provide leadership to staff, and work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure Toward Pride continues advancing its mission of helping institutions better serve Black LGBTQ+ communities.

Tierney's appointment is more than a leadership transition. It is the result of years of intentional investment in people, shared leadership, and the belief that strong institutions prepare leaders long before they need them.

Please join us in congratulating Tierney on this historic appointment.