Dr. Edith Guffey, MSW Takes Helm as First African American Woman to Chair the Board of PFLAG National

WASHINGTON, D.C.— PFLAG National—an organization devoted to advocating for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies, supporting families, and educating allies—announced Dr. Edith Guffey, MSW, as their new Board Chair, following her tenure as Co-Vice Chair of the PFLAG National Board of Directors. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years with the United Church of Christ, Dr. Guffey brings a wealth of experience in advocacy, leadership, and organizational development to her new role. Additional officers include Regional Directors Council Chair and Board Co-Vice Chair Chad Reumann, new board member and Co-Vice Chair Sarah EchoHawk, Secretary Antón Castellanos Usigli, and Treasurer Chad Libertus.

“We are thrilled to welcome the leadership of Dr. Edith Guffey as PFLAG National’s new Board Chair,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), Chief Executive Officer of PFLAG National. “Edith’s lifetime of advocacy and her deep commitment to inclusive communities make her an ideal leader for PFLAG. Her vision, experience, and passion is invaluable as we meet the challenges of a new year.”

A native Midwesterner, Dr. Guffey has long recognized and championed the rights of marginalized communities, understanding the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those from diverse racial backgrounds. Her extensive background includes experience in conflict mediation, facilitating conversations on racial justice and white privilege, as well as expertise in fundraising and organizational development. In 2021, she was one of three people, and the only parent, asked to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Equality Act.

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Board Chair at PFLAG National,” said Dr. Guffey. “PFLAG’s roots are thoroughly planted in activism and advocacy. As a Black woman who started school only three years after the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas decision to end school segregation, advocacy and activism run deep within me, as well. Together with PFLAG and our incredible network of chapters, I am excited to help continue this legacy by tapping into the strength of marginalized communities, especially those at the intersection of race and LGBTQIA+ identity as we cultivate a future where every person is welcomed, valued and celebrated.”

Dr. Guffey served as Conference Minister of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference for the United Church of Christ, where she supported 60 congregations across both states and was a voice for  social justice, equity and inclusion of all. As Conference Minister, she led the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference in a historic 2017 vote to affirm that people of all sexual orientations, genders, races, and abilities are not only welcome but fully celebrated within the Conference’s community—a significant milestone, especially in regions where exclusion has been the norm. She retired from this role in October 2021 and has since remained active in her service to the faith community.

Dr. Guffey succeeded Susan Thronson, who served as Board Chair from 2022-2024 and had been a member of the PFLAG National Board of Directors since 2012. Thronson was the first parent with an openly transgender child (now adult) to serve as PFLAG National Board Chair, and Dr. Guffey is the second.

Joining Dr. Guffey in leading the PFLAG National Board of Directors are Sarah EchoHawk, a citizen of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma and President of AISES (Advancing Indigenous People in STEM), who joins as Co-Vice Chair of the Board and Development Committee Chair. Chad Reumann, Assistant Program Director of Entrepreneurship at Trinity University, serves as Regional Director Council Chair and Co-Vice Chair of the PFLAG National Board of Directors. Antón Castellanos Usigli, MPH is founder and CEO of ACU Innovation and Consulting LLC and serves as Secretary. Chad Libertus, a tax partner in KPMG’s Houston Business Tax Services practice, serves as Treasurer of PFLAG National. Additional Board Members include Elizabeth A. Castro, MS Ed., Nominating Committee Chair; Liz De Jesus, Alumni Council Chair; Penny McIntyre, Policy Council Chair; David Schuur, Audit Committee Chair; Kelly Brooks-Hailey; Juliana Haddad Litterio; Kathy Halbrooks; Charmaine Hussain; Roderick Jones; Blanca Leos; Ann Miller; Kathy Munzinger; Amy Orwig; Lindsey Pasquale; Paul Spivey; and Marilyn D. Willis, ED.D.

Since its founding in 1973, PFLAG National has brought LGBTQ+ people, parents and families, and non-family allies together, galvanized by the mission of creating a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. In a time when LGBTQ+ youth face unprecedented challenges, PFLAG is on the front lines, providing crucial support to them and their families while fighting against harmful policies.

Under the leadership of the Board and CEO Brian K. Bond, PFLAG has grown and adapted to engage and serve modern-day families across intersectional identities. This includes growing the PFLAG Chapter Network by more than 60 chapters in the last 18 months alone; creating PFLAG Connects: Communities—culturally inclusive virtual community spaces where people of similar backgrounds can gather, find support, and learn without judgment—for Black, Latino, AAPI, and Military families, as well as for grandparents and people with transgender and gender-diverse children. PFLAG National has also made strategic investments in Minority Depository Institutions and created intentional partnerships with Black, Indigenous, AAPI, and Latino-led and centered organizations.