Following an extensive search, the Lexington Pride Center is excited to announce Chris Church as the organization’s next executive director! Chris joins the organization at a pivotal time, as 2027 marks the Lexington Pride Center’s 50th anniversary.
Chris joins the Lexington Pride Center after nine years with Louisville’s Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, where he has served as executive director since 2022. His work has brought people together through creative programming, community partnerships, and a love of sharing stories. He brings experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and creating memorable events that help people connect.
“I was looking for an opportunity to take the skills and experience I’ve built over the years and put them to work for my own community,” Chris shared. “I’m excited to do that at Lexington Pride Center and help create opportunities for people to connect, feel supported, and celebrate who they are.”
Chris lives in New Albany, Indiana, with his husband, Larry, their two dogs, and two cats. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, getting lost in a good book, and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.
Please join the Lexington Pride Center in welcoming Chris to the team! We’re excited for this next chapter and the work we’ll do together. You can read Chris’ full bio below!
BIO:
Chris Church is a nonprofit executive and community leader passionate about creating meaningful connections, strengthening organizations, and building welcoming spaces where people can come together. With nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, cultural programming, fundraising, and community engagement, Chris brings a collaborative and people-centered approach to his role as Executive Director of the Lexington Pride Center.
Before joining the Lexington Pride Center, Chris served as Executive Director of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, a historic house museum located in the heart of Old Louisville. He joined the organization in 2017 and became Executive Director in 2022, overseeing the museum's daily operations, financial management, fundraising initiatives, educational programming, and community partnerships. Throughout his tenure, Chris worked to strengthen the organization's financial sustainability, expand its community engagement, and develop innovative programming that connected the museum's historic mission with contemporary audiences.
Chris's work in the museum field has emphasized creativity, historical interpretation, and a commitment to telling more inclusive stories. During his tenure, the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence from the Kentucky Historical Society, in part because of his work developing innovative educational programs and exhibitions that expanded the museum's interpretation and public engagement. As a member of the American Alliance of Museums, Chris has remained committed to advancing professional standards, accessibility, and meaningful public engagement within cultural institutions.
Chris's work has focused on bringing historically marginalized voices and overlooked narratives into public conversation. Among his projects was Coveted & Condemned, an original exhibition examining the contradictions between Western fascination with Asian art and culture during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era and the discrimination, exclusion, and racism Asian communities experienced during the same period. Through exhibitions like this, Chris sought to challenge traditional historical narratives, encourage thoughtful dialogue, and create opportunities for visitors to connect the lessons of the past with issues of the present.
Throughout his career, Chris has cultivated a broad network of relationships with nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, local businesses, donors, and community advocates. His experience includes developing public programs and special events, securing grant funding, cultivating donor relationships, coordinating volunteers, and working closely with boards of directors to advance organizational goals. He believes that successful nonprofit organizations are built not only through strong operations and strategic planning but also through authentic relationships, creative thinking, and a genuine commitment to the communities they serve.
Beyond his professional work, Chris has maintained a personal commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and advocacy. Alongside his husband, Larry, he is a Platinum-level supporter of the Fairness Campaign, a Kentucky organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections. Their continued support reflects a shared belief in the importance of equality, visibility, and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to live authentically and without discrimination.
His transition to the Lexington Pride Center reflects a desire to bring his professional experience into an organization dedicated to advocacy, inclusion, and community support. Chris is particularly passionate about strengthening community partnerships, expanding access to inclusive programming, cultivating sustainable funding, and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals of all backgrounds and generations to connect. He believes that strong community organizations are built through collaboration, authentic relationships, and a willingness to listen to and learn from the people they serve.
As Executive Director, Chris looks forward to working alongside the Lexington Pride Center's Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners to build upon the organization's legacy while exploring new opportunities for growth and engagement. He is committed to fostering a vibrant organization that celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, amplifies underrepresented voices, and creates opportunities for connection, education, and belonging throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky.
Chris lives in New Albany, Indiana, with his husband, Larry, their two dogs, and two cats. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys baking pastries and getting lost in a good book.
