Tom Edwards hired as new executive director for Project Pride SRQ

Successful businessman and Sarasota County School Board member will work with nonprofit’s leadership to expand focus of LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit

SARASOTA, FL – The Project Pride SRQ board has named Tom Edwards as the organization’s new executive director; he officially took the helm on August 4. In his new role, Edwards will build upon the strong foundation of the LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit by leaning heavily on his reputation as a moderate to build coalitions that foster inclusivity and stand against the elimination of human rights for any element of the population.

Edwards brings decades of proven entrepreneurial business experience to his new post as well as his experience as a Sarasota County School Board member since November of 2020.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom as our new executive director,” said Justyn Hunter-Ceruti, President of the board of Project Pride SRQ. “His leadership, experience, and deep ties to the community will be invaluable as we step into this next chapter. I look forward to working with Tom to advance our mission and ensure that Project Pride continues to be a powerful force for inclusion, connection, and resilience in Sarasota and beyond.”

"Tom brings a passion for our mission, a wealth of experience, and a dedication to advancing equity, justice and inclusion not only for LGBTQ+ people but for all who face barriers, which our organization is committed to addressing at this pivotal time in our culture," said Harry Cicchetti, Vice President of the board. “The board looks forward to working with Tom as he leads our organization into our next chapter of growth and impact."

Some initiatives Edwards is planning to implement include creating a peer-to-peer Support Squad of students to identify bullying and mobilize around the target. While not assigning blame or punishment, PPSRQ understands that bullying is a reaction based in trauma and wants healing and resiliency for all involved parties. While PPSRQ has become well-known for its programs for adults and seniors, Edwards hopes to develop additional programs for young families with LGBTQ+ members and allies. He also hopes to develop after-school programs that address critical thinking topics, particularly those that are no longer allowed to be fully explored – or are even prohibited – in area classrooms.

“Project Pride envisions a silo-free community that is proud, resilient, and unified by shared values, not tribal policies,” Edwards said. “I am so excited that Project Pride has given me this platform to do this important work.”

PPSRQ has scheduled a pop-up town hall at Voco Sarasota hotel (1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota) on August 27, 6-8 p.m., to meet Edwards and hear more details regarding the organization’s next chapter. Visit PPSRQ’s website (ppsrq.org) for more details. 

PPSRQ’s popular community events – including the Grand Carnival and Silver Pride in June as well as the Gulfcoast Pride Festival, which takes place this year on October 25 – will continue to bring allies together to celebrate our success and work with joyful purpose. Edwards encourages anyone who wishes to see a more inclusive and resilient community to visit the PPSRQ booth during the Gulfcoast Pride Festival on October 25 and share their thoughts with him.

Visit ppsrq.org to learn more about Project Pride.

PHOTO ID: New Project Pride SRQ executive director Tom Edwards

Photo by Janet Combs/PPSRQ

About Project Pride SRQ 

 Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments toward a shared goal. From providing youth scholarships to organizing local gatherings, Project Pride has brought together LGBTQ+ and allied partners since 2019 to build capacity, support, and a vision for an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported, and celebrated in Sarasota and beyond. For more information, visit ppsrq.org.