Michael Nelson -Trustee

Michael is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, a labor leader, and a nonprofit board member with over 25 years of volunteer experience. He has served as an Entertainment Coordinator for WorldPride and has been involved with SOGIEcon, the world’s largest conference focusing on LGBTQIA+ issues, for more than 25 years.Michael has been a member of the board for True Colors, where he spent 10 years as Board President. During his tenure, he contributed to governance, fiduciary stewardship, and nonprofit operations, particularly during the years when the organization hosted SOGIEcon. Additionally, he previously held the position of Director for the largest LGBTQ+ sporting event in the Northeast.For 18 years, Michael has been a Teamster in the Airline Division of Teamsters Local 135. He currently chairs the crew accommodations and travel committee for Republic Airways flight attendants. He also serves as Vice President of the Republic Airways Pride group, is a member of the National Gay Pilots Association, and has been part of the Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus since 2020.His expertise encompasses facilitating LGBTQIA+ discussions and workshops, drafting inclusive bylaws and organizational charters, guiding organizations through the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit certification, and ensuring fiduciary responsibility for large LGBTQ nonprofit organizations.