Leadership
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Brian Sims, CEO
Brian Sims is a nationally recognized civil rights advocate, policy expert, and former legislator dedicated to fighting for equality, justice, and democracy. As CEO of Agenda PAC, he leads the nation’s most aggressive effort to defeat anti-LGBTQ+ extremists at the ballot box.
Previously, Brian made history as Pennsylvania’s first openly LGBTQ+ legislator, serving a decade in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He became a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and voting rights, taking on right-wing attacks in one of the country’s most hostile political environments.
A former college football captain, civil rights attorney, and national speaker, Brian brings strategy and resilience to his work. Now at Agenda PAC, he’s ensuring bigots face real political consequences and proving that if they come for our community, they will lose.
Brian lives in New York City with his husband, Alex Drakos. When he’s not in the fight, he’s advising companies on how to stand up for equality—or exploring the outdoors.
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Celinda Lake, Founding Board Member & Senior Advisor
Celinda Lake is a founding Board Member of Agenda PAC and one of the nation’s foremost experts in political strategy, public opinion research, and progressive messaging. As the President of Lake Research Partners, she has advised national leaders, advocacy organizations, and campaigns for decades, helping shape winning strategies on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom to economic justice and voting rights.
A trailblazer in the field of political research, Celinda was one of the first female Democratic pollsters in the country and has been instrumental in modernizing the way campaigns understand and engage voters. She served as one of the lead pollsters for President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and continues to be a sought-after strategist for progressive candidates and causes nationwide.
Since joining Agenda PAC’s Board at its inception in 2022, Celinda has played a key role in guiding its strategic direction, ensuring that the organization’s messaging and electoral strategies remain sharp, effective, and impactful in the fight for equality and against extremism.
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Joe Trippi, Founding Board Member & Senior Advisor
Joe Trippi is a founding Board Member of Agenda PAC and a legendary Democratic strategist with a career spanning decades at the highest levels of American politics. Widely regarded as a pioneer in digital and grassroots campaigning, Joe has advised presidential campaigns, congressional races, and progressive organizations, helping to revolutionize modern political strategy.
As a senior advisor to numerous Democratic leaders, including Howard Dean, Doug Jones, and Gavin Newsom, Joe has been at the forefront of some of the most consequential campaigns in recent history. His expertise in messaging, voter engagement, and digital organizing has made him one of the most sought-after strategists in the country.
Since joining Agenda PAC’s Board at its inception in 2022, Joe has played a critical role in shaping the organization’s strategy to take on anti-LGBTQ+ extremists and defend equality at the ballot box. His leadership and deep experience in political warfare ensure that Agenda PAC remains a powerful force in the fight for justice and accountability.
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Senator Shevrin Jones (FL), Founding Board Member
Senator Shevrin Jones is a founding Board Member of Agenda PAC and a trailblazing leader in the fight for equality, justice, and progressive change. As the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Florida Senate, he has been a relentless advocate for civil rights, education, and policies that uplift marginalized communities.
Throughout his career, Sen. Jones has championed legislation to expand access to healthcare, protect voting rights, and combat discrimination. His leadership in the Florida Legislature has made him a powerful voice against extremism, particularly in the face of rising attacks on LGBTQ+ rights across the country.
Since joining Agenda PAC’s Board at its inception in 2022, Sen. Jones has played a key role in guiding its mission to hold anti-LGBTQ+ politicians accountable. His dedication to equality, combined with his experience as a legislator and grassroots organizer, strengthens the organization’s efforts to protect fundamental rights and push back against bigotry at every level of government.
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Senator Megan Hunt (NE) - Founding Board Member
Senator Megan Hunt is a trailblazing lawmaker, activist, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and social justice. As the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Nebraska Legislature, she has been a fierce advocate for civil rights, public education, and economic equity in a deeply conservative state.
Since taking office in 2019, Sen. Hunt has led efforts to protect Nebraskans from discrimination, fight for reproductive healthcare access, and push back against extremist policies targeting LGBTQ+ communities. Her leadership has made her a national voice for progressive change in unlikely places.
As a founding member of the Agenda PAC Board, Sen. Hunt brings invaluable experience in legislative strategy, grassroots organizing, and movement-building. Her commitment to holding anti-LGBTQ+ politicians accountable and championing equality helps drive Agenda PAC’s mission forward.
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Ted Bordelon - Founder & Board Chair
Ted Bordelon is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Agenda PAC. A seasoned political strategist and communications expert, he launched the organization in 2022 and continues to shape its vision and strategy.
With a background in political communications, digital strategy, and campaign leadership, he has played a pivotal role in advancing progressive causes and mobilizing voters.
Prior to founding Agenda PAC, Ted worked extensively in media, advocacy, and electoral politics, helping candidates and organizations craft compelling narratives that drive impact. His leadership and strategic insight have positioned him as a key force in the fight for equality and accountability.
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Rep. Brandon Woodard (KS) – Board Member
Representative Brandon Woodard is a committed advocate for equality, public education, and economic opportunity. As one of the first openly LGBTQ+ legislators elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, he has been a leading voice for progressive policies in a historically conservative state.
In December 2024, Rep. Woodard was elected House Minority Leader, making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person to lead a legislative caucus in Kansas. In this role, he continues to fight for healthcare expansion, workers’ rights, and protections for LGBTQ+ Kansans, pushing back against extremist policies that threaten fundamental freedoms.
As a new addition to the Agenda PAC Board, Rep. Woodard brings extensive legislative experience, electoral strategy expertise, and a deep commitment to holding anti-LGBTQ+ politicians accountable. His leadership and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in conservative regions will be invaluable in advancing Agenda PAC’s mission nationwide.
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Rep. Sam Park (GA) – Board Member
Representative Sam Park is a dedicated public servant, attorney, and advocate for civil rights and healthcare access. Elected in 2016, he made history as the first openly gay man and first Asian American Democrat in the Georgia State Legislature.
Currently serving as Minority Whip of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Park has been a leading voice for Medicaid expansion and policies that protect marginalized communities. He also serves as General Counsel for Positive Impact Health Centers, working to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Georgia.
As a new member of the Agenda PAC Board, Rep. Park brings legislative expertise, legal experience, and a strong commitment to fighting for equality, strengthening the organization’s efforts to hold anti-LGBTQ+ politicians accountable.
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Alan Beard - Board Member
Alan Beard is a political strategist working to catalyze innovation in politics and American democracy more broadly. From 2017 to 2023, he worked under the president of the Brennan Center for Justice, a think tank and advocacy hub that aims to reform, revitalize, and defend the institutions of democracy. Across his various roles, Alan led internal communications, drove the organization’s annual planning process, and helped manage the president’s relationships with donors, staff, and board members. His background also includes campaign organizing, including fieldwork for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
As a new addition to the Agenda PAC Board, Alan brings deep expertise in political strategy, messaging, and fundraising. His commitment to combating extremism and defending LGBTQ+ rights will be instrumental in advancing Agenda PAC’s mission.
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Dr. Tariem Burroughs - Treasurer
Dr. Tariem Burroughs is a dedicated public health leader, educator, and advocate with a deep commitment to equity and community empowerment. As the Executive Director of External Partnerships at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, he works to develop sustainable programs that expand access to health resources and education.
Dr. Burroughs brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at Temple University School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Philadelphia FIGHT, and the Public Health Management Corporation. His expertise spans public health policy, community engagement, and organizational development.
A proud Philadelphian, Dr. Burroughs holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from Temple University, alongside advanced degrees in education, organizational leadership, and geographic information systems from various other institutions. He has served as Board Chair of Liberty City Democrats, Chair of the SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee, and serves on Pennsylvania’s HIV Planning Group and Philadelphia’s EMA HIV Integrated Planning Council.
At Agenda PAC, Dr. Burroughs applies his passion for advocacy and systemic change to the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ extremism, ensuring communities have the representation and resources they deserve
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Dallas Ducar – Board Member
Dallas Ducar is a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare, policy, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Donor Engagement and External Relations at Fenway Health and was the founding CEO of Transhealth, one of the first independent, comprehensive transgender healthcare centers in the country.
With a background in nursing, public health, and policy, Dallas has led efforts to expand access to affirming care, address healthcare disparities, and drive systemic change for LGBTQ+ communities. She holds faculty appointments at the University of Virginia, Columbia University, and the MGH Institute for Health Professions, shaping the future of inclusive healthcare education.
Dallas also serves as the Vice President of the Board at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and sits on the boards of Healing Our Communities Collaborative (HOCC), the UVA IDEA Fund, and MassNOW, where she helps drive initiatives at the intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and equity.
As a new member of the Agenda PAC Board, Dallas brings extensive experience in healthcare policy, nonprofit leadership, and strategic advocacy. Her deep commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights and advancing equitable healthcare access will strengthen Agenda PAC’s mission and impact.
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Kurt Thigpen – Board Member
Kurt Thigpen is a dedicated advocate for education and LGBTQ+ rights, with a strong background in marketing and public service. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Ace Studios, a social impact marketing agency based in Reno, Nevada, he focuses on uplifting brands committed to positive change.
Kurt’s commitment to community service is evident through his tenure as a Trustee on the Washoe County School Board, where he worked to enhance educational opportunities. He continues that work as the Vice Chair of the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority. Kurtalso serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Council of Governors of the American Advertising Federation, contributing to scholarship programs, advocating for multicultural representation in media and industry excellence.
As a new member of the Agenda PAC Board, Kurt brings valuable experience in advocacy, marketing, and public service, reinforcing the organization’s mission to combat anti-LGBTQ+ extremism and promote equality nationwide.
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Adam Graham – Board Member
Adam Graham is a political consultant, advocate, and former public servant with a deep commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and progressive leadership. He made history as the youngest and first openly gay mayor of The Village, Oklahoma, serving in 2022, and previously held office as a City Council member from 2019 to 2022.
Currently, Adam is the President of Bison Strategies, a consulting firm focused on electing LGBTQ+ leaders and allies, and he leads Equality South, an organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights in conservative regions. His work bridges electoral politics and advocacy, ensuring that pro-equality candidates have the support needed to win in challenging environments.
As a new member of the Agenda PAC Board, Adam brings firsthand experience in governance, campaign strategy, and movement-building. His leadership will help strengthen Agenda PAC’s efforts to take on anti-LGBTQ+ extremists and drive meaningful change nationwide.