Orlando, FL — June 13, 2025 — The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Guard hosted its Annual Meeting and Potluck on Thursday evening, bringing members together for an evening of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking decisions. The annual gathering serves as both a year-end wrap-up and an important moment of transition as members elect their Board of Directors and vote on key initiatives that shape the organization’s future.
Held annually on the first Thursday after the June concert, the meeting opened with reports from the President and Vice President, who recapped the highlights of the 2024–2025 season. From thrilling concert performances to impactful community events, the past year was marked by a renewed commitment to visibility, inclusion, and artistic excellence.
The Treasurer presented the organization’s 2024-2025 budget and proposed financial plans for 2025-2026, followed by open discussion and a successful member vote to approve the new budget. The membership also voted to approve an important bylaw amendment establishing a new board position—Membership Coordinator—tasked with enhancing member engagement and supporting retention across the ensemble.
Following the reports and motions, elections were held for key board positions of President, Vice President, and Secretary. In addition, five At-Large positions were selected from general membership. Members voted live during the meeting, resulting in the following appointments for the 2025–2026 term:
Executive Board:
Top Row: President Chris Martin; Vice President Nicole Edwards; Treasurer Eugene Lovestrand
Bottom Row: Secretary Dusty Deao; Communications Director Keith Allen; Membership Coordinator Beth Ashcraft
- President – Chris Martin
- Vice President – Nicole Edwards
- Treasurer – Eugene Lovestrand
- Secretary – Dusty Deao
- Communications Director – Keith Allen
- Membership Coordinator – Beth Ashcraft
Members at Large (in alphabetical order):
Top Row: Victoria Albert, Brianna Cipriani, Veruska Guerrero
Bottom Row: Mike McKee, Anthony Parisi
- Vicky Albert
- Brianna Cipriani
- Veruska Guerrero
- Mike McKee
- Anthony Parisi
The evening concluded with acknowledgments of outgoing board members whose service has contributed meaningfully to the band’s continued growth. Open discussion followed, allowing members to share feedback and ideas as the organization begins planning for the upcoming season, Together We Rise.
As CFSOF looks ahead to its 15th anniversary season, the newly elected board is poised to lead with energy, vision, and a shared passion for community-driven music-making. With strong leadership and engaged membership, the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Guard remains a vibrant voice for LGBTQIA+ visibility and creative expression in Central Florida.
For more information about the board, upcoming events, or how to get involved, follow our social media pages.