About Civitas
Civitas focuses on LGBTQ+ business certification, education, and networking to strengthen our regional ecosystem based on the idea that supporting diverse-owned businesses is the foundation of community transformation and economic impact.
Civitas was born out of the desire of many stakeholders from Louisville, Cincinnati, Lexington, and beyond to create a chamber focused on supporting and cultivating a thriving LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to have representation from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum already engaged, knowing there will always be opportunities for growth.
We are a chamber of commerce for LGBTQ+ and ally businesses as part of the NGLCC’s affiliate network.
Our Mission
The mission of Civitas is to increase economic opportunity for LGBTQ+ people, businesses, and allies through networking, education, and advocacy.
We are a vital advocate for LGBTQ+ citizens in the business sector of the Ohio River Valley region.
Our Goals
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To grow the number of LGBTQ+-certified businesses in the Ohio River Valley (Kentucky, Southern Ohio + Indiana).
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To support corporations in creating inclusive workplaces, expanding supply chain investments and becoming effective advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
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To expand investment in and support for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Our Leadership
The Leadership of Civitas is comprised of a Board of Directors made up of members and business leaders from our community, as well as a volunteer Executive Director. In addition to the Board, other Civitas members server on committees support the ongoing work of Civitas. If you’re interested in serving as an at-large member on a committee, please email civitaslgbtq@gmail.com.
Erica Fields
President of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
President of Fields Consulting, LLC
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Benjamin Schneider
Treasurer of Civitas LGBTQ+ Chamber
President & CEO of Evolution Networks
Pronouns: he, him, his
Bryce Cariel
Executive Director of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Managing Broker & Co-Owner of Caperton Realty
Pronouns: he, him, his
Kevin Borland
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Partner at MulloyBorland
Pronouns: he, him, his
JP Davis
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Founder of JP Davis Partners
Pronouns: he, him, his
April Elston
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Senior Manager of Beam Suntory
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Patience Fields
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
CEO of Fields Kentucky Spirits
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Jeremy Koonce
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Realtor Custom Select Realty
Pronouns: he, him, his
Jess Stevens
Board Member of Civitas Regional LGBTQ+ Chamber
Founder and Boss Lady of Alight Marketing Agency
Pronouns: she, her, hers
About the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. NGLCC currently has 60 affiliate chapters across the United States and internationally.
