Our Team
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Bryan Ruby, Founder
Bryan Ruby is a professional baseball player and rising country music artist based in Nashville, TN. In September of 2021 he became the only active professional baseball player to come out as gay at the time. Shortly after gaining national attention, Bryan founded Proud To Be In Baseball to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community in baseball.
bryan@proudtobeinbaseball.org
Ashley L. Evans, Strategy & Operations Coordinator
Ashley L. Evans began working with nonprofits in high school, helping multiple communities meet goals and prosper. Upon graduating from the Art Institute with a BFA in Graphic Design, Ashley began her career with Major League Baseball and centered many projects around Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. Having called Nashville home for more than a decade, her work has focused on artists within the music industry (both touring and behind the scenes), but she has always maintained continued involvement within the nonprofit world. Joining Proud to be in Baseball’s team has been exceptionally rewarding; working with Bryan Ruby on both the sports and music elements that this organization offers support for athletes around the world.
ashley@proudtobeinbaseball.org
Tara Gore, Board Member
Sue Wilkins, Fundraising Coordinator
Sue Wilkins is a native Floridian who graduated from USF with a BA in Education. In a challenging industry such as sports, I strive to raise LGBTQ awareness and acceptance.
Sue has an extensive background in community relations and distribution and marketing as well as over 1,000 hours volunteering with other nonprofits including: Judson Center in Royal Oak, MI where she successfully raised $138,000 in a single event and was awarded 2016’s “Volunteer of the Year”!
Sue’s commitment to helping others can be seen in all aspects of her life, striving to continue her involvement in bringing people together while driving awareness in the community. Her personal goal is to participate in nationwide PRIDE events to raise funds for a nonprofit that believes “no one queer person should feel alone in baseball” and is honored to be a part of an organization who believes in inclusivity and encourages people to be themselves!
sue@proudtobeinbaseball.org
Kerry Garner, Treasurer
Hera Andre-Bergmann, Social Media
Cathy Renna, Communications & PR
Cathy Renna is a veteran in the communications industry and serves as the Principal of Target Cue, an LGBTQ+ focused communications consultancy. Since her time at GLAAD through the 1990’s, Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications, playing a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Recently, Cathy Renna joined the National LGBTQ Task Force as Communications Director.
cathy@targetcue.com
contact@proudtobeinbaseball.org
