Sep 19, 2018
Join GSBA in welcoming two new staff members, Eli Coffin, Business Training Specialist & Grant Manager, and Jeff Boyer, Sr. Development Officer!
The GSBA membership team has a new team member, Eli Coffin (he/him, they/them), Business Training Specialist & Grant Manager. He will be managing the Communities of Opportunity grant awarded to the Transgender Economic Empowerment Coalition (TEEC) which GSBA is a partner and will also manage the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) grant that was awarded to the Ethnic Communities Chambers of Commerce, which GSBA is also a partner. Eli will be creating and teaching a business curriculum serving the needs of transgender and LGBTQ POC business owners and entrepreneurs. This work includes working with corporations to review and create inclusive corporate workplace policies in partnership with the TEEC.Prior to GSBA, Eli was on the Executive Board of Directors at OutFront Minnesota and worked at Charterpoint Wealth Strategies.
Eli is new to Seattle, and when asked about why he wanted to work at GSBA he told us, “I was looking for a team of people that cared not only about the bottom line but also investing in our community. I was so excited when I found GSBA because it connects the LGBTQ community in a way I haven’t seen done before.” While at GSBA, he hopes to bring new ideas and creativity to the table while centering work on some of the most marginalized and unsupported members of the LGBTQ community. “This work is essential for our community. Eli has the focus and organizational skills, and at the same time is very personable and skilled to work with our coalition partners and connect with people in our most marginalized communities,” said Ilona Lohrey, Director of Membership, Outreach & Education.
Outside of grant management and training, Eli loves being outside and traveling. He can most likely be found out on a walk, preparing for his next camping adventure, or anywhere near the water. “So far what I love most about Seattle is the fresh flowers, luscious trees, and exploring all the different neighborhoods and communities.”
You can contact Eli at [email protected].
Our newest GSBA Scholarship Fund team member, Jeff Boyer (he/him), Sr. Development Officer joins us from his role as Major Gift Officer at Childhaven. Jeff will be working closely with GSBA Scholarship Fund partners and donors, crafting strategy and managing major GSBA Scholarship Fund events like EQUALUX: TASTE of GSBA and the annual GSBA Scholars Dinner. When asked about his goals for the fund, “I want to help grow the GSBA Scholarship Fund programs as much as we can,” he said. Jeff has a B.A. in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University, and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington.
Jeff currently volunteers at Lambert House, but has also volunteered at Childhaven, was the Scholarship Lead for AFP Advancement NW, and Trainer and Phone Worker at the King County Crisis Clinic for over 5 years. As you can see, Jeff has a passion for helping others. He is excited about joining the GSBA Scholarship Fund team and when asked why he wanted to work with scholars, Jeff stated, “I want to be a part of helping future LGBTQ leaders in our community, and help today’s LGBTQ youth have more support than I had.”
While not at work Jeff enjoys traveling, houseplants, volunteering, and experimenting with painting, art, and do-it-yourself projects. Between work, volunteering, and his hobbies, Jeff still finds time to have dinner with his grandmother every week. Although he has only been here a short time, one highlight he pointed out was, “having so many of my personal friends share stories about their GSBA experiences or talk about how they want to get involved.” We look forward to working more with Jeff, and can’t wait to see all of the great work he’ll do.
You can contact Jeff at [email protected].
