Our People
Our board of directors and support chairs are a special group of people who have come forward to make a difference in the lives of Spartanburg’s youth. We believe in the ripple effect, that making a big change starts with a small act of kindness. By teaching youth that they are worthy regardless of identity or sexuality, we hope they will spread the same kindness to their peers and it will go on and on …
Debra Foreman, Executive Director
Deb and her husband have lived in Spartanburg for 10 years. She has been a member of the PFLAG Spartanburg Board. Deb is a co-founder of the Uplift Outreach Center and is currently Executive Director. In the last 4 years she has been involved in community efforts to make positive changes for lgbtq+ youth in Spartanburg.
Jodi LaBlanche Snyder, Program Director
Current Board Members
Shelly McMains, Vice President
My greatest joys are being a mother and a grandmother. I live for moments spent making memories with my children and grandchildren.
I love being outside by the water, exercising self care, and conversations with great friends.
I’m passionate about any and all things related to children’s and youth’s mental and physical health! Everyone deserves to be loved unconditionally, and it’s my hope that I can help to make a difference!
Timothy “Smitty” Smith is a lifelong resident of Spartanburg. He was previously the Vice President of Club South 29 which was a huge supporter of organizations within our community.
Adelaine Lilith Bradley
Adelaine Lilith Bradley is a native of the Upstate, a transgender woman, and a graduate of Dorman High School. Adelaine also attended USC Upstate, and graduated from Spartanburg Community College. She has worked in the textile and technical fiber industry for over a decade. She loves the Upstate, and cares deeply about the future of the young people in this area. She is currently the primary caregiver to her dad, and enjoys cooking, crafts, and all things nerdy.
Wendy J. Conte
Wendy grew up in NJ and moved several times before settling in Duncan with her husband and two children. Wendy earned her MA in English from The College of New Jersey and has taught both college English and middle school Language Arts. She is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and is honored to serve as board secretary for Uplift Outreach Center.
Committee Chairs
Paul Gentry, Social Media Chair
Kei Nesbitt, Youth Development Chair
Members at Large
Jamarcus Gaston, Member at Large
Ron Laughridge, Member at Large
Ron Laughridge has lived in Spartanburg for nearly 50 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from USCS and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Winthrop University and is an LPC. He retired from working as a therapist in Behavioral Health at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Ron has served on the board of directors for New Day Clubhouse for a total of 18 years and is very happy to be included on the board of Uplift Outreach.
Open Positions
