Our Staff
Chief Executive Officer Earl Plante
Photo Credit: Todd Franson
Earl is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SF Pride. Mr. Plante oversees the annual production of SF Pride Celebration & Parade, and is responsible for the overall administration and management of programming and personnel, which includes an extensive array of contractors. The CEO is the main link to the media, the LGBT community, and the general public. In consultation with the Board, the CEO ensures strict adherence to bylaws and strategic direction. The CEO is also the primary contact between partner organizations and stakeholders in the civic & philanthropic community, acting as spokesperson and goodwill ambassador in accordance with guidelines and principles set by the governing Board.
Mr. Plante was the Development Director of the Latino Commission on AIDS; prior to the Commission, he was Executive Director of One Voice PAC, an organization committed to electing progressive candidates to Congress. Prior to One Voice PAC, he was employed by the National Black Justice Coalition, a national LGBT nonprofit organization where he was the Chief Operating Officer, in which he managed the $1.3 million budget, along with its finances, technology and human resources. Prior to NBJC, Earl was Development Director at the National Minority AIDS Council where he administered all aspects of its $7 million budget. Earl has also held previous senior management positions at Union Settlement Association, Gay Men of African Descent, Funders Concerned About AIDS, and the Empire State Pride Agenda.
Earl attended Dartmouth College, majoring in History. Mr. Plante has worked his entire professional life as a passionate advocate for social and economic justice, which is fundamental to combating societal barriers of prejudice and discrimination in our various communities through public education, advocacy, and increased visibility. His passion for this progressive work stems from his belief in the power of grassroots organizing to mobilize and educate people to make positive changes in public policy; Earl ultimately envisions a world where all individuals are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community regardless of race, gender-identity, or sexual orientation.
Elected Board affiliations include:
- Treatment Action Group (TAG)-Currently Board Member
- Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club-Past Vice President
- One in 10: Washington DC LGBT Arts Organization-Past President & Treasurer
- Bronx Community Pride Center: Bronx LGBT Center-Past President
- National Black Justice Coalition-Past President
- New Festival: New York City LGBT Film Festival-Past President
- Queer Economic Justice Network-Founding Board Member
Membership affiliations include:
- Civil & Human Rights groups: American Civil Liberties Union; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; People for the American Way; and Southern Poverty Law Center
- HIV/AIDS groups: American Foundation for AIDS Research; National Association of People with AIDS; and the National Minority AIDS Council
- LGBT-specific groups: Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club; Bayard Rustin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Coalition; Gay Games; Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club; Human Rights Campaign; Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund; National Black Justice Coalition; National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Queer Economic Justice Network
- Women’s rights groups: Emily’s List; National Abortion Rights Action League; National Organization for Women; and Planned Parenthood
- Other Interests: Assn. of Fundraising Professionals; Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; Mother Jones; The Nation; The Progressive; Sierra Club; SPCA International; and World Wildlife Fund
Office/IT Manager Lucky Gutierrez
Lucky Gutierrez began working at San Francisco Pride in July 2010, bringing 20 years of program support and technology management experience with him. His primary responsibilities include ensuring the Board, Staff and Contractors have the necessary resources and support to produce a world-class event, as well as smooth functioning of the online features of SF Pride, including the website, online applications and ticket payment systems.
Prior to working at SF Pride, Lucky worked at Stanford University for 20 years, as a Student Affairs Specialist and later as a Computer Information Systems Analyst for the Career Development Center. In those positions he developed and implemented web applications for event registration and management, e-commerce solutions, and served as webmaster. Lucky has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1982, volunteering for and supporting numerous community organizations. Since 2002, he has been a volunteer with the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), serving as a volunteer mentor and trainer. He regularly introduces animals to potential adopters, gives tours and played a key role in implementing the SF/SPCA's first volunteer management software system.
