meet your committee!
Thomas
2025 Conference Chair
Thomas hit 5 years sober in February, resides in Philadelphia and is a private yacht chef with almost 25 years in the hospitality industry. He attended GSM for the first time in 2023, without knowing a single person. The decision to attend the conference was one of the best things to happen during his recovery. He first became a delegate for the Philadelphia and New Jersey area. Loving to be of service for those in need, he then to moved up to the Registration Chair for Superheroes 2024 and is now taking on Conference Chair for Wild West 2025. “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”
Steven
2025 Conference Co-Chair
Steven is honored to serve with GSM again, marking his third year with the event. Initially inspired by the positive experience as an attendee, he recognized an opportunity to contribute his skills to the community and, in 2024, had the privilege of being the Chair of Programming. With a background in customer service, case management, and corporate training, Steven brings a varied experience working with diverse groups. He is passionate about personal development and believes in the importance of showing up for life and supporting others. He aims to create an environment where attendees feel connected and inspired in their sobriety journey.
mario
Chief Operating Officer
Mario is an alumni of GSM since its origin on Facebook in 2009 & has been involved as the Volunteer coordinator since 2018. The conference has been inspirational to him on many levels, notably the growth in his own connection & commitment to a sober life & the joy and fulfillment that can bring. As conference Chair, Mario hopes that all attendees not only enjoy all the events that the conference offers, but that they also find connections that build their sobriety. GSM is a welcoming community of sober men & brothers - may you all find it to be that & much more at this year's conference!
christian
Executive Director
Christian started the work of Gay & Sober in 2009. He never set out to make it - but after experiencing other roundups, he said to himself "we can do better". He brings his 25 years of experience in fashion, business and marketing to the organization. Under his visionary leadership, the brand has expanded to help more people in more places.
jay
Housing Chair
Jacob (Jay) Tompkins is proud to serve GSM this year as a new Delegate for Colorado and Housing Chair for the 2024 Superheroes Conference . Jay attended his 1st GSM conference “Freedom is…” last year, Jay dove in headfirst with service helping wherever he could, this also allowed him to conquer his shyness in meeting new people in big groups. GSM has given new heights to his sobriety and having just celebrated 6 years he feels that the journey has just begun with added friends, exciting opportunities, and fresh challenges to help him become his best yet to be ! He says, “It is such an honor and blessing to have the opportunity to share my story and life with those in search of the same life changing events that I have been receiving since starting this spiritual journey to freedom.
tom
Graphics and Design
Tom is a native of North Dakota and attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He's created typography and brand design for Sony, Rolling Stone, Swatch and Michael Jackson. Tom is one of the most awarded creative directors in the world. His design and typographical work is part of the permanent design collections of Museum of Modern Art in NYC and the Smithsonian Institute. The primary reason why GSM has that polished and special look is because of Tom and his artistic talents!