Chris Jones - Chair
Chris Jones has been a resident of St. Petersburg since 2002. He has been active in many events over the years as a market vendor as well as fundraising event coordinator with King of Peace MCC while serving on their board of directors from 2005-2008. He attended Sunstate Academy in Clearwater for massage therapy and became a licensed massage therapist in 2011. He has owned his own private massage practice now since 2011 and currently has a studio on 7th Avenue.
He became involved in Come Out St. Pete in 2017, participating as a vendor with his wood carvings and was elected onto the board of directors in 2018, in which he was the coordinator for the vendor market. He is currently chair for Come Out St. Pete and is looking forward to the opportunity to attempt to make a difference and become more involved within our LGBTQ community! He draws inspiration by his late husband, Fred Burns in that we may never know what a difference we may have made in someone's life, but we should at least do our best to help them in any way we can!
Bill Kody / Co-Chair
Bill was born and raised in West Michigan. He has one daughter that lives in Ohio and was married in 2022. From a very early age, Bill knew he had a love for music. In 1986 he decided that he wanted to play music for other people and became a DJ. In 2012 he decided that he wanted leave cooperate America and move to Saint Petersburg to DJ year round. He loves the Grand Central District and decided to join the Come Out St Pete board in 2018. Bill got married to the love of his life, Jeremy Kody in 2019. In 2021 Bill & Jeremy started to manage Casa Del Merman @ Gay St Pete House. He loves his community and 100% believes in equality for everyone.
Joshua Wallace / Treasurer
Introducing Joshua Wallace, better known as Josh, a multifaceted individual making a difference in both the LGBTQ community and the tech industry. As the Treasurer of Come OUT St Pete, a non-profit LGBTQ organization, Josh brings over 15 years of experience working with various LGBTQ groups, where he has held diverse roles such as Volunteer Chair, General Member, VP, and President in St. Petersburg, FL, Mobile, AL, and Atlanta, GA.
Josh's passion for technology and innovation has been a driving force throughout his career, which spans over two decades in the IT field. Currently serving as a Senior Solution Architect, he focuses on propelling growth and catalyzing change in the tech space.
With a unique blend of skills and expertise, Josh stands as a bridge between advocacy and technology. He applies his strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership abilities to champion the cause of LGBTQ rights while ensuring that Come OUT St Pete's financial resources are managed prudently and effectively.
An unwavering advocate for equality and inclusivity, Josh's commitment goes beyond the boardroom and extends to every facet of his life. Whether he is designing innovative tech solutions or fostering a more accepting society, Josh remains dedicated to making a lasting impact.
Through his tireless efforts and inspirational leadership, Josh continues to empower the LGBTQ community and drive positive change in the tech industry, embodying the true spirit of progress and compassion.
PJ Salas / Board Member
PJ Salas, the owner and designer of BULGE, a men’s apparel brand in The Grand Central District - St Petersburg, is the newest Director on the Come OUT St Pete Board. Upon arriving to the Tampa Bay Area, PJ became involved in the local LGBTQ community after opening BULGE’s first location in 2021 in Ybor City Tampa, partnering with GaYbor District Coalition and sponsoring various community organizations including Tampa Pride, Metro Inclusive Health, Rainbow Sports League, Tampa Bay Jokers Softball Team, WMNF’s Big Gay Radio Show, The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Drag2Talle.
BULGE received local accolades from the readers of Watermark Magazine for Best Adult Novelty Store 2022 & 2023 and The Event Space at BULGE Ybor City won Best Hidden Gem 2023 as a safe space for our community to hold gatherings and diverse drag performances. BULGE has grown in the e-commerce space under BULGEBoy.com now known as the destination for male models and dancers.
Prior to his time in Tampa, PJ held executive and leadership roles at top corporations including Apple, Deloitte and CNN where he volunteered in business resource groups such as Pride@Apple, GLOBE at Deloitte and Out at CNN, advocating for the LGBTQ community. PJ’s career has taken him across the country from Buffalo NY, New York City, Washington DC and San Francisco before planting roots in Tampa Bay.
PJ is excited to join the Come OUT St Pete Board of Directors. By continuing his advocacy work in the growing St Pete LGBTQ community, he plans to utilize his network and resources, taping into peers and other business owners for collaborative marketing and charitable benefits, to strengthen and grow the Come OUT St Pete Mission of promoting the values of acceptance, love & equality for all LGBTQIA+ people.
