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Jim has been heading the Pride Center since before the grandng on November 10, 2003. A transplant from Rochester, where he worked as the community relations director for the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley and as Public Affairs director of AAA Western and Central New York, Jim brings with him a wealth of experience in LGBT programming, public relations and business management.

This is not Jim’s first time working in Buffalo. Soon after college Jim took a job with the Buffalo News, where he stayed until attending graduate school at Nazareth College in Rochester.  With important family ties including grandparents from Ebenezer and Buffalo, many members of his family still live in the area. 

“One of my favorite childhood memories,” says Ver Steeg, “Is coming to Buffalo with my brothers so Aunt Hattie could bring us to the circus.  How that woman was able to keep three young boys occupied for an entire weekend is beyond me.”

Jim’s vision for the Pride Center is clear and reflects the mission of “bringing Western New York’s LGBT communities together.”  With an eye toward optimizing opportunities for communication and cooperation, Jim sees the Center as a guiding force in improving the lives and enhancing the visibility of all LGBT persons living in our area. 

“This is truly a community project,” says Ver Steeg, “Even with a work plan and funding from the Department of Health, our success and relevance depends on support from the people we serve.”

In the end, Jim is excited by the opportunity to lead this new organization and bring much needed programs and services to our area’s LGBT communities. If you would like to contact Jim, please email him at jversteeg.

Read columns from Jim.