Team

We have strong leaders committed to our mission of helping LGBTQ+ individuals reclaim and develop their faith in community. See below what compels them to serve.

coming soon

Leadership Team

Daniel Youmans

(he/him)

Executive Director

daniel@renovus.org

“I know firsthand the struggle that often accompanies the journey to reconciling faith and sexuality. Renovus became a safe and soft place for me to land during that time in my life, and I now serve to help foster our faith community and show those who are LGBTQIA+ that God loves and affirms who we are without qualification."

Alex Martens

(she/her)

Events Director

events@renovus.org

“I joined Renovus in the summer of 2019 and immediately fell in love with the community it created. Since then, my faith and friendships have grown tremendously, and a big part of that has been the Renovus events and gatherings. I'm delighted to grow my involvement with the organization and continue to make our events both fun and meaningful!”

Jonathan Smith

(he/him)

Groups Director

jonathan@renovus.org

"My young adult life was full of self hatred for being gay. Finding this community helped me realize that God is active in the lives of LGBTQ+ Christians who are serious about a relationship with him. I serve with Renovus because I want everyone to experience the abundant life that Christ promises."

Jorge Vargas

(he/him)

Group Membership Coordinator

groups@renovus.org

"With Renovus, I can be 100% myself. I am completely accepted and that's why I love being part of this ministry. LGBTQIA+ Christians deserve a safe space like Renovus."

Headshot of Lacey Lynch Looney and their dog

Lacey (Lynch) Looney

(they/them, she/her)

Outreach & Diversity Director

outreach@renovus.org

“Renovus has given me a path to Jesus I didn’t think was possible as a genderfluid, pan romantic person. I am so thankful to grow and deepen connection in the queer Christian community, while giving those I encounter a place to heal and love Jesus as themselves within Renovus."

Headshot of Christian Amaro

Christian Amaro

(he/she/zem)

New Member Ambassador Lead

ambassadors@renovus.org

“First was the invitation and then the warm welcome, not just in person but on the Renovus community channels. Something about feeling the love of God and building a relationship with Him made me stay. My prayer is that many others in the LGBTQ+ community feel the same way!”

Anthony Smith

(he/him)

Digital Communications Specialist

info@renovus.org

"Thanks to Renovus, I've experienced significant personal growth and found tremendous support, much of which can be attributed to the Renovus events and gatherings. I'm excited to expand my role within the organization, particularly on the digital front, where I aim to connect members and guests, serving as a conduit of information."

Board

Cortland Russell

(he/him)

Board President

cortland@renovus.org

"I have had the honor of being a part of Renovus since its inception as an active member, small group leader, and events committee member. I am excited to take this next step as a board member bringing my nonprofit, corporate, and community leadership experience to make an even greater impact and build a stronger Renovus family.”

Debbie Causey

(she/her)

Board Secretary

”I have an overwhelming love for the LGBTQ+ community since my son came out in 2014. I want every person to know that they do not have to choose between their faith and their sexuality, and it breaks my heart that so many LGBTQ+ Christians think that they do. I serve to further the cause of knowing the love of God for everyone.”

Sandi Harman Waldrop

(she/her)

Board Treasurer

"When my son came out in 2011, it kickstarted a journey in which God strengthened my faith and revealed a clear purpose for me—to help people in the LGBTQ+ community know God’s love and realize they don’t have to choose between their faith and sexuality.  It’s an honor to serve on the Renovus board and be part of creating environments for LGBTQ+ people to come together and grow their relationship with God and other LGBTQ+ Christians."  

Gregory "Ory" Cook

(he/him)

Board Member and Co-founder

ory@renovus.org

“I don’t want anyone to feel the pain I felt, believing I had to choose between my faith in Jesus and who he created me to be.”