Our Board

Our Board is a Powerful, Diverse Group of Leaders Driving History UnErased's Mission Forward

Nicole Pascarelli O’Brien (Board Chair) brings more than two decades of leadership experience in education, community organizations, and mission-driven nonprofits. She has guided schools and nonprofit initiatives through strategic planning, program development, and organizational growth, and has also worked as a multimedia producer on storytelling projects. Nicole holds an M.Ed. in Education Administration from Boston College and will complete an MBA in Nonprofit Management at UMass Boston in 2026. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments and strengthening institutions that promote equity, understanding, and connection.

Marty Meehan is the President of the University of Massachusetts system and former chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During his tenure in Congress (1993 - 2007), he worked to oppose and then repeal President Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Marty wants his tenure in Congress to be remembered for his consistent and uncompromising efforts to lift the ban on gays and lesbians serving in the military. "More than anything, I'm proud of my record across the board in fighting for gay and lesbian rights in that era." Learn more about Marty's fight in this History UnErased video.

Dr. Jay Barth has a background in teaching a variety of courses linked to LGBTQ+ politics and engaging in research on LGTBQ+ politics across his 26 years as a professor at Hendrix College (Arkansas).  During his time at Hendrix, Jay also engaged in public service and in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, including a 7-year term on the Arkansas State Board of Education. Since shifting to emeritus status at Hendrix, Jay has served as the inaugural Chief Education Officer for the City of Little Rock and as the Director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. 

Chris Marino (Outgoing Chair) is the Executive Director of Teach Plus Massachusetts. He has successfully led the Teach Plus Fellows' efforts in advocating for changes and influencing policy decisions in K-12 education. Chris was an elementary classroom teacher for twelve years, served on the executive council for his teachers' association, and worked as the Director of Leadership Strategy for Boston Public Schools. "I know the vital importance of providing curricular resources to students grounded in facts and representative of who we are as a population."

Jamie Coker-Robertson is a public relations expert specializing in social justice campaigns, entertainment, and the LGBTQ space. Jamie's extensive experience spans diverse industries, and her success lies in orchestrating high-profile media and communications campaigns that have significantly influenced social causes, cultural movements, and organizational growth. Jamie was History UnErased's first Board Chair when she was with ONE Archives, and she is joining the Board again to support the organization through new strategic development.

Tiferet (Tif) Ani (she/they=shey) is moving from the role of a professional learning facilitator with History UnErased to a Board Member. Tif is a veteran middle school and high school social studies educator, then the Social Studies Content Specialist, curriculum developer, and instructional coach for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Tif is currently a Doctoral Student at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. "I am excited to join the Board! I am wholeheartedly impressed by and committed to History UnErased's mission."

Michail Takach is a historian, author, communications professional, and president of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, a non-profit reconnecting Wisconsin with its past to inspire a more inclusive future. In 2024, the Project partnered with the Wisconsin Historical Society and other agencies to dedicate Wisconsin’s first historic marker celebrating LGBTQ history. "It's never been more important for our history to be seen, and I'm proud to join an organization standing tall against the censorship, exclusion, and erasure that threatens us all."

Brian Nesbitt is a Creative Director with over 15 years of experience in communications, specializing in entertainment and marketing. He has led the development of award-winning digital and immersive creative for global brands such as Verizon, Google, Meta, Disney, Prime, Starbucks, and Sony. Throughout his career, Brian has witnessed the transformative power of storytelling to shift perspectives and inspire change. His passion for amplifying underrepresented narratives led him to History UnErased. "I am excited to support the organization’s mission of empowering teachers to share the remarkable LGBTQ stories that have shaped American history."

DAVID DUFFIELD

David Duffield is a historian, founder of the Colorado LGBTQ History Project, and veteran teacher having taught history and social studies to nearly all grade levels. David is also a Board Member of the LGBTQ+ History Association. Inspired by his efforts to bring LGBTQ history to middle schools in the US for the first time (that we know of), David created GlobalQueerHeritage.com, as well as TheDenverPrinciples.com, a queer history art contest, and TheWordsWeTeach.com. 

Deb Fowler is co-founder and executive director of History UnErased. She has worked with experts to develop History UnErased's groundbreaking primary source-based LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, has led ongoing partnerships with schools and districts nationwide, including the New York City Department of Education, and the National Council for the Social Studies, Library of Congress, Harvard Graduate School of Education, University of Michigan School of Information, and more, and speaks at state and national conferences about the urgent need to restore history and civics as a critical core discipline that is LGBTQ-inclusive. "I believe History UnErased's mission is the next frontier in civil rights."

Maddy Thompson is Principal at Aroney Thompson Consulting, with a track record of success providing strategic planning and policy advising to meet organizational goals. Maddy's experience working across broad, complex political, business, union, and community-based networks is invaluable. For eight years, until January 2025, Maddy served as Senior Education Advisor in Governor Inslee’s Executive Policy Office, advising on education and higher education policy and budget issues. "I am honored to serve on History UnErased's Board."