Board of Directors & AMBASSADORS

Thom Waldman

Founder, President & Culture Programmer

Thom is the founder and steady hand behind WAAP, shaping its vision, tone, and cultural direction. He leads Pride in the Park and WAAP’s year‑round programming with a focus on authenticity, rural queer visibility, and community belonging. His work blends practical stewardship with a deep sense of cultural care, building events and spaces that feel grounded, welcoming, and drama‑free.

Thom oversees strategic planning, grant writing, partnerships, and program development, always centering the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in small towns. He believes in creating gatherings that feel like home — places where people can show up as themselves without performance or pretense.

When he’s not organizing, he’s usually with his two dogs, Freedom and Bowie, or turning temporary spaces into places of comfort and dignity.

Deb Peterson

Vice President

For most of her professional life Deb worked as a Sociology professor at a small state university in Bemidji, MN. As a faculty member she conducted research on the climate for LGBTQ+ faculty, female faculty, and faculty of color in the seven Minnesota state universities. This project was conducted on behalf of the statewide faculty union (The Inter Faculty Organization), and the research findings were used to help lobby for campus and contractual change. Deb also sat on several union committees that helped to address inequities in various forms. Toward the end of her career she served as the Interim Title IX Coordinator and Title IX and Civil Rights Investigator, Campus Diversity Officer, and Affirmative Action Officer for Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.

COVID19 brought Deb to California to help her spouse, Colleen, provide backup childcare for our west coast grandchild. While doing this, I worked as the Program Analyst for the Cal Poly Scholars program. It was a wonderful job and a great way to end her paid work life.

Now that she is officially retired (as of April 2025), Deb still has a need to participate in groups that do good things and foster positive change. To that end, she is looking forward to the work of We Are Atascadero Pride.

Tori Keen

Secretary

Tori is a dedicated community advocate, family law paralegal, soccer coach, and passionate champion for inclusivity, belonging, and connection on the Central Coast. As the Secretary of We Are Atascadero Pride, Tori believes deeply in the power of grassroots community-building, ensuring that everyone in Atascadero and the surrounding areas has a safe, welcoming, and affirming space to show up entirely as their authentic self.

Born out of a desire to foster local unity, visibility, and support, Tori’s involvement with We Are Atascadero Pride stems from a core belief that small towns become extraordinary when every neighbor feels truly seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether helping coordinate outreach, contributing behind the scenes, or working to cultivate a stronger network of resources and acceptance for local families and individuals, Tori is deeply committed to strengthening the social fabric of the community.

Professionally, Tori works as a family law paralegal, bringing a strong sense of organization, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep-rooted commitment to helping individuals navigate challenging times with compassion, clarity, and strength. That same dedication to supporting, guiding, and uplifting others extends naturally into family life and youth mentorship. As a proud mother and a local soccer coach, Tori loves investing time into helping young athletes build confidence, learn the value of teamwork, and develop resilience both on and off the field.

As a long-time local resident, Tori understands the unique charm of Atascadero—its distinct community spirit, its rich history, and its incredible potential to grow into an even more inclusive, welcoming, and supportive home for everyone. Through We Are Atascadero Pride, Tori looks forward to continuing to build bridges, amplify diverse voices, and foster an environment where pride, kindness, equity, and belonging thrive year-round.

Tracy Morgan

Treasurer

Tracy is a dedicated board member and a committed ally to the LGBTQ+ community. She is deeply passionate about inclusion, actively advocating for the rights, visibility, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals both locally and nationwide. Guided by a strong belief in equity and belonging, Tracy works to help prevent the marginalization of LGBTQ+ voices and foster a more supportive, connected community.

Her advocacy is rooted in her unwavering support for family and friends, and she brings that same care and commitment to her role on the board. Tracy embraces the spirit of the local community while championing broader efforts that uplift LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.

Outside of her board work, Tracy enjoys exploring the local coastline, visiting wineries, and spending meaningful time with friends.

Karen Mcnamara

Member at Large

Ambassadors

Don Ackerman

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