Julia M. Applegate
julia.applegate@gmail.com
Julia M. Applegate, MA, MPH (she/her) holds a Master of Arts in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from The Ohio State University. She holds a BA in Political Science with minors in History and German from Ohio University. Julia was a founding member of H.I.S. Kings (1996) and the International Drag King Community Extravaganza (1999). She has been an HIV and LGBTQ+ health advocate, researcher and administrator for the past 25 years. She has taught Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies classes at Ohio State, Wright State University and Ohio University since 1996. Recently she completed directing and producing Free Beer Tomorrow, a feature length documentary film project that tells the story of Ohio’s longest running lesbian bar. She is proud to serve on Columbus' LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission.
Siobhan Boyd-Nelson
siobhanrenee@gmail.com
Siobhan Boyd-Nelson (she/her), a Black, Queer Lesbian of Christian faith, brings 15+ years of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, fundraising, and leadership to the commission along with a background in law and communications. Siobhan currently serves as board president for Black, OUT & Proud and board chair of LOVEBoldly, with past terms on the boards of The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation and the OSU GLBT Alumni Society. Siobhan is passionate about the intersections of LGBTQ+ identity with race, faith, and gender as well as the relationship between LGBTQ+ data and funding.
Peaches Calhoun
commissionerpeaches@gmail.com
Peaches Calhoun (she/her) is the Founder of Humanity First Ohio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic education, community engagement, and strengthening democratic participation across the state. She serves as an Area Commissioner for the Greater Southeast Area Commission and as a member of the City of Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission. Calhoun is the originating policy architect of Ohio House Bill 707, known as Kei’Mani’s Law, legislation designed to strengthen child protection and reporting systems statewide. Through advocacy, writing, and community organizing, she works to expand civic literacy and champion inclusive policies that ensure LGBTQ+ residents and all communities can fully participate in shaping their future.
Calhoun believes strong communities are built when people understand their rights, engage in their government, and see themselves reflected in the decisions that shape their lives.
Tyson Crenshaw
tclgbtqcomm@gmail.com
Tyson Crenshaw (he/him) is safety professional, advocate, and community leader dedicated to building safer, stronger environments for individuals and organizations. With expertise in risk management, emergency preparedness, and crisis response. Tyson focuses on bridging gaps between communities, services, and systems to improve access to safety resources and support. His work centers on empowerment, education and resilience helping people and organizations strengthen their capacity to protect one another and respond effectively during critical situations.
Jaylah Hollins
jaylahhollins@outlook.com
Jaylah Hollins (she/her) is honored to serve on the Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission. A lifelong Columbus resident raised in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, she grew up as a Black LGBTQ+ youth navigating school, healthcare, and identity while seeking spaces of affirmation and opportunity. With support from Trans Ohio’s Name & Gender Marker Grant, Equality Ohio, and Equitas Health, she secured affirming identification and Healthcare. An experience that deepened her understanding of how policy shapes personal outcomes. Jaylah brings lived experience and systems-level perspective to public service, committed to advancing equitable solutions that strengthen healthcare access, youth stability, and opportunity across Columbus.
Rob Leis
rjl3.lgbtq.commissioner@gmail.com
Rob Leis (he/him) is a Leadership Columbus 2023 graduate dedicated to using public institutions to uplift and expand equity for marginalized communities. After founding the Stonewall Sports - Columbus Chapter in 2017, he went on to serve in national leadership roles with the organization. As a 2019 Fellow of New Leaders Council - Columbus, Rob later joined the Board of Directors, serving in multiple leadership capacities. In 2025, he joined the Board of Directors for It Gets Better, and in January 2026, was sworn in as a member of the inaugural Columbus LGBTQ+ Commission. A Kansas native, Rob calls Columbus, Ohio, home and works as a Senior Program Manager at NetJets, supporting Digital Strategy in Marketing.
Jamie Luby Lenzo
jllgbtqcomm@gmail.com
Jamie Luby Lenzo (she/her) is an education leader with more than 20 years of experience across K–12 education, program development, and community engagement. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education from Ashland University and has completed advanced doctoral coursework in educational leadership. Jamie has served in leadership roles including Director of Special Education and Education Program Manager at The Ohio State University’s LIFT Lab. She currently serves on the Ohio Council for Exceptional Children Board, participates in the Central Region Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative, coaches youth volleyball with RVA Volleyball Club, and serves as a Commissioner on the City of Columbus’ inaugural LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission.
Jonathan Keilholz
jdkeilh@gmail.com
Jonathan Keilholz (he/him) is a Senior Media & Content Manager at an engagement/communications/public affairs firm called MurphyEpson, where he leads strategic communications, media relations and content development for public sector, private sector and infrastructure initiatives across Central Ohio. A former television news executive producer and current freelance journalist, he brings a strong storytelling background to his work. Jonathan is committed to inclusive, community-centered communication and amplifying diverse voices. He is proud to support the Columbus LGBTQ+ community and is dedicated to advancing visibility, equity and meaningful engagement through his service on the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission.
Dr. Jasmine Roberts-Crews
jrclgbtcomm@gmail.com
Dr. Jasmine Roberts-Crews (she/her), affectionately known as Dr. Jae, is an educator, speaker, scholar advocate, writer, and public servant. Her advocacy work centers on elevating the experiences of people of color, women, and queer communities, which she brings to her role as Chair of the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission. Dr. Jae is a renowned open education leader and research consultant, where she focuses on improving equity, access, and affordability in higher education. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Sydnee and her pups, Diamond and Huxley.
Blaine G. Saito
bgslgbtqcomm@gmail.com
Blaine G. Saito (he/him) is the Lawrence D. Stanley Endowed Associate Professor of Law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he teaches and writes in the areas of tax law and administrative law, with a focus on democratic equality and taxation. He holds degrees from Harvard University. Active in the Columbus community, Professor Saito is a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel and participates in Outrunners Columbus and Ohio Splash, LGBTQ+ running and swimming communities. He is committed to equity, inclusion, and civic life in central Ohio.
Thomas Savage
tslgbtqcomm@gmail.com
Thomas Savage (he/him) is honored to serve on the Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission. A dynamic education and community engagement leader, he works at the intersection of schools, public systems, and community partners to advance equity and student wellbeing. Thomas brings experience in learning innovation, mental health strategy, and cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on building environments where young people and families can thrive. Deeply committed to safety, belonging, and opportunity for all residents, he is especially passionate about ensuring LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized communities are seen, supported, and empowered across Columbus.
Riley Williamson
rwlgbtqcomm@gmail.com
Riley Williamson (he/him) is a student at The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the College of Arts and Sciences. Alongside his studies, Riley is a Resident Advisor in one of two Gender Inclusive Environments at Ohio State, giving him insight into the issues which LGBTQ+ students face on campus. Riley is also a member of OSU’s Morrill Scholars Program, which focuses on leadership and civic engagement. Riley is proud to serve on the Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission, and looks to advocate for the specific needs of LGBTQ+ high school and college age students.