Our Mission
Fairness West Virginia (Fairness) is the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for LGBTQ+ West Virginians.
Our mission is to ensure LGBTQ+ people can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community. We are open to everyone who believes in fundamental fairness.
Our Vision
We believe every West Virginian deserves to live openly, safely, and with dignity. Our vision is a state where LGBTQ+ folks are fully protected under the law and respected in everyday life.
Fairness is a proud member of the Equality Federation.
Our Board
Jan Rader,
Chair FWVI
Arli Christian,
FWVI & FWV
Kelly Kimble,
Vice Chair FWVI & FWV
Chris Walters,
Treasurer FWVI & FWV
Kevin Aldana,
Chair FWV
Cal Carlson,
Secretary FWVI & FWV
Crystal McNamara,
FWVI & FWV
Jaye Golumbic,
FWVI & FWV
Patrick Folio,
FWVI & FWV
Meet Our Staff
Andrew Schneider, Executive Director
Since 2014, Andrew Schneider, as Executive Director, has led the effort to advocate for effective lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender policy changes in West Virginia. Prior to joining Fairness, Andrew served for seven years as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Connecticut where he was a leader in the successful state campaigns to win transgender civil rights, abolish the death penalty, and legalize medical marijuana.
Before that, he was the Executive Director of the ACLU of West Virginia for six years. In 2007 he was the recipient of the West Virginia NAACP Freedom Award for leading the successful legislative effort to ban and combat racial profiling in the state. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in European History from Washington and Lee University.
Contact Andrew Schneider at andrew@fairnesswv.org.
Lacie Pierson, Communications Director
Lacie Pierson has called West Virginia home all of her life. She has been a fixture in state and local government proceedings for the last 20 years working to help West Virginians connect to one another and their government with the goal of building stronger communities.
A Marshall University graduate, Lacie worked as a journalist throughout southern West Virginia in an award-winning reporting career that led to the adoption of laws in support of protecting some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. She enjoys volunteering with Read Aloud West Virginia and for various events at her son’s school. Lacie is married to Bud Shadd, and they have one son. They enjoy gardening and hiking together in West Virginia’s state parks.
Contact Lacie Pierson at lacie@fairnesswv.org.
Paula Kerner, Program Director — Safe & Healthy Schools Initiative
Paula is a veteran teacher who has dedicated the past 35 years to the students and families of Kanawha County. She graduated from WV State University and earned the distinction of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher in 2019. As a full-time classroom teacher, Paula developed positive relationships between her students and the community. Through organizing community service projects, hosting roundtable discussions with city and state government organizations, and working with the Secretary of State’s office and Voters Registration, she helped students make the transition to adult life. She also is very proud of the work she did leading her school’s Gay Straight Alliance as advisor.
The GSA supported all students through multiple anti-bullying projects, the annual Day of Silence, an art fair featuring student artists, the Marshall University Sustainability Fair and various events in collaboration with other schools. Paula is very excited to continue working closely with school officials, parents, teachers and students. As the Program Manager of the Safe and Healthy Schools Initiative, it is her goal that all West Virginia students are successful academically and emotionally.
Contact Paula at paula@fairnesswv.org.
Sonia Copple, Executive Assistant
Sonia holds a B.A. in English from Haverford College, Pennsylvania. She found her way to Charleston after falling in love with the Kanawha County Public Library and the natural beauty of West Virginia.
After moving to Charleston, Sonia began working in the library’s IDEA Lab, teaching patrons of all ages to utilize makerspace equipment and navigate public resources. She spent time working with the Bob Burdette Center as an after school enrichment leader. Sonia is passionate about public service, queer advocacy, and making West Virginia safe for all. She is thrilled to join Fairness West Virginia as the Executive Assistant. Outside of work, Sonia enjoys writing songs, taking walks, and playing word games. She is concurrently pursuing a Master of Social Work from Marshall University.
Contact Sonia Copple at sonia@fairnesswv.org.