Our Leadership
Dedicated faith leaders guiding our coalition's mission of love and justice.
The Most Reverend Josie Claire Russell, D.D., is an emeritus Anglican bishop. After preparing for holy orders and serving in parish leadership, she was ordained to the episcopacy in 2017. Her apostolic succession derives from historic Episcopal Church and Old Catholic (Union of Utrecht) lines.
She is deeply engaged in ecumenical and interfaith work, including serving as an ecumenical representative during Pope Francis's 2015 U.S. visit, and continues to foster relationships across diverse faith traditions.
Bishop Russell currently serves as President of Pride Interfaith Knoxville, having previously chaired the Executive Committee that drafted its Charter and Bylaws and guided its establishment as a 501(c)(3). She brings extensive experience in governance, coalition-building, and community-centered leadership, committed to advancing PIK's mission with integrity and collaboration.
The Rev. Bodhi K. der Parunakian is the Vice President of Pride Interfaith Knox and shares a deep commitment to the organization's advocacy and its impact on the greater Knoxville community. Their activism began on the front lines of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and has continued through lifelong work in human rights, social justice, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and immigration reform. They have been active with Pride Interfaith Knoxville for the past three years.
Their vocation has always centered on serving those who are marginalized and unheard. Growing up queer and non-binary in a conservative Baptist context during the Civil Rights era and pre-Stonewall period shaped their enduring dedication to justice and inclusion. Sensing a call to ministry in early childhood, they have spent their life in service.
Rev. Bodhi became a Licensed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church in 2010, serving in pastoral, campus ministry, rescue mission, youth home, and hospice chaplaincy roles. They hold a BS in Psychology and are currently pursuing an MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy, with four units of ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education completed. In 2022, they were ordained a priest in the Old Catholic tradition, and in 2024 they became Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care at Metropolitan Community Church of Knoxville.
Steve Lewis has been an active member of Pride Interfaith Knoxville for more than five years, serving as one of its four Co-Chairs for the past three. He has also contributed to the planning committee for PIK's annual interfaith service.
He regularly participates in Equality Day on the Hill, representing PIK in partnership with the Tennessee Equality Project. This year, he served as a district captain, organizing meetings with state legislators to advocate against discriminatory legislation often referred to as the "Slate of Hate."
Beyond his work with PIK, Steve is the founding Co-Chair of the Social Justice Committee at Temple Beth El.
As a board member of Pride Interfaith Knoxville, Steve is deeply committed to strengthening the organization and advancing its mission. He believes PIK's work is more vital than ever and is dedicated to helping expand its reach and impact in the years ahead.
Carolyn Rogers has been involved with Pride Interfaith Knoxville since its first annual service in 2012 and is deeply committed to supporting and advocating alongside the LGBTQIA+ community. She has coordinated planning for the annual interfaith service for many years and has built strong relationships with leaders across a wide range of faith traditions in the region.
She has represented Pride Interfaith Knoxville at Equality Day on the Hill for the past two years, participating in statewide advocacy efforts organized by the Tennessee Equality Project.
Since 2008, Carolyn has served as a volunteer in pastoral care at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC). She is currently helping teach and equip a "Right Relations" team focused on fostering healthy conflict resolution within the congregation.
As a board member of Pride Interfaith Knoxville, Carolyn brings deep experience, collaboration, and a steady commitment to community care. She is dedicated to supporting PIK's mission in whatever ways are most helpful and to strengthening the organization's work in the years ahead.