NEW HOPE, PA — New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is pleased to announce the election of its new Executive Team, marking the next chapter in the organization’s continued commitment to celebrating, preserving, and promoting the LGBTQ+ history and culture of New Hope, Lambertville, and the surrounding region. The term for the new Executive Team will begin on August 1, 2026.
Meet the newly elected Executive Team:
Rich Lucarini, President
Rich Lucarini has served on the NHC Board of Directors since 2023 as Vice President of Finance. An accounting and finance professional and Controller at Gilmore & Associates, Rich has helped strengthen the organization’s financial foundation while supporting its continued growth. As President, he will lead the organization into its next phase during his three-year term.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of President at New Hope Celebrates”, said Rich Lucarini. “I look forward to working more closely with our dedicated board members, volunteers, and partners to expand our reach and deepen the impact we make in New Hope, Lambertville, and surrounding communities. Together, we will celebrate the rich LGBTQ+ history of our river towns and champion a brighter future rooted in creativity, diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
Quinten Darling, Vice President of Events
Quinten Darling joined the New Hope Celebrates Board of Directors in 2025 after volunteering with the organization. A lifelong Bucks County resident and former Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024, Quinten brings energy, creativity, and a passion for creating memorable experiences that celebrate community and inclusion.
Quinten holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and currently works in nonprofit management and event planning, combining his love of hospitality with his commitment to community engagement. He is excited to bring his passion and enthusiasm to continue the incredible work of New Hope Celebrates while helping elevate the event experience and welcome even more people to the vibrant community he loves.
Kelly Beck-Kay, Vice President of Governance
Kelly Beck-Kay returns as Vice President of Governance, bringing continuity and extensive nonprofit leadership experience to the Executive Team. Kelly has long been a dedicated advocate for New Hope Celebrates and its mission as a powerful force for inclusion, visibility, and community. “The work we do matters, and I am committed to helping ensure that our leadership structure, policies, and processes continue to strengthen that mission for years to come. I care deeply about this organization and want to strengthen the structures that allow it to thrive,” said Kelly Beck-Kay.
Melissa Patterson:
Following four years as President (2022–2026) and three years as Vice President of Finance (2019–2022), Melissa Patterson will step down as President and remain on the Board of Directors through the end of the year to facilitate a smooth leadership transition and ensure continuity for the organization.
Melissa Patterson added, “When I joined the NHC Board seven years ago, I never imagined the journey ahead. Serving New Hope Celebrates for the past seven years in executive leadership, including the last four as President, has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I couldn’t be prouder of what our Board, volunteers, partners, champions, and community have accomplished together. Together, we have grown New Hope Celebrates into a stronger organization while expanding our impact and preserving the history that makes this community so special. We have reached milestones that once seemed impossible, and I’m excited to see where New Hope Celebrates goes next under Rich and the new Executive Team. The next chapter for New Hope Celebrates’ story is just beginning, and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.”
The Executive Team will continue to work alongside New Hope Celebrates’ dedicated Board of Directors, which includes Shelby Bacorn, Jason Chun, Ann Major, Michael Raymond, and Lisa Schiller, who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion throughout the year to advance the organization’s mission. Together, the Board provides the leadership that makes NHC’s programs, events, and community initiatives possible.
The Board also extends its sincere thanks to Roger Green, Ryan Segura, and Jaye McNeill for their dedicated service to New Hope Celebrates. Roger Green brought thoughtful leadership and unwavering support to the Board during his tenure, contributing to the continued growth and success of the organization. Ryan served as Vice President of Events and played an instrumental role in producing many of the organization’s signature events, creating memorable experiences for thousands of residents and visitors. Jaye McNeill served as Pride Fair Chair for the past two years and helped the organization’s communications efforts through website updates and community outreach initiatives. The Board is grateful for their time and commitment to advancing the mission of New Hope Celebrates.
As Rich Lucarini assumes the role of President, the position of Vice President of Finance becomes vacant. In addition, the Vice President of Communications role, previously held by Paul Kokesh, remains open. Over the coming months, the Board will begin recruiting passionate leaders to fill both positions and help shape the next chapter of New Hope Celebrates.
