Jeff Bolognese – President

The President of LGRA is Jeff Bolognese, or as some of you know him as "Fuzzyjeff". Jeff has been involved with the Country Western Lifestyle and Gay Rodeo for about 14 years. After attending his first rodeo at the 1994 Atlantic Stampede in Washington D.C. Jeff knew he was hooked. Since then Jeff has had the great privilege to attend many of the rodeos across the U.S., not only as a spectator, but also a competitor and volunteer.

Jeff's involvement with LGRA began about 2 1/2 years ago when he was appointed Co-Membership Chair and became LGRA\'s first lifetime member. From the Chairman Position Jeff was appointed to the Executive Board as Vice-President and had the honor of being a Co-Rodeo Director for the 2008 Liberty Stampede.

Jeff looks forward to working with the Rodeo Association, and is asking for your support to keep our Organization alive and well.

Chris Maurizio – Secretary & Volunteer Coodinator

Chris was raised in a small town in New Jersey named Florence. It had a small cow farm in the middle of town and a horse farm on the outskirts. He grew up listening to Country music and dressing in a Country/Western style. He actually lived the song "I was country when country wasn't cool". The farms in Florence have been converted into housing developments and the town has grown beyond its means but he is still that same small town country boy. He started two stepping at Woodys around 1994 and went every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. Not only did he find the people friendly but also learned how to do the dances. He then learned about the DC Gay Rodeo (ASGRA) and attended his first one. He had such a great time that he’s been going ever since. Recently, he became involved with Philadelphia's own Liberty Gay Rodeo Association (LGRA) and is now proud to that he is the Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator. He is excited and proud to be part of this organization and this historical event. He looks forward to being part of Philadelphia’s Gay Country Community and the LGRA for many years to come.

James Erhart – Treasurer

Jim Erhart has been an active member of the gay and lesbian country community for over 10 years. Jim has a wide range of activities under his belt from teaching line dancing to student groups at the University of Pennsylvania as well as teaching at Woody's Bar. Jim also holds the position of Co-chair person for Lassos and Lariats, a country and western dance benefit that raises funds for such organizations as The Attic Youth Center, Siloam Ministries and the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey. Under Jim's leadership, Lassos and Lariats has experienced great success in raising money for the benefactors as well as increasing community involvement. He has chaired this event for four years.

Jim is a founding member of the Liberty Gay Rodeo Association (LGRA) where he has held the position of Vice President, served as the Chairperson for the Social and Entertainment Committee and currently is the Treasurer for the LGRA. Jim also served as the Assistant Rodeo Director for the 2006 Atlantic Stampede Rodeo in Washington DC.

Jim currently resides Westville, NJ and is employed with Comcast where he is the Senior Accounts Payable Supervisor.

John J. Stypa – Webmaster

John Stypa is an I/T professional with over 17 years of experience. He currently works for the State Of New Jersey developing web-based applications for the Motor Vehicle Commission.  John also works as a DJ and currently performs at The Woods Campground in Lehighton, PA. He has performed at the Liberty Stampede Rodeo in 2008, the Atlantic Stampede in Washington DC from 2003 - 2006, and occasionally at Woody's in Philadelphia.

John is partnered to Al and resides at the Jersey Shore.