BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Pride taps Chris Bengston as interim director
Chris Bengston, newly-named interim executive director of Dallas Pride The Dallas Pride Board of Directors announced this morning (Monday, June 5) that long-time Caven Enterprises employee Chris Bengston is stepping in as interim executive director of Dallas Pride, effective immediately. “With more than 30 years of event management experience, Bengston is well-known and respected by the LGTBQ+ community,” noted a press release announcing her appointment.
Bengston succeeds Jaron Turnbow, who has served as executive director since mid-2018, when the former executive director, Michael Doughman, announced his retirement.
Turnbow led Dallas Pride during its move from Cedar Springs in September to Fair Park in June in 2019. “We appreciate Jaron’s many contributions to Dallas Pride and to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Frank Holland, president of Dallas Pride, “and we wish him all the best in his new endeavors.” Bengston began working at Caven Enterprises in 1985, and, through her work, has been an integral partner in helping to plan and produce many local events, including those for JR.’s, Station 4, TMC and Sue Ellen’s.
A dedicated fan of the art of drag, Bengston has also served as on-site event coordinator for local and national drag pageants, including Miss Gay USofA, Miss Texas Gay Texas America and various independent systems.
