ASGRA Candidates

Below are the nominated candidates for ASGRA's open positions of President and Secretary. There are two nominees for each position. Terms for each position 2 year.

Members may vote on the candidates through 12/XX/2025. If you have questions about the elections, please contact ASGRA Vice-President, Lenny Francioni at chevy_wizard@yahoo.com

Nominee for President - Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter has been a member of ASGRA since 1997. He was a rodeo competitor from 1998 - 2007. Patrick has held the positions of Social and Entertainment Chair, Public Relations Chair and been President of the Association since 2013.

Patrick's vision for the Association is a guided by our membership approach. Patrick wants to hear from the membership what they may want for the Association in terms of benefits, events and Association direction. Patrick believes that with strong membership support and input, ASGRA can continue to grow and be a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

Nominee for President - Jay R Gayheart

Jay R Gayheart is a competitor, IGRA Student Judge, and former ASGRA and IGRA titleholder. He joined ASGRA in 2022 and began competing for ASGRA in 2023, winning a couple of buckles in Steer Riding for the association. That same year he became a royalty ambassador for ASGRA by board vote and then the first Mr. Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association in almost 15 years.

As Mr. ASGRA, he championed funding new folks interested in rodeo schools leading to more than 13 new competitors over the few rodeo schools he funded. Jay R then went on to compete in the IGRA Royalty competition becoming Mr. IGRA 1st Runner-up 2025.

Outside of rodeo, Jay R is a communications and information technology Major in the Air Force working on IT and cybersecurity policy in his current position.

Finally, he's also member of the Potomac MC, a social leather group creating space and opportunities for leather people to express themselves and occasionally fundraising for charitable causes.

Nominee for Secretary - Reeves Gift

Reeves Gift is ASGRA’s Interim Secretary: a seasoned horse-petter, an enthusiastic (if slightly chaotic) saddle newbie, and a devoted coordinator who thrives on helping people feel welcome. He is excited to learn, pitch in wherever needed, and grow with this big, loud, loving rodeo family

Nominee for Secretary - Gaither Pennington

Gay rodeo and the country western lifestyle has been a significant part of my life since 1985. I was among the first members of ASGRA, becoming Member 17 and serving as the Association’s first Social and Entertainment Chair.

Prior to moving to Florida in 2006, I served as President for a number of years and, prior to that, as Secretary. I was also the IGRA Dance Chair for 3 years. After my move, I became active in the Florida Gay Rodeo Association (FGRA) serving for a number of years as its Secretary and President. While living in Florida, I maintained my ASGRA membership for many years.

Now that I am back in Alexandria, I would like to become a more active member by offering my knowledge and expertise as the Association’s Secretary.