ABOUT FRONT RUNNERS ATLANTA

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ian moved to Atlanta for graduate school at Emory University after serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in Zambia, where he taught English language in addition to spearheading community health and food security initiatives. In his current role as Senior Advancement Officer for Public-Private Partnerships, Ian leads resource mobilization efforts to support critical public health efforts related to infectious diseases, including HIV/STI prevention.

Julian identifies as a Colombian-born, Atlanta raised, Georgia Tech graduated individual who deeply cares about spaces that are all inclusive of LGBTQ+ persons. Julian currently designs roads and highways as a senior civil engineer at AtkinsRéalis, where he has taken on leadership roles with training and mentoring younger/entry-level engineers and is active member in various professional organizations. Julian’s running journey has been molded by a drastic lifestyle change that was significantly inspired by the inclusivity and warmth he experienced from his very first run with Front Runners Atlanta in spring of 2023 and that has led him to consistently improve his running performance while building meaningful relationships with other Front Runners. For this reason (and others), Julian has been an active volunteer for Pride Run ATL since 2023 and strongly wants to continue doing his best to give back by ensuring current and future members of Front Runners Atlanta have a similar positive, life-changing, inclusive experience.

Phillip has lived in Atlanta for over three years and serves as Secretary of Front Runners Atlanta, where he focuses on strategy, partnerships, and keeping the community connected. He helps align the board on priorities, builds strong relationships with sponsors, and uses Heylo to keep members engaged and informed. He also introduced new route variations to make runs more dynamic and inclusive. A global traveler who has explored 30+ countries across six continents, Phillip has seen the power of running to bring people together and values collaborating with LGBTQ+ Front Runners chapters locally and abroad. Inspired by these connections, he is committed to ensuring Front Runners Atlanta continues to grow as a welcoming, inclusive, and visionary community where every member feels they belong and can be part of something bigger.

Michael has been running with Front Runners Atlanta since moving to the city in 2022. The group quickly became an uplifting and grounding community for him, providing connection, routine, and a sense of belonging. As Treasurer, Michael is committed to giving back to the organization that has meant so much to him by applying his professional skills to support its financial operations and long-term sustainability.

Michael earned his BS from Cornell University and MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. He is passionate about fostering a welcoming environment for all runners and ensuring the club continues to thrive.

Nick has lived in Atlanta for 4 years and been running with Front Runners Atlanta for the last year. Nick believes he is a good fit for the Front Runners Atlanta board because he is dedicated to fostering welcoming and inclusive environments for all in the run space and has many years of experience in community engagement with his job at Lululemon. Nick’s goals as a board member will be to make sure there are events for everyone, regardless of run pace, body type, age, background, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and anything else that makes us all incredibly unique individuals. 

Alex is an RRCA-certified Run Coach who views running—and fitness as a whole—from a holistic perspective.  Having fallen in love with running and discovering himself through the sport, he’s passionate about helping others push beyond limits and achieve their personal goals.

An avid marathoner, Alex considers the 26.2 distance his absolute favorite and finds joy in guiding others toward their own breakthroughs—whether it’s someone’s first 5K or they’re an experienced runner chasing new goals.  His vision for Front Runners Atlanta is to nurture a welcoming and inclusive community where every athlete feels encouraged to grow into the best version of themselves in a completely judgment-free space.  FRATL is for Every Pace, Every Level, Every Body—a place where you can find the community where you belong. 

Beyond running, he brings his love of movement to the studio as an Indoor Cycling Instructor at CycleBar East Cobb, inspiring athletes across disciplines to find strength, balance, and confidence.  Keep Shining Bright!