President: Frank Mahoney

Serving as the President and Co-Founder of the newly formed Florida Gay Rodeo Association, Frank currently coordinates social and fundraising events for the FGRA! Frank has many years of experience in event coordination, fundraising events and outreach within the LGBTQ+ community.

Frank also serves as the President of the Provincetown Bears. This Massachusetts based organization created and puts on Bear Week in Ptown every July.

Frank currently serves as a federal anti-terrorism officer and has been involved with protecting the United States from threats, both foreign and domestic. He was a first responder to the 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando, FL. He also served on the Counter-Terrorism Task Force in Boston for almost a decade.

Frank resides in Tampa Bay with his husband of 30 years Roger, and their dogs, Baxter and Bella.

Treasurer/Trustee: Ben Birkner

Ben has been involved with different Rodeo Associations throughout his lifetime: Missouri Gay Rodeo Association, Gateway Gay Rodeo Association, Florida Georgia Gay Rodeo Association, and now Florida Gay Rodeo Association. Ben is currently the FGRA’s Treasurer as well as Trustee. Whether volunteering or competing, I have always felt a sense of belonging when it comes to Gay Rodeo”.

Ben has been instrumental in the revival of the Florida Gay Rodeo Association since October 2024, alongside the current FGRA President, Frank Mahoney. “I am proud of how we have grown as an association; we are building our membership while doing great things for our local community”.

Ben is the eighth child of thirteen, farm-raised in Southern Illinois, just southeast of St Louis, with a deep appreciation for the farming and western lifestyle. Ben has one daughter and two grandkids who also love attending Gay Rodeo events. Ben currently lives in Palm Harbor, Florida, with his dog Boone and 12 laying hens.

Ben currently works as the office manager for a regional insurance agency in Dunedin, Florida.

Secretary: Don Middleton

Don Middleton currently serves as the Secretary for the Florida Gay Rodeo Association (FGRA), bringing a lifelong passion for agricultural heritage and community service to the role. Born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised on a 600-acre beef cattle and soybean farm, Don’s deep-rooted connection to the land informed his early life and values.

A dedicated public servant, Don is a retired educator with 31 years of experience in the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Beyond his professional career, he remains a highly active leader in various clubs and civic organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area, where he continues to advocate for inclusive community engagement.