Board of Directors

President: Howard DePorte

My life-partner Jeffrey and I discovered dance. It has deeply enriched our relationship and lives. We started with Ballroom then discovered country two-step and line dance. Our world exploded into the fantastical realm of the LGBTQIA+ Hoedown dance world, attending weekend events and enjoying new friendships nationwide.

I want to put San Diego Coasters on the national LGBTQIA+ country dance scene. Coasters, the offspring of our spectacular parent dance organization Kickers at Urban Mo’s in Hillcrest, has a mission to establish and grow country dance in the gay community. Itching to learn and also meet new like-minded folk? Join us. We love beginners because we all were beginners at some time along the way!

Vice President: Rod Pendon

Treasurer: Laura Daly

My line dancing interest began in 2017 when I attended a workshop on a cruise and loved it! When I got home, I found a class at a local studio, where I learned a handful of line dances. We took a “field trip” to Urban Mo’s to try out our skills and watch some advanced dances. I was hooked! I SO appreciated Lee’s patient instruction, along with others, who took the time to teach me dances. I love waltzes, but have thoroughly enjoyed learning two-step as well.

I am honored to serve on the San Diego Coasters Board, and hope that all will feel welcomed, challenged, and encouraged at our events.

Secretary: Liz Ng

Member-at-Large: Kevin Stapornkul

Before knowing what line dancing even was, I wasn’t much of a dancer myself. I remember during my college musical’s dance callback, I moved around so awkwardly and just couldn’t get the choreography right. It wasn’t until 2019 when I finally gave in to a fellow SD Coaster’s encouragement to check out a line dancing event at Urban Mo’s, and I was intrigued. Seeing a community come together to dance to a variety of styles of music almost like a flash mob captivated me and I instantly fell in love.

Since then, my love for dance has grown exponentially and I have come to understand the power of movement to help heal and soothe the soul. I’m excited to serve on the Board and hope my contributions will help to spread the fun and joy of dance to our community.