Cass Helm was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, before relocating to Columbus, Ohio, in 2016. While in Kentucky, she volunteered with Louisville Pride and operated a small donation-based café that served as a safe, welcoming gathering space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
After moving to Ohio, Cass became actively involved with Free Mom Hugs and later deepened her commitment to advocacy through Stonewall Columbus. In 2022, she served as Chairperson of the Stonewall Columbus Pride March, leading the planning and execution of one of the region’s largest LGBTQIA+ events and helping coordinate the participation of more than 17,000 marchers.
Prior to joining the Stonewall Columbus staff in October 2023, Cass built a career spanning more than 25 years in leadership and operations management. Most recently, she worked in healthcare as an Operations Manager and Clinical Liaison for a national complex rehabilitation equipment provider. In that role, she managed relationships with the organization’s largest referral source nationwide and helped establish and co-chair the company’s LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, fostering inclusion and representation across the organization.
In 2023, Cass transitioned from healthcare to nonprofit leadership, bringing her extensive operational expertise and passion for advocacy to Stonewall Columbus. She currently serves as Deputy Director and Pride Event Coordinator. Cass holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Cass remains deeply engaged in community leadership. She serves as Interim Board Treasurer and Board Member for LOVEboldly, Chair of the CenterLead Leadership Council, and a member of the Community Advisory Board for Columbus INSIGHT.
Cass lives in the Columbus area with her fiancé, youngest daughter, stepson, and beloved pets, Pie, Earl, Marvel, and Calvin. Deeply connected to both her biological and chosen family across the United States, she is passionate about building inclusive, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals and families can thrive.
