Introducing the Men Organizing the 2020 International Gay Coaches Conference

The International Gay Coaches Conference will have a fresh flavor in 2020 as three new men have been appointed to lead the organizing committee.

They are Chris Cooper, Shane Scott and Peter Simmonds, who between them bring lots of experience and enthusiasm to make 2020 our biggest and best conference yet.

Here’s a little bit of information about each of them and how you can also get involved in helping with next year’s event.

Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper is a life and career coach and international speaker based in Manchester in the UK. 2019 was his debut attending the conference, where he also delivered a well-received workshop on how to use public speaking to develop your confidence and your business. He has a background in organizing events, including a UK tour of Britain’s top swimmers following the London 2012 Olympics. He’s excited to bring his coaching and event management skills together to help make the 2020 conference a success.

Chris said “I had such an amazing experience at the 2019 conference. I met so many amazing men and attended some fantastic seminars. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be involved in organizing the 2020 event. It’s the start of a new decade and it will also mark 20 years since Easton Mountain opened, so we want to make sure it’s extra special. I’ll also be trying to encourage more coaches from the UK to make the trip across the pond. All gay coaches should experience this fantastic conference.”

Chris will be leading the advertising, social media and marketing committee for 2020.

Shane Scott

Shane is a licensed clinical social worker and a Connecticut native, bringing a vast array of experience beginning in 2005, when he began his career with working with youth and families across the life span and in a variety of settings, including schools and communities.

Shane also has a strong passion and skill in working with individuals experiencing gender and sexual identity issues, facilitating personal and professional development trainings for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Shane said "I became involved with the conference and the GCA last year, and I can honestly say that I have met amazing men and have grown both professionally and personally. I am in awe of and inspired by the talent and ambition of the men at the conference and the GCA. I am so excited to bring my experience and gifts to the conference planning! It was without question that I wanted to be involved with the conference for future years to come and to be able to help create a space where other men can have their powerful experiences with attending the conference in the future."

Shane will be leading on conference logistics and engaging GCA members to attend in 2020.

Peter Simmonds

Peter’s career has focused on helping leaders and teams to understand their purpose, identify their strengths and gaps, and navigate toward increased effectiveness. His roles have included summer camp director, non-profit director, retreat center manager and now business owner as an ACC certified coach. His own business ‘Summit Coaching’ is a Boston based practice and Peter also partners with a team of professional coaches, ‘The Boda Group’, and in leadership and executive coaching for large tech and pharma companies. He has a rich background in conference chairing and retreat management.

Peter was inspired by the professionalism, openness, authenticity and compassionate camaraderie shared at Easton Mountain throughout the 2019 GCA Conference. He said “It seems simple, but it’s not easy to find places and spaces to feel seen, heard and appreciated for your uniqueness. A place of belonging. That is what this conference was for me.”

Peter will be leading the program recruitment, placement and delivery as he calls upon speakers and presenters to bring their best to 2020.

Chris, Shane and Peter will be putting together sub-committees to help organize the conference. If you would like to get involved, send us a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and we will forward your details to them.