MashUp Announces Historic CEO Transition as Founder Dr. Brian Issac Marshall Passes the Torch to Jerry Ivery Jr., Esq.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 27, 2026

On February 20, 2017, MashUp was birthed into the universe by our visionary founder, Dr. Brian Issac Marshall, who dared to dream beyond what existed and build what was needed. He did not simply launch an organization. He activated a movement.

What entered the world that day was strategy wrapped in compassion, structure fueled by purpose, and what we now know as the Spirit of MashUp — a driving force rooted in liberation, wellness, and radical belonging for the Black queer community.

A Vision That Became Measurable Impact

Under Dr. Marshall’s leadership, the vision translated into measurable impact. MashUp grew into an organization operating at more than half a million dollars annually. He championed transformative initiatives like the Mindful MashUp Transformation Program, which has saved an estimated $35,000 in healthcare costs for Black LGBTQ individuals by addressing trauma, mental health, and holistic wellness at the root.

Under his stewardship, MashUp established approximately 20 local community partners and fiscal sponsors, secured state and federally funded programs, and cultivated private funding streams that will sustain the mission for years to come.

The Spirit of MashUp was never fragile. It was built strong.

Leadership by Design, Not Default

As MashUp entered its ninth year, Dr. Marshall began walking out the leadership philosophy he had long spoken about. His “Seven Three” leadership mantra calls for seven years of active leadership followed by three intentional years of transition. A decade not centered on personality, but on preparation. A season devoted to observing, mentoring, identifying, and equipping the next leader to carry the legacy forward.

In November 2025, Dr. Marshall submitted the name of his successor to the Village Keepers. They unanimously approved his recommendation.

On February 19, 2026 — the eve of MashUp’s ninth birthday celebration — an official transition ceremony was held to formally install the next Chief Executive Officer. This was not abrupt. It was intentional. It was the fulfillment of a leadership philosophy rooted in legacy and longevity.

As Dr. Marshall has said,

“There comes a time when the assignment is fulfilled, not because the vision has ended, but because it has become strong enough to live beyond you.”

We thank Dr. Brian Issac Marshall for his visionary courage, his discipline in building infrastructure over ego, his commitment to protecting community through structure, and for nurturing the Spirit of MashUp until it became strong enough to stand on its own.

And now, the next chapter begins.

Jerry Ivery Jr., Esq. Installed as Chief Executive Officer

On February 19, 2026, Jerry Ivery Jr., Esq. was officially installed as the next Chief Executive Officer of MashUp during a private ceremony marking a powerful moment of transition and continuity for the organization.

Jerry joined MashUp in 2020, driven by a deep commitment to justice and community. A seasoned legal professional, he previously served as Director of Procurement for the Tennessee Department of Health and as Assistant General Counsel for CKE Restaurants and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in Management Information Systems, and a Juris Doctor with certification in Tax Law from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jerry brings strategic precision, operational discipline, and purpose-driven leadership to this role.

Transformational Growth Under Operational Leadership

Under his leadership as Chief Operating Officer, MashUp experienced transformative growth. The organization expanded from its first grant of $5,000 into a $582,218 annual operating budget, with revenue increasing 98 percent year over year.

Funding streams diversified across corporate and foundation partnerships, government grants, nonprofit collaborations, individual donors, and fundraising initiatives. During this period, MashUp reinvested $190,300 directly into local minority and queer professionals and small businesses, strengthening the very community it serves.

Jerry was also instrumental in creating The Wholiness Project, an initiative addressing religious trauma and promoting healing within faith communities. By creating safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals to reconcile spirituality and identity, the program advances mental health, restoration, and self-acceptance. It reflects the Spirit of MashUp in action.

As Jerry has shared,

“The Spirit of MashUp has come and resided in my life; it has changed me and brought me to this place.”

Momentum Sustained

Looking ahead, Jerry’s vision for MashUp includes:

• Expanding staffing capacity

• Increasing leadership diversity

• Strengthening internal systems

• Diversifying funding sources

• Establishing the organization as a leading force in Black queer healing

This transition is not simply a change in leadership. It is momentum sustained.

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming our new Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Ivery Jr., Esq.

The Spirit of MashUp continues.

For interviews, storytelling angles, or media assets, please contact: Dawn Cornelius

dawn@corneliusgroup.co

About MashUp

Founded in 2017, MashUp works to address health inequities and social injustices that impact the well-being of LGBTQ+ people of color. Through transformative programming, strategic partnerships, and holistic healing initiatives, MashUp continues to build structures that protect, empower, and sustain the Black queer community.