Our Staff
Meet the people that bring CenterLink's Mission to life.
Adriana
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
adriana@lgbtcenters.org
Adriana is the Senior Director of Finance for CenterLink. She joined the team with more than 15 years of public and private accounting experience in providing quality accounting and tax services. Her focus is streamlining procedures, analyze financials and help secure other boring financial stuff.
Adriana has experience in all facets of accounting including audit preparation, payroll and bookkeeping. Adriana brings over 5 years of nonprofit experience in the LGBT community and is very passionate about providing excellence in the movement.
Amhir
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
amhir@lgbtcenters.org
Amhir is a nonprofit leader serving specifically in the LGBTQ community. Previously, Amhir served as the Senior Director Strategic Partnerships and Development at GLAAD, where he lead GLAAD's efforts to increase the organization’s sponsorship and special event revenues, including the GLAAD Media Awards and Spirit Day anti-bullying campaign. Amhir has also held fundraising roles at DePaul University's College of Law and College of Business where he raised critical funds for scholarships.
Amhir received his bachelor's degree in political science from St. Edward's University in Austin and received his master's degree from DePaul University in nonprofit and public service management.
Ana
CHIEF OPERATION AND INNOVATION OFFICER
ana@lgbtcenters.org
Ana supports the CEO in ensuring CenterLink is the pre-eminent national, and international LGBTQ Center association providing industry-leading insights and a powerful set of strategic programs and initiatives to strengthen, support, and connect LGBTQ community centers. Ana oversees and implements approaches, methods, and processes to enhance competitiveness and improve organizational efficiencies. She identifies, strategizes, develops, and drives transformative initiatives and champions the role of innovation by aligning overall business strategy with innovative thinking.
Ana's career has been characterized by a strong commitment to advocacy and social justice. Throughout her work, Ana has systematically included the perspectives and needs of communities that otherwise would be disenfranchised from important processes. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and brings over 10 years of nonprofit experience as an advocate for victims of interpersonal violence. Her work has specialized in advancing programing geared toward prevention and outreach of racial minorities, LGBT communities, women, and people of color.
Corey (they/them)
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH EQUITY
corey@lgbtcenters.org
Corey is a lawyer by background with two decades of experience in public policy and later public health. Corey comes to CenterLink as Director of Health Equity having previously served for eleven years as a volunteer and then science writer for the HealthLink program and its predecessor. They have led research and initiatives from the local to international levels on topics relating to health and human rights, such as comparative needs and resilience of LGBTQ communities worldwide and the impact of the Zika epidemic on reproductive rights in Latin America. Corey earned their Juris Doctor degree at Georgetown University and their Master of Public Health degree at Harvard University.
Deborah (she/her)
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
deborah@lgbtcenters.org
Deborah has spent virtually her entire career in the nonprofit world. She began at CenterLink as the Director of LGBT YouthLink, working with staff of youth programs at LGBT Centers across the country to ensure that best practices and current research were applied to best meet the health and developmental needs of youth, before becoming the Chief Program Officer supporting YouthLink, HealthLink, and ActionLink. Immediately prior to her work with CenterLink, Deborah spent a decade working at Planned Parenthood Federation of America as the Director of Online Health Education. Prior to her stint at the national Planned Parenthood, Deborah worked at a local Planned Parenthood providing professional development for youth serving professionals and managing a peer education program. Earlier in her career, she taught high school American history. Deborah obtained a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology and minored in women’s studies as well as a master's degree in social work and a Master of Arts in teaching.
Denise
CEO
denise@lgbtcenters.org
Denise is the CEO of CenterLink – the association of LGBTQ community centers, where she has spent the past nine years working with center leaders.
Denise joined CenterLink after working in the private sector for over twenty years in both broadcasting and management.
Denise holds a certification from BoardSource for nonprofit governance training and is a Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant.
Donna
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
donna@lgbtcenters.org
Donna found her home at CenterLink after years in and out of the nonprofit arena. She has held a variety of positions in bookkeeping and finance, and has worked with Senior and Women's Programming.
Donna is proud to be a member of the vibrant LGBTQ communities and the great work and support surrounding her.
Euan (he/him)
YOUTHLINK MANAGER
euan@lgbtcenters.org
Euan is a veteran in youth programming with over 10 years of experience. Since 2011, he has managed and coordinated various youth programs to improve the well-being of youth, equip the youth with leadership and life skills, and build safer spaces for a diverse group of youth. He is especially interested in listening and responding to the needs of queer and trans immigrant youth of color & bridging the gap between the youth and their parents/families/culture.
When he's not working, Euan likes to play video games, watch anime, practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and try new recipes!
Hilary
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
hilary@lgbtcenters.org
Hilary is a seasoned administrative professional with 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education spaces. Her work supports CenterLink's programming team on a micro and macro level - sometimes she's full speed ahead working on newsletters and spreadsheets, and sometimes she's pumping the brakes to think about the HOW of it all. As a systemic thinker with a penchant for organization, Hilary particularly enjoys finding ways to make everyday tasks make a little more sense. She's honored to be working alongside the CenterLink team toward a future of equity and justice.
Hilary holds a BA in Journalism & Mass Communication from The School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, where she also studied on an acting scholarship. When she's not at work she's usually performing on local stages or wandering the aisles of her local craft store in search of yet another hobby.
Krista
DIRECTOR OF YOUTHLINK
krista@lgbtcenters.org
Krista Girty, MSW, is a youth services leader with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Her frontline tenure from Case Manager to Executive Director has focused on systems and issues that impact youth, specifically LGBTQ youth. Krista's expertise includes designing and administering crisis intervention programs, shelter and transitional living programs, drop-in-centers, and medical and mental health services. Krista’s framework is centered in positive youth development, harm reduction, trauma informed care, strengths-based practices, and youth driven programming and leadership.
Before joining CenterLink as Director of YouthLink, Krista’s professional experience spanned a variety of youth serving agencies including the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN) in FL, Larkin Street Youth Services and Huckleberry Youth Programs, both in San Francisco, Covenant House California and, most recently, Ozone House Youth and Family Services in Michigan. Krista brings a national perspective with a community centered approach.
Lida
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
lida@lgbtcenters.org
Lida is the Accounting Manager for CenterLink. She brings over six years of experience in public and private accounting, providing accounting, audit, and attestation services for clients in the governmental sector.
She is also skilled at billing, reconciliation, managing accounts payable, statement review, and compliance.
Lida graduated with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. She is committed to supporting the growth of the organization and its work of helping to build the capacity of centers to meet the needs of LGBTQ community members.
Meg
GRANT WRITER & ADMINISTRATOR
meg@lgbtcenters.org
Meg's extensive experience in grants management and community education provides her with a unique perspective on the ways in which systemic inequalities and oppression affect marginalized communities. Her previous role as Director of Community Education & Development for Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) allowed her to oversee public relations programs to increase support for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in Southwest Florida. Meg's expertise in grants management has allowed her to build strong relationships with funders and partners in the community. She works tirelessly to secure grants and other funding opportunities that support the vital work of CenterLink and its member centers.
Meg graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Florida Gulf Coast University with a focus on American law and society, development of modern family structures, gender and sexuality, and oppression of marginalized communities.
Michael
FULL-STACK DEVELOPER
michael@lgbtcenters.org
Michael is excited to come on staff full-time after having been connected to CenterLink almost since its inception. Michael brings with him technical skills and knowledge not just around web development, but also around networking and security. In other lifetimes he gained extensive experience in Learning and Development with a strong focus on customer service. Michael has contracted to CenterLink and others via his company, MikeWork.NET, which he formed in 2007, shortly after leaving The Center Orange County (now the LGBTQ Center OC) as IT Director. There, in 2005, he first encountered the National Association of LGBT Community Centers (now CenterLink) and was asked if he knew a way to plot the association's members on some sort of map. At that point he knew it was time to learn about building websites, which he now finds infinitiely more fun than figuring out why company email might not be working.
Michelle
POLICY AND ADVOCACY MANAGER
michelle@lgbtcenters.org
Michelle (she/they) is the Policy and Advocacy Manager for CenterLink. Michelle cames to CenterLink with 5 years experience in nonprofit administration and development and has taken on several different roles within CenterLink. Michelle has worked for national and local nonprofits in administrative, development, and communications roles. As an engaged member of the community with a great interest in social advocacy, Michelle is grateful to be a member of CenterLink's ActionLink.
Michelle graduated from the MFA Creative Writing program at Rutgers-Newark and writes professionally as they are able.
Sharron
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
sharron@lgbtcenters.org
Sharron is a highly experienced professional with a diverse skill set in financial management, member engagement, compliance management, and forensic accounting. At CenterLink, she plays a crucial role in member retention and acquisition through targeted initiatives, while also excelling in financial management and grants oversight. As the former President of Moms Helping Moms Shuttle Service, she successfully combined safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to create an outstanding student transportation service. With previous experience as a Forensic Accountant and a successful business owner, Sharron brings a wealth of accomplishments and a commitment to excellence.
In addition to her impressive professional background, Sharron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Computer Programming. She possesses excellent customer service skills, and exceptional teamwork abilities in diverse settings. With her extensive experience and solid track record, Sharron offers a valuable blend of expertise, accomplishments, and a dedication to delivering exceptional results as a champion of the LGBTQ+ Community.
Tanya (she/her)
DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY
tanya@lgbtcenters.org
Tanya works as the Director of Policy and Advocacy for CenterLink; ensuring LGBTQ centers have a voice in the policies that impact their organizations and communities at the local, state, and national levels with a focus on advocacy, education, and organization.
Prior to joining the CenterLink team in 2017, she spent three years serving as Lead Residential Services Coordinator at the nation's first and largest LGBTQ low-income senior housing facility. She was instrumental in developing and expanding their programming and advocacy services.
Tanya graduated with a degree in Administration of Justice with an emphasis on Sociology. Tanya also holds certifications in Gerontology, HIV/AIDS Counseling, Health Services, and Human Rights Consulting. She is a volunteer educator for the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, and is involved in disaster preparedness as part of her local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
