Board Members (l-r *new): *Dr. Judy Volkar, Valda Lewis, *Thomas Hawn, *Phyllis Harris (with daughter Jaden) Eric Hammer, *Bryan Bowser, Diane Millett, *Brian Eyring, Meg Doerr, Joe Hazen, *Thomas Ganley, and Bob Sferra. (not shown: *Liz Roccoforte).

Bob Sferra is a culinary arts professional with experience and training in France and New York City.  His company, Culinary Occasions, is well-known in the Cleveland community through Bob’s frequent engagements, television appearances and teaching.  Bob joined the LGBT Center’s board in 2009 and became President in 2011, where he has been taking the leadership role as the Center implements the results of its strategic planning process.

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In her work life, Meg is a genetic specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.  She is married to Dan Bode and as straight allies they were the hosts for our annual garden party three years ago and they are incredible supporters of our community.  Meg is working on development and programming with the board and staff.

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Joe and his partner Tim Howard own Hazen and Howard Antiques.  Joe is experienced in rental properties and is heading up our discussions about moving to a new facility.

_ In his work life, Eric is an accountant with the County Board of MRDD.  His long-time partner Richard is the artist who provided the beautiful poster for last year’s garden party.  Eric is the liaison for the volunteer group to the board.

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Diane is an employment attorney and HR consultant who teaches at CSU and provides training in antiharassment and civility.  She has been working on internal governance issues, new board recruitment and public relations.

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Bryan is currently the Assistant Director of the Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace College.  He has extensive experience in marketing, public relations, fund raising, grant writing, special events, financial management and strategic planning.   

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Brian is a mechanical engineer and has been volunteer with the Center’s volunteer program.  He is exceptionally detail oriented and experienced in organizing and running meetings and hopes to work with us in those areas.

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Thomas owns his own Management Design and Consulting organization and designs jewelry.  He is experienced in fundraising, public relations, communications, strategic planning, special events, management and marketing.  Thomas was part of the silent auction committee for last year’s successful silent auction at the garden party.

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Phyllis “Seven” Harris is currently the Youth Initiatives Manager at Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio.  She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the Mandel Center at Case Western and is experienced in leading a capital campaign, other fundraising, strategic planning, management of nonprofits, youth initiatives, program evaluation and team building.

Thomas is a former Key Bank executive and now runs his own consulting organization.  He is also a founding member of Plexus and now serves as the president of the board of directors at the Plexus Education Foundation.  He is also the past president of the boards of directors for the Broadway Area Housing coalition and Greater Cleveland Community Shares.  He is an experienced board member and officer, and he is experienced in finance, accounting, strategic planning, administration, advocacy and evaluation.

 
Valda is a multimedia specialist with over twenty years of experience in video and studio productions, documentaries, and television programming. When living in New Orleans she produced a long running award-winning series for, by, and about the LGBT there. _ She is a web programmer and designer, and also produces promotional materials including newsletters, brochures and press releases.
Valda is currently working on our online materials, public relations programs and programming strategies.

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Liz is the coordinator of the LGBT Center at Case Western Reserve University and she has a dual appointment as a diversity program manager.   She is experienced in many areas of management, policy development, public relations and advocacy.

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Judy is a physician at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in women’s health.  She also has an MBA in healthcare.  She is an active member of PFLAG.