Meet our fabulous Board of Directors
Shannon Fortner
(SHE/THEY) Executive Director & Founder
From a young age, Shannon Fortner has fervently dedicated herself to the causes of justice and equality— timelessly inspired by their motto, “Community Focused, Community Driven.”
Mason Gallo
(HE/THEY) VP, Board Member
Queer-identified transman activist and leader. His activism journey started at a young age. In high school, he volunteered as an HIV and AIDS peer educator in 1994 for the public-scho…
Carlos Bardalez
(HE/HIM) Board Member
Born in Peru, raised in Miami and served as a combat medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He studied English in Florida and is presently working on a first collection of poetry. His work…
Liz Baranowicz
(SHE/HER) Board Member
Liz grew up in Sarasota and now lives in Bradenton, and identifies as queer or gay. She is an active member of Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby, serving as both a member of leadership…
Theodore Thalassites
(HE/HIM) Board Member
Andrew Ensign
(HE/THEY) Board Member
Andrew Ensign resonates community and understands the importance of being involved and active with an organization that celebrates just that. Between being a part of the community…
Kory Paige
(She/Her) Treasurer, Board Member
Coming soon…
Join the Board
Apply to become a board member or ambassador and play a pivotal role in our future growth.
and amazing Ambassadors!
Grace Korley
(SHE,HER) Queer BIPOC Initiative Coordinator, Grant Writer, Intern Coordinator
Grace Korley is a student, teacher, advocate, partner, friend. Grace has an educational background in Women’s and Gender Studies, English Literature, and is working toward a Master’s degree in..
Dganit Ana Greier
(She/Her) Ambassador
born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. Graduated the Institute of Art in Florence, Italy, and continued my art education in Etchings at Atelier 17, in Paris, France and at the Art Students League in NYC, assisting Prof. Seong Moy. In Israel, she taught art to children four years old…
Michael Murphy
(He/him) Ambassador
Coming soon…
George Hemcher
(HE/HIM) Ambassador & Advisory Board
Maestro George Hemcher, a native of Frazer, PA, has been with Sarasota Opera since June 2017.At Delaware Valley Opera, he worked on Verdi’s Otello, Mozart’s Die Entführung Aus Am…
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