Leadership and Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Jonathan Mallow (Board Chair, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee) Founder and Executive Producer, Mallow Projects

Tyler Helms (Vice-Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee) Executive Vice President, Deutsch, Inc.

MEMBERS

Jae Choi
Founder & CEO, theCollectiveShift (Chair of the Development Committee)

Jae Choi, founder of the CollectiveShift (tCS), helped to spearhead GMHC’s “Distance Yourself From Hate” campaign launched in 2020 in response to discrimination against Asian people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign featured leading voices in the arts, fashion, and entertainment industries calling on everyone to reject discrimination and spread the “Distance Yourself from Hate” message through a specially designed mask.

For the past 25 years, Jae has been a leader in the fashion and creative industries. Jae started out in advertising, progressing to agenting when she began as an assistant at Art + Commerce. She has been a collaborator for artists such as Nan Goldin, Penny Martin, David Armstrong, M/M (Paris), Inez & Vinoodh, Casey Spooner and Stephen Galloway.

Through tCS, she encourages artists and brands she advises to use their voices for political activism. In addition to the “Distance Yourself From Hate” campaign, tCS was an official partner of the Women’s March 2017 and a supporter of the Leonard Peltier clemency case. Since 2018, tCS has also been part of Nan Goldin and P.A.I.N’s protest against cultural institutions accepting financial support from the family behind the pharmaceutical company that makes OxyContin.

Richard Comapanik
Richard Companik
Vice President Strategic Development & Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services & Hudson Valley Properties

Rich Companik is Vice President of Strategic Development and a Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England, New York, and Hudson Valley Properties in New Canaan, Connecticut.   

Prior to joining Berkshire Hathaway, Rich co-founded Great Bowery, an international artist management, content production and image licensing agency based in New York and London, where he served as CFO, COO and, ultimately, CEO.  Richard also served as CFO for Art + Commerce, Assistant Controller for the Associated Press, and Director of Management Audit for The Walt Disney Company.

Rich is a licensed real estate agent in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and has nearly three decades of business experience primarily focused on arts, entertainment, and media. 

Rich serves as the President of the New Canaan Society for the Arts/Carriage Barn Arts Center, as Treasurer for the Town Players of New Canaan/Powerhouse Performing Arts Center.

Ed Fogarty
Ed Fogarty
Senior Vice President, ViacomCBS

Ed Fogarty is a senior vice president at ViacomCBS where he works in the Convergent Advertising Sales group overseeing the sales effort across multiple platforms and brands for several agencies and clients.

Ed began his career as director of new business strategy at Paramount Syndication Sales and later joined the LOGO TV launch team as director of ad sales where he was eventually promoted to vice president head of sales. At LOGO TV, Ed was responsible for selling advertising partners on the loyalty and buying power of the LGBTQ+ community, providing advertising opportunities on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Noah’s Arc. 

Ed is an unwavering advocate for ViacomCBS’s LGBTQ+ employees and serves as the Executive Champion of the Emerge Employee Resource Group.

Tyler Helms
Executive Vice President, Deutsch, Inc.

Tyler J. Helms is currently Executive Video President at Deutsch Inc, where he has developed and executed award-winning marketing and advertising campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands including Cetaphil, Sherwin Williams, GoDaddy, Kodak, Outback Steakhouse, Unilever, and Booking.com.

Tyler began his career as a television news anchor and reporter for the ABC Affiliate WTOK-TV in Meridian, MS. Before Deutsch, Tyler worked at Doner Advertising in Los Angeles.

Outside the office, Tyler continues to add his voice to the ongoing fight to end the stigma around HIV/AIDS, addiction, mental health, and other issues facing the LGBT community. Diagnosed with HIV in 2007, Tyler has been sharing his story with the disease as a published writer, experienced speaker, and outspoken advocate for issues he cares about.

This is Tyler’s second time on the GMHC Board of Directors, having previously served two terms starting 2010.

John Horton
Global Head of Public Engagement, DoorDash

John Horton (he/him), is a policy and corporate affairs executive that currently serves as Global Head of Public Engagement at DoorDash, where he oversees a team of 18 professionals, engaging political, community, and civic leaders across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

A seasoned professional in the tech space, John has worked across multiple companies in similar positions. At Lyft, John pioneered Lyft’s “Relief Rides” program in response to Hurricane Harvey, and natural disasters and emergency situations, as well as helped execute the company’s Round Up and Donate (RU&D) charitable partnerships initiative with major national organizations such as the USO, United Way, ACLU and Human Rights Campaign (HRC), resulting in millions of dollars in contributions from Lyft riders across the country.

Prior to entering the tech sector, John worked in engagement and outreach for the US House of Representatives in both Texas and Washington, DC.

Additionally, John consulted for a number of corporate and nonprofit clients before the Texas Legislature in Austin. Most notably, John worked pro-bono to help pass comprehensive suicide prevention training legislation for Texas educators in 2015, following the death of a former high school teacher’s son by suicide.

John received his B.A. in Government and History from The University of Texas Austin, and serves on the boards of Gay Mens Health Crisis (GMHC) and FLEX, the voice of the app-based economy. John is based in New York City and often returns to his ranch in his native Texas.

Deborah Hughes
President, Deborah Hughes Inc. Public Relations

Deborah Hughes is president of Deborah Hughes, Inc., a public relations and events firm based in New York City. Deborah’s work and philanthropy supports enterprises and organizations in the worlds of art, culture, fashion, food, healthcare, and human rights.

Deborah has supported programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS for over 30 years and served on the board of ACRIA prior to joining GMHC’s board. She is also an avid advocate and activist for animal rights.

Jonathan Mallow
Producer, Director, and Digital Strategist

Jon Mallow is a producer, director, and digital strategist who founded Mallow Projects in 2018 to tell meaningful stories that connect with audiences across all video screens.

His work has been seen at festivals including Frameline, Outfest, NewFest, Bronzelens, ABFF, New Orleans Film Festival and on BRIC-TV. His 2019 project King Ester, with Issa Rae Productions, was nominated for four Emmys, and he has also recently worked with TED, Live Nation Productions, New York Public Radio, and Manhattan Neighborhood Networks (Manhattan public access).

Jon was previously senior vice president of Digital at VH1 and Logo, supervising production, editorial and strategy for platforms including web, mobile, apps and social media. 

Jon has received numerous awards including GLAAD Media (2016, 2018 nomination), Cynopsis Social Good (2016 and 2017), CableFax (2017), Webby (2012). Jon has been a senior advisor to Swing Left, a national grassroots organization working to elect Democrats. In addition to serving on the GMHC board, Jon serves on the board of the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem.

Jack Mizrahi
Actor, Writer, Executive Producer, Master of Ceremonies

Jack Mizrahi has been a fixture of the Ballroom Community for nearly three decades.

He created the National Ballroom Awards Ceremony and frequently emcees ballroom events including GMHC’s annual Latex Ball that provides an opportunity for LGBTGNC youth and young adults of color to celebrate their gender identity and sexual expression while learning about HIV prevention.

As a community leader, Jack is also an advocate for HIV/STD prevention. He created an intervention called “The WIZ Group” (We. Intervene. Zealously) which encourages community members to examine themselves in an effort to aid positive social change in their networks.

As a professional actor, he has starred in Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed TV series “POSE” that focuses on the House and Ballroom community. Jack was the co- executive producer of HBO Max’s ballroom competition show called Legendary.

EXECUTIVE TEAM
Kishani Moreno
Kishani Chinniah-Moreno, MA

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Kishani currently serves as the interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer (COO). As COO, she oversees agency wide departments such as Building Operations, Information Systems, Analytics and Evaluation as well as programs such as Supportive Housing, Representative Payee, Mental Health and Substance Use programs. Kishani has over 25 years nonprofit experience working with the most disenfranchised populations in New York City and Connecticut.

Kishani originally hails from Fairfield County, Connecticut, and has been living in New York for over 20 years. She relocated to New York to pursue her MA in Counseling from New York University. Prior to GMHC, she was at Lantern Community Services, a New York City housing provider that serves formerly homeless young adults, single adults, and families in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island. She served as the chief operating officer from September 2014 and was responsible for all program and leasing operations for 15 congregate residences and a 177-bed scattered-site program.

Prior to her time at Lantern, Kishani was a vice president at Harlem United Community AIDS Center where she served in many roles for eight years. She started as a managing director overseeing multiple housing programs and subsequently was promoted to associate vice president with oversight over housing, mental health, and two Adult Day Health Centers. She served as the vice president of business development in her last role at Harlem United. Prior to that, Kishani spent nine years at Urban Pathways, where she held many positions, including launching her career in management.

Michael Hester
Michael Hester

Chief Financial Officer

Pronouns: he, him, his

Michael is the chief financial officer for GMHC. As a member of the senior management team, he plays a key role in leading and supporting the agency’s strategic planning, organization development, fiscal compliance, and staff development. Michael directs GMHC’s financial planning, budget development and monitoring, accounting operations and government and private grants administration strategies in support of goals and objectives established by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board. Michael has over 23 years of finance and operations experience working in both the private and public sector.

He joined GMHC from Harlem United Community AIDS Center, a community-based organization located in New York City. For almost a decade, Michael held various roles in responsibilities in addition to the oversight of financial performance. He provided leadership and guidance to the finance department together with strategic and operational support to the Agency. As a member of the Executive Team, directly responsible for Centralized Procurement, Information Technology, Residential Management, Facilities, Capital Development and Asset and Fleet Management. Provide oversight of network communications, and management information services.

Prior to working at Harlem United, Michael worked as Deputy Client Manager for BTQ Financial, LLC and Comptroller for the Inc. Village of Hempstead CDA. BTQ Financial offers financial outsourcing services to meet the fiscal and accounting needs of nonprofit and complementary for-profit organizations. At BTQ, Michael was introduced to the non-profit sector as well as Harlem United.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Jason Cianciotto
Jason Cianciotto, MPA

Vice President, Public Policy and External Affairs

Pronouns: he, him, his

Jason has been advocating for the health, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ people and populations affected by HIV and AIDS for over two decades. Prior to rejoining the team at GMHC in 2019 to oversee Institutional Development and Strategy, he served as Executive Director of the Tyler Clementi Foundation and Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications at Harlem United. His history at GMHC includes serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Policy, as well as Managing Director of Special Events and Major Gifts. After Jason earned a B.A. in political science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona, his career began at the National LGBTQ Task Force Policy Institute, where he served as Research Director. He has also served at the local level as Executive Director of Wingspan, Southern Arizona’s LGBT Community Center. He is co-author with Sean Cahill of the award-winning book, LGBT Youth in America’s Schools, published by the University of Michigan press.

What food could you eat everyday for the rest of your life?
Susan Devany, MBA

Vice President, Development and Communications

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Susan is serving as the Vice President of Development for GMHC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Business Management & Organizational Leadership from Albertus Magnus College.

Fundraising for advancement, change, and social impact has given Susan the opportunities to advance the missions of secondary education, public service, and philanthropic development. After leaving the public sector, Susan worked in the non-profit arena for over 10 years and was employed by the March of Dimes, Mercy High School, the Regional Water Authority, and Roche Diagnostics.

One of Susan’s proudest moments was being honored as a Roche Children’s Ambassador for Corporate Donations and Philanthropy where she had the opportunity to travel to Malawi, South Africa, and work with UNICEF and the European Coalition of Positive People. She was part of a global team established to raise money for a teaching school and an AIDS wing at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg. It was during this time that she fully understood and adopted the mantra of, “it takes a village.”

Susan and her team look forward to planning fundraising events and leading the effort to increase awareness and support for the various programs and services offered by the GMHC. Their vision is to appreciate and strengthen relationships with existing supporters, engage and educate new donors, and continuously elevate the invaluable mission of the organization.

Jacquelin Diaz
Jacquelin Diaz

Vice President, Operations and Programs

Pronouns: she, her, hers

For 25 years, Jacquelin Diaz has gained experience working for the community in supportive housing, facilities, and property management. Jacquelin has a B.A. and is a graduate of the ACT 1 Substance Abuse training CASAC-T Program. Jacquelin began her career as a COBRA case manager at Argus Community. She has had the privilege of working in several non-for-profit organizations throughout New York City such as The Dennelisse Corporation. Here, Jacquelin provided intensive case management services to women and children living with HIV and AIDS. During her time at Harlem United, Jacquelin also served in multiple roles managing a large housing stock.

Jacquelin joined GMHC in 2017 and considers it an honor to be part of this trailblazing organization. Jacquelin is a passionate advocate for the homeless population and underserved communities. She has been instrumental in the expansion of housing programs at GMHC. Currently, Jacquelin serves as the Assistant Vice President of Operations. She continues to focus on GMHC’s mission and develop innovative methods to meet the ongoing needs of the community.

Allison Pierantoni

Associate Vice President, Operations Administration

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Allison has 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector across administration, human resources, finance, development, and programs. She’s had the privilege of serving various causes including; HIV/AIDS, homelessness, community building, children and youth, alternatives to incarceration, and education.

 

Prior to joining GMHC in 2023, she was Senior Director of Administration at United Way of New York City, where she co-directed ~$60 million in solicitations on behalf of the City of New York, managed cash flow projections, and directed the Executive Team to re-design and launch an onboarding and orientation plan. Before that role, Allison held an Operations and Human Resources leadership position at Collective Impact, a community-based organization focused on providing resources to the marginalized Black community in San Francisco.

Allison’s work is guided by her foundational experiences doing HIV Testing and Case Management while earning her Bachelors of Social Work from Kutztown University. She later received a Master’s in Nonprofit Management & Social Enterprise from the Columbia University School of Social Work and recently completed a Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Armstrong Tingwane, MPhil

Vice President, Prevention Programs

Pronouns: he, him, his

Armstrong has more than 17 years of practical experience working in Public Health programs addressing prevention, care, and support in HIV/AIDS, Community TB Care and Sexual Reproductive Health; inventive health communications; capacity building, and community mobilization with a wide array of communities. He has served both support and management functions in programs with cross-functional projects and multi-million-dollar annual budgets.

Armstrong joined GMHC in 2014, and currently serves as its Vice President of Prevention Programs. He provides strategic management, oversight, and vision to an expansive portfolio, which includes HIV/STI Testing, PrEP/PEP, Community Health, HIV & Aging focused programs, and Legal services. In 2022, Armstrong led a successful roll-out of the agency’ 340B program, and provides oversight on its operations and growth strategies. Armstrong also leads planning execution of GMHC’s annual Latex Ball event, and related program strategies for the House & Ball community.

Prior to joining GMHC, Armstrong worked in a variety of AIDS service prevention and care agencies in his native country of Botswana, Africa. He served in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities. Armstrong obtained his Master of Philosophy degree in HIV/AIDS Management, graduating cum laude, from the University of Stellenbosch – South Africa and his bachelor’s degree in media studies with a concentration in Public Relations and TV/Video Production from the University of Botswana.

Armstrong remains committed to eradicating HIV in communities of color and tackling the inherent health inequities utilizing a variety of contextually relevant approaches and best practices.

MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chet Balram

Managing Director, Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Pronouns: he, him, his

Chet Balram Has over 10 years of experience working for non-profit organizations that serves vulnerable populations including homelessness, HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental Health. Chet is a highly creative clinician with a focus on developing high standards of practice, evaluating client care for effectiveness, and implementing necessary changes to ensure the best quality care. He is adept at cultivating and directing high performing teams and developing constructive relationships with a wide group of community partners. Chet graduated from Hunter College with an MSW and started working as a housing case manager at Harlem United. Chet has held numerous positions including Director of Operations and Clinical Director while working for non-profit organizations in NYC

Chet Joined GMHC in 2021, and as a gay man and POC, he is humbled to be a part of an organization that has been leading the fight for equity.

Chet is currently the Managing Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services and provides clinical oversight for all programs. He continues to focus on the mission of GMHC helping to create and advance opportunities towards more access to mental Health and substance use services for LGBTQ+, POC, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Lisa Chan

Managing Director, Purchasing & Special Projects

Pronouns: she, her, hers

For over 15 years, Lisa Chan has been supporting the HIV/AIDS community. She joined GMHC’s Finance team in 2022 as the Managing Director of Purchasing and Special Projects. Prior to joining GMHC, she served as the Director of Procurement for Harlem United Community AIDS Center and helped establish Harlem United’s Centralized Procurement Department. During her tenure at Harlem United, she has held various roles in their housing division prior to heading their procurement department.

 

Lisa’s first career passion was working in New York City’s Garment District. As a trim buyer, she honed her organizational skills while working in production, as well as purchasing, for multidivisional manufacturing companies.

 

Inspired by her colleagues and our mission at GMHC, Lisa takes a proactive approach in reviewing purchasing procedures, making recommendations, and implementing best practices that benefit all departments and stakeholders.  Lisa has a clear project focus in supporting the projects at a strategic level to help achieve objectives for our mission. She finds working collaboratively to positively impact the lives of our clients very rewarding.

Felix DeJesus III

Managing Director, Information Services 

Pronouns: he, him, his

Felix is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in managing Information Systems and Program Operations across various renowned organizations. At GMHC he leads a team responsible for the robust IT infrastructure supporting a multi-million-dollar agency. With a tenure starting in 2016, his role has progressively evolved, showcasing expertise and leadership in IT strategy, compliance, security, and infrastructure design.

Before his tenure at GMHC, he gained extensive experience at Lantern Community Services in New York. Serving in multiple capacities, from Director of Program Operations to Resident Manager and IT and Office Manager, he oversaw multifaceted responsibilities. His roles encompassed managing program operations, IT infrastructure, security services, interior design projects, and special projects, demonstrating his versatile skill set.

His career journey also includes a dedicated Tour of Duty in Afghanistan with the United States Army in 2008-2009, showcasing a commitment to service and a global perspective.

Lesley Enston

Managing Director, Special Events 

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Lesley has nearly 20 years of experience in event production. Prior to her work in nonprofits, Lesley spent over 10 years managing events in the fast-paced fashion industry, before joining the GMHC special events team in 2013. She has also held the role of Development Manager at Haiti Cultural Exchange, an arts organization focused on providing a space for Haitian arts and culture in NYC, and Custom Collaborative, an organization that gives opportunities for low/no income women, largely of color and from immigrant backgrounds, to forge careers in the sustainable garment industry.

Lesley is committed to using her experience and connections from both worlds to usher GMHC into a time of innovative events that will broaden the audience and raise vital funds for the organization.

In addition to her work with GMHC, Lesley is a food writer whose work has appeared in Bon Appetit and The New York Times. She is publishing a pan-Caribbean cookbook with Ten Speed Press in fall 2024.  
Keila M. Morales, LMSW

Managing Director, Clinic Operations

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Keila is a licensed social worker with a master’s degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services. With over 8 years’ experience in the Behavioral Health field, she’s worked in a variety of program types in non-profit organizations such as HASA, Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS), Article 31, an FQHC Integrated Site, SAMHSA funded and federal grant programs. Her involvement in the field has been primarily working with individuals living with SMI, mental health, substance use, and HIV/AIDS among many social determinants such as unstably housed, financial instability, and court mandated among others. Keila’s responsibilities have played an intricate role in ensuring, through program implementation and sustainability, that underserved communities receive reliable, holistic, quality services.

Prior to joining GMHC, Keila served as Project Director for 1 out of the 5 New York State Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics which has now become the standard integrated healthcare model. She currently serves as Managing Director, Clinic Operations for GMHC providing administrative vision, oversight and leadership to the Mental Health and Substance Use Department, 340B pharmacy and the administrative component of the health homes program. Through this role, she continues her commitment in developing care pathways to enable improved health outcomes for the communities we serve.

Keila joined GMHC in 2021 and is honored to be a part of a grassroots agency that continues to make a day-to-day impact in the community.

Imtiaz Waldin
Imtiaz Waldin

Managing Director, Maintenance and Building Operations

Pronouns: he, him, his

Imtiaz has over 32 years of building and managerial experience. He joined GMHC in 1990 and gained a wealth of knowledge with oversight over the various GMHC facilities, construction, leasing, moves, fire, and life safety. His journey is GMHC’s, supporting the organization as the ever-evolving landscape of GMHC services grows. He has overseen the consolidation and transition of five different GMHC locations, ensuring GMHC was situated appropriately in the right home for GMHC’s staff and clients.

In 2023, Imtiaz, along with the Housing and Maintenance teams, will undertake the maintenance and operations of over 284 new housing units as part of GMHC’s commitment to providing clients access to supportive housing. In addition, Imtiaz works collaboratively with the Executive Team, Senior Management, and All-Staff to ensure daily building operations run seamlessly. As Managing Director of Maintenance and Operations, he continues to be GMHC’s most passionate, steadfast, and tireless champion, with his hallmark focusing on positive outcomes for our clients with access to life-saving care.