Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center (VG+CC) has formally announced its 2026 Board of Directors, signaling a transition in leadership following the organization’s initial two years of operation. The transition comes as the Center reports significant growth in its service capacity and institutional partnerships.
Leadership Transition and Governance
The Board of Directors serves two-year terms to oversee the Center’s strategic direction. Matt Karimi, previously the 2025 Treasurer, has been appointed Board President. Karimi succeeds founding leadership and will work alongside Executive Director Pedro López, who continues to manage day-to-day operations, a role he has held since April 2024.
“Pedro’s leadership has been essential to our growth and impact,” Matt Karimi said. “This Board is deeply aligned with his vision and remains focused on supporting the staff and programs that serve our community every day.”
The Center acknowledged the contributions of its founding board leaders:
- Don Pickens, Founding President (2024–2025)
- Mike Owens, Founding Secretary (2024–2025)
- Jet De La Isla, Communications Lead (2024–2025)
“These founding leaders didn’t just serve on a Board—they helped build something lasting,” Karimi added. “Their contributions will always be part of who we are.”
2026 Board Composition
The incoming Board includes professionals from the fields of public health, real estate, and nonprofit management:
- Matt Karimi (President, after serving as Treasurer in 2025): Focused on governance, collaboration with staff, and expanding the Center’s reach and impact.
- Poncho Dávalos (Secretary): A real estate professional managing community partnerships.
- Eric Rude (Treasurer): Bringing 30 years of experience in public health, nonprofit leadership and grant management.
- Dr. Mitch Kushner: A retired infectious disease and HIV/AIDS physician overseeing medical and testing initiatives.
- Luis Villavicencio: CEO of Red Companies, focusing on healthcare provider collaboration.
- Armando Sánchez: A marketing and tourism professional with deep ties to local civic councils.
- Alfredo Soria: A public health advocate specializing in HIV/STI testing and detection.
Additionally, Ed Potocek and Víctor Espíndola will serve as Adjunct Board Members, providing advisory support in organizational strategy, community engagement, media and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
2025 Operational Milestones
The leadership announcement follows a year of institutional expansion. In 2025, the Center achieved several regulatory and service benchmarks:
- Obtained full Mexican nonprofit status (SAT registration).
- Secured state approval for HIV/STI testing supply distribution and adult education tutoring (INEEJAD).
- Launched in-house mental health services and formalized a partnership with Hospital Vallarta Medical Center.
- Recorded over 3,000 visitors participating in support groups, language classes, and wellness programming.
Strategic Objectives for 2026
Under the new Board, the VG+CC has identified several priority areas for the 2026 fiscal year. These include the exploration of mobile health services for underserved areas and the development of specialized programming for at-risk youth, seniors, and parents of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Center also intends to expand its workforce by hiring dedicated personnel for fundraising and HIV/STI outreach.
“Our growth reflects the strength of our community and the trust people place in us. With this Board and our partners, we are ready to meet the next chapter with purpose and compassion,” stated President Matt Karimi regarding the transition.
The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is located at Morelos 101, Local 3B, Centro (above the Santander bank) and is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit www.vallartagaycc.com.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
