Our Leadership

Randy Stephens

Executive Director

Born and raised in Talladega, Alabama to a working class family who were also proud members of their respective labor unions, Randy Stephens learned the message of hard work early in life.  By working numerous jobs, both Randy and his parents were determined that he would be the first on both sides of his family to break the non-academic cycle and earn a college degree.

A proud graduate of Auburn University and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Randy clerked for Justice Eric Embry of the Alabama Supreme Court before taking a position as Counsel and lobbyist for the Alabama Education Association, an affiliate of NEA.  Needing a change of climate and attitude, Randy moved to Central Florida where he assumed the role of Vice President with First American Title Insurance Co., overseeing resort development for many of the major developers in North America including Marriott and Disney Resorts.

Timothy Vargas

President – Mortgage Committee Chair

Tim currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Center and holds the Treasurer position within the organization.  Tim is originally from Salina, Kansas, and has lived in Orlando since 2004.  Tim attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and studied Finance, Accounting, and Economics.  Tim completed his BBA at Wichita State University in 2003 and his MBA at Rollins College in 2009.

Currently, Tim is the Corporate Controller for NeuLion, a publicly held company that is a global leader in delivering video content for College and Professional sports organizations as well as for leading cable companies.  Prior to joining NeuLion, Tim served as a Senior Accounting Manager for FDN Communications where he managed a team of 8 accountants.  Tim has also been a General Manager for both Burger King and Hampton Inn.

Tim hopes to use his management and financial skills to reposition The Center as a unifying and enabling force in the Central Florida GLBT community.

Eric Paci

Vice President

Michael Vacirca

Secretary – Marketing Chair

Michael is originally from Staten Island, New York and has lived in Orlando since 2007.  Michael attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey before transferring to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to complete his Bachelors in Computer Science and Masters in Software Engineering.  He has just celebrated 5 years at Lockheed Martin working on a range of technological programs including the F-35 fighter jet and is a graduate of the Lockheed Martin Engineering Leadership Development Program.

Michael hopes to use his technological skills to digitize the Center, revamp the software and hardware available to both the office staff and community members, and to brand the Center as its own entity within the Central Florida Community capable of pulling together the entire community in Central Florida through real time information sharing and community involvement.

Scott Benson

Board Member

Scott Benson has proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Center for the last three years.  Born and raised in Morgantown West Virginia, Scott was taught at an early age to help and support one’s community by helping others through service and volunteer work.  From the age of 12 through his early 20s Scott volunteered with SteppingStones (formerly Easter Seals) “A center for persons with disabilities”,  and also youth theater and sports programs.

Russell Walker

Board Member – Events and Nominations Committee Chair

Born and raised just outside Glasgow, Scotland. My parents as business owners (my dad owned a haulage company and my mum was the local milk delivery lady) gave me a great understanding of hard work and a strong sense of community. I was put to work as soon as I could and helped with all aspects of the family businesses. I enjoyed high school and being a very active part of community life, from being House Captain, President of the Debate team and Vice President of a local Amateur Dramatics Club.

A graduate of The University of Stirling and a postgraduate of The University of Strathclyde, I decided on a career in education, working in numerous high schools throughout central Scotland. After 4 years I moved to Orlando in search of pastures new. I have worked in entertainment and event coordination for Gay Days, and also the infamous Mr Sisters. I have made many great friends through my time here in Orlando and wanted to give back to a community that has embraced me. I proudly serve on the Board at The Center.

Courtney Dunn

Board Member

Courtney is an intellectual property attorney with the Law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed. She has a passion for helping others and strives to give back to the community that has brought so much joy to her life. Courtney is honored to be part of The Center and those who benefit from its services. Courtney holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law.

Lori Morales

Board Member - Membership Committee Chair

Lori Morales is a Puerto Rico native, fortunate enough to have lived abroad as a young adult.  She graduated from the Uruguayan American School in Montevideo, Uruguay.  Shortly after, joined the United States Marine Corps where she was recruited to join a Presidential Support Unit.  After her enlistment, she lived in several major cities and gained professional experience in a variety of fields.

She has resided in Central Florida for over 7 years and has witnessed first hand the progress her new city has slowly undergone.  By joining the board of directors at The Center, she hopes to be part of continued progress.  With other like-minded individuals, she looks forward to helping The Center achieve success in becoming the epicenter of community for all in Central Florida.

Jim Savko

Board Member

Joanne Grant

Board Member