Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a group of individuals elected by the board to oversee the management and direction of the Chamber. They are responsible for making high-level decisions regarding the Chambers's strategy, financial performance, and risk management.

Biography

John Vincent Pica-Sneeden

John Vincent Pica-Sneeden has been the owner and designer of Surroundings Floral in Broad Brook since 1987.  John is a former member and board Chairman of the East Windsor Board of Education, and also a board of director at the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, the Capital Education Council, the East Windsor Economic Development Commission and the President of the East Windsor Chamber of Commerce, and one of the founders of East Windsor Education foundation. John has honed his leadership and strategic planning skills.  He brings all of these skills to the Greater Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber Commerce.

Our Executive Director,
John Pica-Sneeden

Dear LGBTQ and Allied Community,

It is my great pleasure to address you today as the CT Gay and Lesbian Chamber Executive Director. I am excited to be working with each and every one of you to further our mission of promoting business growth and development in our LGBTQ and Allied community.

As many of you know, the Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. We provide a range of services and resources to help our members thrive, from networking opportunities and business development programs to advocacy and policy initiatives that promote a pro-business environment.

Over the coming months, I will be working closely with our Board of Directors to build on our past successes and identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.

I want to emphasize that the Chamber is here to serve you, our members, and corporate partners. We are committed to being your strongest ally and advocate, and to providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Whether you are a small start-up or a large corporation, we are here to support you in every way we can.

I am honored to be leading such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, and I am eager to get to know each of you and learn more about your businesses and your goals for the future. I encourage you to get involved with the CT Gay and Lesbian Chamber, to attend our events and programs, and to let us know how we can better serve your needs.

Thank you for your support to the CTGLC

My Best,

Leadership Team

Kentavis Brice

Vice-President

Biography

Kentavis Brice

Experienced public services professional with a demonstrated history of working within governmental and nonprofit organizations. Skilled in program/contract management, training and leadership development, healthcare oversight, public relations/policy administration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.

Peter Leppones, CFP

Treasurer

Biography

Peter Leppones, CFP

I have over 25 years in the financial services industry with a focus on financial planning. I also have extensive experience with life insurance, annuity and long term care based solutions for clients protection planning needs.

Outside of the office I live in Southington and have 2 teenagers and a rescue dog. I have worked with youth lacrosse and the Cub Scouts here in town and I’m also a member of the Elks Club.

Mike Daly

Secretary

Biography

Mike Daly

Mike moved to Connecticut in 1978 after completing a 4-year tour of duty in the United States Air Force, having served in Germany and Washington D.C.  Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Organizational Behavior from Central Connecticut State University in 1985, while working for a major airline in the data processing and communication operation, supporting airport operations, airline sales offices and travel agencies on the east coast as well as in Toronto and Montreal.  

Upon completing his J.D. degree at Western New England State University, Mike retired from the airline and began the practice of law.  His practice was concentrated in the areas of business management, commercial litigation, bankruptcy and health care.  After retiring from the law, Mike worked as the controller for a small startup telemedicine reseller.    

Currently, Mike is the office manager of the Jordan Porco Foundation in Wethersfield.  The Jordan Porco Foundation is a not for profit with the mission preventing suicide, promoting mental health awareness and creating a message of hope for young adults.   

Mike is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the State of Connecticut working with New England Prestige Realty in Glastonbury, CT.  Mike enjoys working with both sellers and buyers and using his experience in business and an attorney to provide value to his clients in the purchase and sale process.  A portion of Mike’s commissions are donated to the Jordan Porco Foundation to support its mission.  Mike’s Real Estate businesses is a certified LGBTQ Business by the NGLCC.  He is also an active member of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.   

Mike can often be found at the Capitol testifying on pending legislation that addresses fair housing, mental health and business issues.  

Mike is a cancer survivor and a committed member of the American Cancer Society “Real Men Wear Pink’ program where he works to raise breast cancer awareness, and funds to ensure that research continues and support is available for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, their family and caregivers.   

Mike is serving his second year on the CTGLC Board of Directors and Secretary.  Mike is also active with the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce and was named “Ambassador of the Year” for 2022. 

Board Members

Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff

Biography

Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff

The Reverend Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff (he/él/siya) is the Senior Minister of Third Church, Middletown. Prior to this appointment, he was a hospice chaplain for eleven years and a children's and youth minister for twelve years. After finishing a bachelor's in Philosophy and Religion, Daniel attained a master's degree through Meadville/Lombard at the University of Chicago Divinity School, a master's through Hartford Seminary, followed by the Doctor of Ministry and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion through Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley). In addition to being a board member for CTGLC, he serves as the chair of the Ethics and Disciplinary Council of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, a board member for the Gay Coaches Alliance, and the Convener of the Queering the Liturgy Seminar for the North American Academy of Liturgy. For fun, Daniel is companion to an overly affectionate boxer named Browser and some moody houseplants; he also sings in several choral groups, including Yale Camerata and Yale Repertory Chorus, and has played double bass for the American Chamber Orchestra.

Dr. Maria Ellis, MD

Biography

Dr. Maria Ellis, MD

Maria Ellis is a native of Peabody, Massachusetts who has lived in Connecticut for three decades. After completing a biochemistry degree at Brandeis University she studied medicine at the University of Massachusetts. In 1990 she relocated to Hartford CT to complete OB/GYN residency at St Francis Hospital. She subsequently joined Women's Women Health Associates, a local private practice. Dr. Ellis is a fellow of the American Congress of OB/GYN and of the American College of Surgeons.
She is the current board chair of Goodwin University, a non-profit institution in East Hartford. She also serves on the board of the Malta House of Care. 
 
She is blessed to be married to Debra Norton. Her interests include soccer and fly fishing. She is a lay associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame and a lifelong citizen of Bosox nation.

Todd M. LeMieux

Biography

Todd M. LeMieux

Todd M. LeMieux is a nationally-recognized graphic designer and design educator. His design focus is on identity development / branding, design for higher-ed, and for social causes…Good design, for good causes, with good people.

Todd has received numerous local, regional and national awards for his design work, and has been published in several books including the LogoLounge series, Master Library series, American Graphic Design, as well as a feature in the Graphic Designer's & Artist's Market directory.

He has been an active member of Graphic Artists Guild for over 20 years, and has served on the national board's Executive Committee, the Advocacy, Communication and Education Committees, as well as served as the New England Regional Representative. Todd is currently the Guild’s Communication Chair.

He was a founding member of AIGA-CT, and served as the Education Director for that chapter at its inception. Previously, he served as Vice President, and then President, for the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts.

Todd has worked on a diverse range of design projects for a variety of clients including: Warner Music Group, Lego, Connecticut Lottery, MassMutual, City of Springfield, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Yale University, Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Sodexho, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, Hampshire College, AGFA Medical, Dr. Hauschka Skincare, Organic Trade Association and Friendly’s Ice Cream Corporation.

Outside of his graphic design endeavors, he enjoys travel, cooking and live music—and he will likely win any 80s new wave music trivia game he plays.

Chad Stier

Biography

Chad Stier

Chad Stier is a long-time resident of Connecticut, currently he is Vice President – Business Development Administrator at 44 Business Capital- A Division of Berkshire Bank. Responsible for oversight and implementation of small business SBA lending for New England and Upstate New York.

Drawn to projects and organizations that allow him to use his creativity to build community. He has served in roles including being a member of the Berkshire Bank Diversity and Inclusion Council (2019-2021), Chair of the Connecticut Berkshire Bank Foundation, volunteer committee (2017-2021)

Currently he is Co-Chair of Berkshire Banks Pride ERG and an Advisory Board Member for the Minority Construction Council (MCC) in Hartford, CT. providing workshops and one-on-one support to existing and startup businesses. With a specialty on strategic insight into programs and projects for non-profits.

Certified as a Financial Literacy Ambassador for the Berkshire Bank/Greenpath Partnership.  Chad is frequently a guest presenter/subject matter expert, on issues of credit, fraud and general banking and lending.

When not at work, he enjoys adventures throughout New England, trips to P-town, Craft beer and wine outings, photography and connecting with friends.

Jack Woodin

Biography

Jack Woodin

Jack Woodin is the 2022 President of the CTGLC. Known for being a creative executive and Human Resources professional with over 30 years in the field. He specializes in corporate communications, recruitment, leadership development and training, employee relations and conflict resolution, coaching and mentoring.  He is particularly committed to fostering environments of diversity and inclusion in businesses.  His most recent role was as Division HR Director for the Permatex Division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), for 19 years in downtown Hartford.

Jack is passionate about  people and making connections in the LGBTQ+ community. He is excited to join the CTGLC board to continue his outreach and support to our local LGBTQ+ businesses and individuals that strengthen Connecticut.  He is the host and manager of the Pink Drink Socials, monthly happy hour and networking event in the Greater Hartford area. Jack lives in Rocky Hill and is the proud dad of a son Samuel age 23, and daughter Anna age 19.

Stephanie Heine

Biography

Stephanie Heine

Stephanie Heine (She/Her/Hers)

Stephanie Heine, Director of Creative Services at the Moses/Weitzman Health System, is a Connecticut native with a passion for mission-driven work who consistently advocates for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through a lens of empathy and compassion.  

Graduating with a degree in classical vocal performance from the Hartt School of Music, Heine has a unique career background ranging from college recruitment to sales, to software development, to her current space in healthcare communications, providing her with a unique perspective in whatever role she is filling.

Alongside having many close LGBTQ+ friends and family, working for a federally qualified health center focused primarily on underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ patients through the Center for Key Populations at Community Health Center, Inc., are just two of the many reasons Heine has dedicated her time as a staunch ally in the community.

Heine’s passion for marketing and communications began with her time volunteering on the Board of Directors for Hartford Area Roller Derby where she also played and captained the league’s all-star team, the Hartford Wailers for many years. 

In 2020, Heine founded a charitable holiday organization called It Takes A Christmas Village which fulfills holiday wish lists for struggling families across the state as well as East Hampton CT Pride in 2021.



Paul Whitman

Biography

Paul Whitman

Paul Whitman grew up on Long Island. He lived and worked in Manhattan for many years and has a diverse background in sales. He’s held positions in advertising, retail and home furnishings as well as real estate. He is well-acquainted with the concerns of entrepreneurs and small business people and sensitive to their needs.

He is now an advertising representative for the Connecticut VOICE — the state’s premier LGBTQ+ magazine launched in 2019. As an ad rep, he has an opportunity to learn firsthand about the current challenges that face business owners. He often assists with their marketing and formulating their advertising. In addition, he has worked closely with the publisher of the Voice in developing the company’s strategic marketing.

In his spare time, photography is a serious avocation for him. In fact, he has had his work exhibited locally in several art and photography shows. He also trained as a handwriting analyst in Manhattan and enjoys assisting people understanding themselves and others.

Daniel Hernandez

spencer haynes

Biography

Spencer Haynes

Spencer Haynes works at Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union, with ten years of banking experience. He is a skilled banking leader with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Spencer is passionate about helping his community thrive. He is eager to enhance and develop customer relationships. 

Spencer grew up in Brattleboro, Vermont. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family and friends, go skiing, kayaking, walking, and enjoys listening to music. Spencer is excited to share his experience and to be a resource for the chamber, local business owners, and community projects.

Luis Pérez

Biography

Luis Pérez

Luis Pérez was born and raised in Connecticut and has been in the Human Services field for over 10+ years. His commitment towards Human Services, lead him back to school to complete his degree in Social Work to continue to be of service to others. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as being Latino, often posses many obstacles especially in these current times. However, his passion and mission consistently advocates for; justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, through empathy and compassion for everyone. In his free time he also enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, broadway shows, and sitting by the water to relax his mind.  

Events Gallery

View some photos from our past events, including our 15 Year Anniversary Gala, Press Conferences, and Comedy Night. 

IMG_1756-1536x1152
Unknown-1
Unknown-2
Unknown-4
Unknown-5
Unknown-6
Unknown-7
Unknown-8
Unknown-9
Unknown-10
Unknown-11
Unknown-12
Unknown-13
Unknown-14
Unknown-16
Unknown-17
Unknown-19
Unknown

Report

Harassment or bullying behavior
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .