Meet The Team
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Chris Wood (He/Him)
Chris Wood is the Director & Co-Founder of LGBT Tech. His leadership has been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals in the realm of technology and policy.
434-290-0220 ext. 500
Deputy Director & General Counsel
Carlos Gutierrez (He/Him)
Carlos Gutierrez is Deputy Director & General Counsel for LGBT Tech. He leads the policy work and speaks on the importance of technology for marginalized communities.
434-290-0220 ext. 506
Director of Operations & Finance
Ellie Bessette (She/Her)
Ellie Bessette is the Director of Operations & Finance for LGBT Tech. She oversees the day-to-day operations, grant management, and financial activity of LGBT Tech.
434-290-0220 ext. 502
Director of Programs
Kristen Kelley (She/They)
Kristen Kelley is the Director of Programs for LGBT Tech. She oversees programming and partnerships for PATHS and PowerOn.
434-290-0220 ext. 503
Program Coordinator
Samantha Sygier Cayax (She/Her)
Samantha is the Program Coordinator for LGBT Tech. She oversees the PATHS and PowerOn programs at LGBT Tech.
434-290-0220 ext. 505
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Tatyana Ithier (She/Her)
Tatyana Ithier is the Communications & Marketing Coordinator for LGBT Tech. She oversees external communications, marketing & social media.
434-290-0220 ext. 507
Digital Naviagtor
Arin Rook (They/Them/Their)
Arin Rook is the Digital Navigator at LGBT Tech, helping to dismantle barriers to digital access for LGBTQ+ communities by providing training and resources about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
434-290-0220 ext. 504
Policy Director
Shae Gardner (She/Her)
Shae Gardner is an LGBTQIA+ advocate and Policy Director for LGBT Tech, working to ensure that the unique needs of her community are being considered and addressed in an increasingly technological world.
434-290-0220 ext. 508
Policy Fellow
Charlotte Schultz (She/Her)
Charlotte Schulz, a recent graduate from Georgetown University, brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to this partnership. Her academic background and tireless commitment to LGBTQ+ issues make her a perfect fit for this role.
434-290-0220 ext. 509
Board of Directors
Joseph Kapp, President - National Center for Resource Development
Yuri Sakamaki, Secretary - California State University, Bakersfield
L. Charles Keller - Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
Beau Whiteman - Rivian
Dr. Imani Woody - Mary's House for Older Adults