Our Board

Anastasia “Annie” Hiotis retired on March 1, 2020, after nearly 30 years with the law firm of Carlton Fields, having served as its Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw the operations of the more than 325 lawyer firm and its five offices in Florida, Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Hartford, and Los Angeles.  Annie continues to serve Carlton Fields as a consultant.  She has been openly gay at the law firm since 2008 and is an advocate for the firm’s longstanding diversity initiatives, which are recognized at a national level. Specifically, Carlton Fields consistently ranks as a top law firm in the country for Diversity by Vault, in addition to being ranked as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.  The firm’s efforts to promote LGBTQ equality in the workplace are evidenced by its offering of domestic partner benefits to attorneys and staff since 1999; establishing the firm’s LGBTQ Alliance; and representing LGBTQ individuals and families pro bono in significant same-sex marriage and adoption cases for all LGBTQ Floridians — including working with Equality Florida and the National Center for Lesbian Rights pro bono in Pareto v. Ruvin, which allowed same-sex couples in Miami-Dade County to receive marriage licenses.

In her personal time, Annie has been extensively involved with Equality Florida since 2009 and to date, either chairing or being an active member of the St. Petersburg Equality Florida Steering Committee before joining the Board in 2017.  As a result of years of activism, Annie was honored to serve as a Grand Marshal at the St. Pete Pride Parade in 2016, was recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as an Outstanding Voice in their 2016 Business of Pride edition, and in 2014 was presented the Voice of Equality Award from Equality Florida at its St. Petersburg Gala.  Since retiring, Annie spends much of her time trying to lower her golf handicap, playing Pickleball and traveling.  She also serves on the Board of American Stage Theater in St. Petersburg.

Prior to joining the Board of Directors, Danny chaired and co-chaired the Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala for 9 years, expanding it to embrace the larger LGBTQ community beyond Orlando, from The Villages to the Space Coast. Founder and CEO of a software company serving libraries worldwide, he and his husband have long been active in giving back to their community through volunteerism, philanthropy, and promoting social equality. He has served on the boards of other non-profit and civic organizations, including the Orlando Ballet and the City of Winter Park Public Arts Advisory Board. Danny brings to the Board his business acumen and pragmatism, with a passion for equality and social justice.

Danny lives in Winter Park, Florida with his husband and partner of 30 years, Enrique de la Torre. 

Proudly based in Orlando, Florida; Keith is a highly respected entertainment, marketing, messaging and event professional having produced events, entertainment spectaculars, and corporate meetings around the globe. Walt Disney Entertainment and Events, Olympic Ceremonies, Half Time Shows, Parades, Pan American Ceremonies, Special Olympic World Games Ceremonies and the INVICTUS Games: each of these touch points have delivered emotional and memorable experiences for billions around the world.

He deeply understands issue resolution, as seen through leading events and teams globally, such as the 2007 Pan American Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, and Réveillon 2010, at Copacabana Beach. During the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, he served as an Associate Producer of “LiveCity Vancouver”, the Olympic Live Sites in Downtown Vancouver, which attracted over a million spectators. In 2011 Keith also led the team as Director of Operations for the Pan American Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Guadalajara, Mexico. His impressive list of events across the globe is extensive.

Locally, aside from his work with various arts organizations in Central Florida, Keith has served on the Equality Florida Central Florida Steering Committee for many years and continues to engage and ignite organizations for a better tomorrow.

Most recently, he worked with DM.Experiential on delivering the “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with our Racial Past” Initiative as well as launching a new initiative 34 Million by 2034, an initiative designed to create 34 million more prosperous lives by 2034 with Wits’ End Productions and COX Communications.

Brian Marquez-Hall lives in Tallahassee with his partner Stevie and their two cats, Batman and Sidney. He is a graduate of the Florida State University, and currently works as a Development Officer for the Southern Scholarship Foundation - a nonprofit dedicated to providing rent-free housing for college students across Florida.

Brian is passionate advocate for human rights and originally became involved in progressive causes as a volunteer for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. He currently focuses his advocacy efforts on LGBTQ+ equality. He became involved in Equality Florida’s Tallahassee gala steering committee in July 2022. That same year, he joined the FSU Pride Alumni Network board of directors, where he now serves as secretary. He is an active member of the City of Tallahassee’s Mayor John E. Dailey’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights at the state level during Equality Florida’s Pride at the Capitol.

Nadine Smith is the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2022, she was named to the Time100, TIME's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world

An award-winning journalist turned organizer, Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She was part of the historic meeting between then - President Clinton - the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting President and LGBTQ community leaders. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organization.

She is a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee and served on President Obama's National Finance Committee.

Nadine has been named one of the state's "Most Powerful and Influential Women" by the Florida Diversity Council. She has received the League of Women Voters' Woman of Distinction Award, in 2018 was named one of the 100 Most Influential Floridians by Influence Magazine. She currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee.

She lives in St. Petersburg with her wife Andrea and son Logan.

Amy Wagner lives on Amelia Island with her husband Mike and daughters Gabrielle and Grace. After graduating from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Amy joined Broad and Cassel in Ft. Lauderdale practicing in both health law and complex commercial litigation before transitioning to Carlton Fields in Miami to concentrate on litigation. In 2002 Amy returned to the Jacksonville area as Senior Litigation Counsel with Alliance Mortgage Company, predecessor to First Alliance Bank and EverBank.  During her 22 year career with EverBank Amy served in various leadership roles across the legal, human resources and executive team. 

Most recently, Amy served as the Chief Human Resources Officer with EverBank, Amy was the sponsoring executive charged with implementing all aspects of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.  In this role, Amy championed EverBank’s inaugural participation in the Jacksonville Gay Pride parade and partnered with the Jacksonville chapter of Equality Florida as a title sponsor for the Equality Florida First Coast Gala.

Chris Rhoades, more lovingly referred to by some as Ab Fab, in reference to the British Show Absolutely Fabulous, has been a PROUD Florida resident since January 2006. Born and raised in Freehold, NJ, and after graduating from LaSalle University with a bachelor's degree in PR/Communication, Chris moved to Charlotte, NC to open one of Nordstrom's full-line stores. That was what placed him in Florida as he opened the Palm Beach Gardens Store for Nordstrom. After finishing a 10+ year career in fashion management, Chris has found himself managing and directing the largest and longest-running hair salon/spa/boutique on Palm Beach Island.

But it wasn't enough handling the 1% and their beauty needs. In his spare time, Chris organized and produced Drag Shows for nightclubs, tea dances, and drag brunches for The Subculture Group of South Florida. Chris was an avid drag enthusiast since his days in NJ.

Fast forward 10 years of parties brunches and tea dances, Chris opened his own company in 2022 called Next Level Talent PB, an all inclusive talent management agency, encompassing all talent; singers, bands, comedians, dancers, and more, but with a majority of the business focused on placing the art of drag into as many mainstream, non typical, environments. Chris is very proud not only to have had a successful first 3 years in business, but also of the fact that he set out to do what he said. Next Level Talent has had drag queens performing or appearing at The Colony Hotel in PB, The Ben Hotel in WPB, on the Brightline, out in Loxahatchee at Swank Farms, on the polo fields in Wellington just to name a few, in addition to many private homes on and off the Island of Palm Beach.

And when he isn't doing all of that he gives of his time to Compass, his LGBTQ Community Center, sits on the board for Transpire health, a recovery organization for trans & queer youth dealing with addiction but dedicating the majority of his volunteerism to EQFL. He has been tirelessly advocating for his Palm Beach County Community for the last 10 years. Only after two years, he found himself on the steering committee for the last 8+ years while either being the Gala Chair or Co-Chair for the past 5 Palm Beach Galas. Chris is never looking for attention and truly does the work from his heart. The spotlight on him- please!! NO!! Never !! (hence the perfect group to hide amongst..Drag queens.) However, his long time of servitude in his community was being noticed. In 2022, Chris received the Deja Devonier Humanitarian Award presented by Compass. In March 2024, Chris was recognized for his tireless work with the drag community and beyond and named Grand Marshall of the Palm Beach Pride Parade 2024 - the same pride Chris has attended religiously every year with his large group of friends - its his 'most favorite day of the year, more than my birthday!' In June 2024, Chris is surprised to tears at the annual Pride on the Block Event where Chris had returned that year and handled all the entertainment on Saturday for Transpire Help's largest all day fundraiser. They awarded him The Shawn Pennestri Resilience Award. In October 10 202, overly humbled and with no thought in the world of anything else, Equality Florida pulls out the ultimate surprise and honors Chris with their Service and Leadership Award at the 2024 Palm Beach Brunch.

"In the world if you only can be one thing, it's be kind Sweetie Darling."

Dana Farmer is a Tallahassee native who grew up in St. Petersburg, returned to Tallahassee for undergraduate and graduate degrees at FSU, and never left. During her time in Tallahassee, she was fortunate enough to have been involved in the incorporation and development of local nonprofit organizations that are now 211 Big Bend, Refuge House, and Big Bend Cares. Her early career included 15 years spent in community mental health, followed by 26 years at Disability Rights Florida, the federally funded state-designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. As Public Policy Director, she worked in both Tallahassee and DC on issues that included rights protection, abuse and neglect, equal access, housing, voter protection, and funding. In addition to serving on the Equality Florida board, she serves on the board for the Florida Supportive Housing Coalition.

Her first experience with LGBTQ+ advocacy was through involvement in ACT UP actions in Tallahassee. Then for several years in the early 1990s, she and several friends ran an LGBT Film Festival in Tallahassee which drew the ire of the national American Family Association and they attempted to shut down the showings. Their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, largely because of quickly mobilized local support eventually including the Leon County Board of County Commissioners and the Leon County Public Library, our film venue. This support was again mobilized in 2010 and led to the passage of the Leon County Human Rights Ordinance which included gender identity and sexual orientation protections. Through her neighbor, EQFL Council of Leaders member Jim Van Riper, Dana became involved in Equality Florida and has been a member of the Tallahassee Gala Steering and Host Committees for several years.

Dana and her spouse Karen Stanford have been together for 27 years. They met at a fundraiser for Big Bend Cares, Karen was teaching at the University of Wyoming at the time. She accepted a job offer from Gov. Chiles while they were attending the 1993 March on Washington, of which Nadine Smith was a co-chair – a fortuitous occasion.

Ida V. Eskamani is a first-generation Iranian-American and the daughter of working people. She is currently Senior Director of Legislative Affairs for State Innovation Exchange (SIX), advancing racial, gender, and economic justice in state capitals across the country by working in collaboration with state lawmakers building people-centered governing power. Before joining SiX, Ida was Policy Director for Florida For All, and prior to that role she was Legislative Aide to now-Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida’s first LGBTQ+ Latino legislator, and previously was a member of Equality Florida’s staff as a Development Officer for North & Central Florida. For 15 years Ida has organized in Florida and across the country; from LGBTQ+ rights, anti-monopoly reform, and combating abusive preemption laws. Ida believes power can be built everywhere and that solidarity is our superpower. Ida earned dual degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Masters in Public Administration from the same University. She has served on several volunteer boards locally and statewide, and in her free time, is a freelance music writer for the Orlando Weekly. Ida proudly calls Orlando, Florida home.

Justin Bell is a dedicated healthcare leader and passionate advocate with over 20 years of experience championing health equity, eliminating stigma, and empowering underserved communities. As Vice President of Operations at Reza Health, Justin has led the creation of culturally diverse and accessible healthcare environments, opening clinics in three cities and fostering partnerships with organizations committed to equality and diversity.

He is the CEO and Founder of Friends of The Quilt, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization honoring lives lost to HIV/AIDS and reducing stigma through education, testing, and community engagement. Under Justin's leadership, Friends of The Quilt has gained recognition for impactful initiatives, including the annual AIDS Memorial Quilt display and events promoting HIV awareness and care.

Justin serves as Chair of the Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee and has been a member of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area HIV Health Services Planning Council since 2010. In 2020, Justin was named one of the South's Top 100 HIV/AIDS Advocates by POZ Magazine, a testament to his enduring commitment to HIV advocacy. His contributions have also earned him the prestigious Humanitarian Award and the Larry Kramer Award.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Justin holds a Juris Doctor from Florida State University, a Master of Policy from the University of Florida, and degrees in Communication and Broadcasting. With a passion for fostering accessible, equitable, and inclusive communities, Justin is deeply committed to Equality Florida’s mission to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

When not working, he enjoys gardening, exploring museums, and attending community events.

Nathan Bruemmer is the former Executive Director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota, FL – a community center focusing on outreach, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. He is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law where he was a member of Stetson Law’s Trial Team, Dispute Resolution Board, and Journal of Advocacy and the Law. Nathan is a Florida native, a graduate of the University of South Florida and a former teacher in Hillsborough County. He has worked as a consultant, educator and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth, the transgender community, and those impacted by food and housing insecurity.

Nathan was named one of the Tampa Bay Area’s “Most Remarkable People” in 2018 by Watermark Media. The Tampa Bay Business Journal presented him with the Business of Pride “Outstanding Voice Award” for his advocacy work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in 2017.

Nathan currently serves as the President and acting Executive Director of St Pete Pride. He also serves on the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Council of Diversity and Inclusion, the TransAction Florida Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Housing Coalition.

Pauline Green (she/her) is a Black and Filipino queer woman who proudly serves as Executive Director at The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth in Miami, Florida. She has led The Alliance as the organization’s chief executive since 2017.

Pauline knows that LGBTQ youth are innately powerful and hold the potential to transform our society and our world into one of true liberation. She knows that queer and trans youth are brilliant and whole and are the experts of their own lives and experiences. She is committed to amplifying the voices of LGBTQ youth and protecting their human and civil rights.

Pauline is a licensed attorney. She has dedicated her career to working with and for young people who face systemic oppression and marginalization, with a specific focus on Black and Brown youth and LGBTQ youth. She is a former middle-school teacher and previously served as an AmeriCorps member in education in post-Katrina New Orleans. Prior to joining The Alliance, Pauline was the Director of Community Initiatives at Miami Homes for All (formerly Miami Coalition for the Homeless) where she led the development of Miami-Dade County’s youth homelessness initiative and co-authored the county’s comprehensive plan to prevent and end youth homelessness. She has served on several non-profit and community boards committed to advancing equity and justice, including the Miami-Dade County LGBTQ Advisory Board, Black Girls Matter Miami, Engage Miami, Miami-Dade Homeless Trust Continuum-of-Care, and the Miami Foundation’s Community Advisory Board.

Pauline graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law where she was a HOPE Public Interest Scholar with a focus in human rights and children and youth law. She holds a BA in English Writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

Pauline was born and raised in New Orleans and spent her childhood summers wild and free with her cousins at grandma’s in rural Mississippi. She loves to eat well, dance freely, and snuggle on the couch with her husband Damion and their wire fox terrier/fur baby, Dexter!

Susan Bottcher was raised in Ft. Lauderdale and moved to Gainesville in 1975 to attend the University of Florida. Susan became active in politics in 2004, joining the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee and served as chair of the ACDEC Campaign Planning Committee and as State Committeewoman 2008-2012. She worked in varying capacities on political campaigns for progressive candidates for city and county commission, school board and state and congressional campaigns. In 2008, she was elected as a delegate for then Senator Barack Obama to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Co.

In 2009, Susan joined the effort to defeat a local anti-transgender “bathroom ordinance” in Gainesville. This was her introduction to Equality Florida and the important work this organization does throughout the state. The following year she volunteered on the campaign that helped elect Gainesville’s first openly gay mayor.

Since then she has served on the Gainesville Chapter of the EQFL Steering Committee that plans the annual Gala. She also joined the EQFL PAC 2009-2010, but resigned to run for the Gainesville City Commission.

She was elected to the city commission and served one term until May 2014. At that time, she joined the State Advisory Council for Ruth’s List of Florida and in late 2015 asked to serve on the RLF Executive Board. Susan is also a life member of the NAACP and a card carrying member of the ACLU.

As a straight ally, Susan knows her support and advocacy helps to amplify the issues and voices of her family members, friends and neighbors in the LGBTQ community.