The Center Announces New Chairperson and 2021 Governing Board

The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada announced that Wayne Cassard has been elected chairperson of the Governing Board of Directors.

Cassard replaces Brian Hosier, who joined the staff as chief operating officer. Cassard joins Ryn Bartel as vice-chairperson, Osen Pogoson as treasurer, and Shalom Stephens as secretary.

Cassard is the market director of human resources for The Valley Health System. He provides oversight and develops strategies for human resources, education & training, and security for the seven-hospital system.

Before joining The Valley Health System, he lived and worked in California, where he held human resources executive leadership positions with Tenet Healthcare, Providence Health System, and Kaiser Permanente. Cassard has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Administration from Nicholls State University.

The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada’s 2021 Governing Board of Directors includes:

Wayne Cassard – Chairperson
Ryn Bartel – Vice-Chairperson
Osen Pogoson – Treasurer
Shalom Stephens – Secretary

Matthew Cox – Governing Board Member
Patrick Duffy – Governing Board Member
Gavin Goorjian – Governing Board Member
Tim Haughinberry – Governing Board Member
Kaitlyn Jones – Governing Board Member
Wendy Kraft – Governing Board Member
Anne Mazzola – Governing Board Member
Denise McCurry – Governing Board Member
Garrett Pattiani – Governing Board Member
Ivana Walborn – Governing Board Member
Kangcheng (Kang) Yin – Governing Board Member

“The Center’s 2021 governing board is a reflection of the diversity and advocacy of our LGBTQ community and its allies,” says Wayne Cassard, new board chairperson. “Our goals for The Center are to be sustainable and to support the leadership, staff and volunteers as they continue to provide services and programs that enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families, seniors, vets, people with disabilities, those living with HIV, and underserved populations.”

About The LGBTQ+ Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)

For over 25 years, The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved populations in Nevada. We function as the heart and home of the LGBTQ+ community by making connections, delivering programs, and providing a safe space for health and wellness, social services, arts and culture, advocacy, and community building. Ongoing Center programs support LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families, seniors, vets, people with disabilities, those living with HIV, and underserved populations. Additionally, we are proud to offer the Center Advocacy Network, the first nationally accredited program of its kind, focusing on LGBTQ issues for victim advocacy. For more information on how The Center empowers everyone to thrive in Nevada, please visit https://www.thecenterlv.org.