Richard is the founder of the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida. As a long-time civil rights and liberties activist since his teen years, he has witnessed the growth of the LGBTQ equal rights movement, the emergence of HIV/AIDS, and the absolute devastation it has created. By forming AMP, Richard has made it his mission to memorialize and honor the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, including dozens of his close friends.

Richard began his 40-year career in 1976 as a speech and language pathologist at The Speech and Hearing Center of Jacksonville. In 1990 he accepted a position with the Clay County, Florida School District, where he worked with students until retiring in 2016.

Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in speech and language pathology from Mercy College and a master’s degree from Long Island University. In addition, he completed a clinical internship at North Shore University Hospital, associated with Cornel University.

An avid art collector, he amassed a respectable collection over the years and is an advocate for historic preservation. Richard restored two historic homes and is currently the owner and proprietor of the historic 1910 General Store Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville.

Dan is passionate about serving on the board for AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida. He feels connected to the many people in Northeast Florida and surrounding areas whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. He believes in the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida’s mission, particularly the organization’s efforts to install a lasting memorial in Willowbranch Park—ensuring that those lives are never forgotten and will always be honored.

Dan is no stranger to HIV/AIDS awareness and activism as a long-time participant in The Smart Ride. The yearly event, which includes a 167-mile bike ride through the Florida Keys, has raised more than $11 million for AIDS-related service organizations throughout Florida since 2003.

Dan works in medical billing. In his spare time, he also volunteers for the North Florida AIDS Network and is an active member of the Garden Club of Jacksonville.

Santana, an HIV-positive person of 28 years, is committed to keeping the memories of people who have died from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. Santana is the committee’s treasurer for WADC (Worlds AIDS Day Committee) of Northeast Florida where he has served for five years in various capacities.

Santana has been on the WADC (Worlds AIDS Day Committee) of Northeast Florida for five years and currently sits as the committee’s treasurer.

Santana’s hobbies include his love for riding roller coasters, going to the movies, and eating out. Santana is a humanitarian and engages the homeless community by providing food, and offering words of kindness, support, hope, and encouragement.

Jeff is a Biologist and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Tennessee-Martin and a Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Jeff’s career in clinical research has spanned almost 20 years, including the past eight years in leukemia drug research. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

His hobbies include traveling, culinary arts, gardening, and spending time with his two adopted chihuahuas.

Remembering the early days of the AIDS epidemic and its effect on communities worldwide, Jeff wants to dedicate his time to supporting charitable projects that give back to the communities affected by this disease. He is especially passionate about the AIDS memorial and beautification projects supported by AMP within historic Willowbranch Park.

An is a trans-identified male and serves in numerous capacities as a volunteer, professor, consultant, and photojournalist. He currently serves as an Advisory board member and professor at the International Transgender Certification Association in Miami Shores and at the International Institute of Clinical Sexology. An is also an RN and, during the height of the AIDS crisis, along with others, defied conventional care offering compassionate, hands-on care while working for home health and hospice.

Mary Joan is honored to serve on the Advisory Board of the AIDS Memorial Project. She appreciates humanity. In art, recognition of the existing human body is symbolic. In the AIDS/HIV movement, stigmatized attitudes toward people living with HIV are the framework in which artists like Mary Joan help others overcome restrictions on education. Free of clutter. Her work reflects a world that exists deep in cognitive awareness. She does well by raising awareness through artistic expression, helping eliminate stigma.

Tommy, a Program Manager with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Psychology from Excelsior University, has held board positions with other non-profit organizations, continuing to look for ways to elevate his community contributions.

In his career, Tommy held various leadership roles that afforded him opportunities to volunteer and advocate for strengthening education, raising awareness related to HIV/AIDS, and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community. His dedication never falters in giving back as he works to promote and validate equity and equality.

His hobbies include kickball, antiquing, collecting, quality friends/family time, volunteering, and always leaving places better than he found them.

Tommy has volunteered with the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida for many years and ignited a passion to step up and be the voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. When asked to join the Board of Directors, Tommy accepted the opportunity to collaborate with a talented, committed organization and help build an infrastructure honoring those we have lost to the AIDS epidemic and those living with the virus. He believes a rich, captivating legacy of knowledge and experience deserves capturing, celebrating, and perpetuating future generations.