Terry DeCarlo,
Former director says he’s now head of communications
former executive director of The Center, changes roles to become chief of communications at the LGBT advocacy agency.
The executive director of The Center of Central Florida announced this week that he is stepping down from his position and accepting a new role as the head of communications for the LGBT advocacy center.
Terry DeCarlo announced his decision on Friday, saying that while it was not an easy one to make, “I need, for my health, and for my relationship, to step back from the day-to-day grind.”
The Center, one of the most prominent advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Central Florida, offers free legal advice, AIDS and STD testing and support groups to those who need them.
The Center gained national exposure for its services to the LGBT community after last year’s Pulse massacre. The group experienced a flood of media inquiries and events, prompting the creation of the new position DeCarlo will hold.
“This is the perfect time for me to make this transition,” DeCarlo said. “I am so proud of the community, the board, and the staff for all they have done to help me along on this journey, and I look forward to this new opportunity.”
Board President Jeffrey Buak said DeCarlo has “taken the organization to a new level with his leadership.”
“Terry has become the face of the organization, and has shown significant strength in telling our story and casting the Center in a positive light. We are very pleased that he has accepted this new role,” Buak said.
Prior to the Pulse shooting, DeCarlo accepted a position at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, but he chose to stay with the Orlando group to offer support to the community that was so deeply impacted by the June 12, 2016, event.
He was also able to see the completion of the new 7,000-square-foot facility that opened this June.