EXECUTIVE BOARD
Rob Akins
PresidentRob has long been a patron of TIGLFF’s efforts to bring compelling, world-class LGBT cinema to Tampa Bay. Rob began supporting TIGLFF as an attendee in 1997 advancing his involvement >
Cynthia “Sam” Salmons
Vice PresidentSam is overjoyed to join the film festival as a TIGLFF board member. Born on a former Dutch island, Sam has always been a film buff. She studied film history >
Ben Tozour
TreasurerBen Tozour, originally from Southern New Jersey fell in love with the Tampa Bay Area and its community after just one visit and relocated to the marina area of Gulfport >
Sunny Hall
SecretarySunny Hall was born and raised in Polk County, Florida. Baptized with water and filled with the spirit, she came out at 17 years old much to the chagrin of the >
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kayden Rodriguez
Board MemberKayden Rodriguez (they/them or he/him) is a 26 year old transmasculine individual. Raised in Texas, he has found his LGBTQ+ home & family in Tampa, Florida by attending The University >
Mariruth Kennedy
Board MemberMariruth returns to the Festival Board after almost 10 years away. Born and reared in NJ she made her way to Florida via Cincinnati in 2000. Mariruth runs two successful >
Santiago Echeverry
Board MemberSantiago Echeverry is a Colombian American New Media Producer and Artist, with a background in Television, Video and Performance Art. In 1992 he began exhibiting internationally; participating in festivals such >
STAFF
Derek Horne
Director of ProgrammingDerek Horne has been working with film festivals for over two decades starting in the Filmmaker Services Department at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998. He has programmed for film >
Renée Cossette
Festival DirectorRenée has been with the organization since 2005, and is a huge part of the success of TIGLFF.
Timothy Thomas
Sr. Event & Logistics CoordinatorTim was born right here in Tampa and is a true Florida native. Tim has been volunteering for many years and started his time with TIGLFF in 2005 while being >
Ty Maxey
Festival Volunteer CoordinatorA native of Columbus, Ohio, Ty relocated to the Tamp Bay area from Sarasota in the year 2000. A long-time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and related causes, Ty quickly >