meet our team
Gay Social is powered by people who care deeply about creating welcoming, in-person LGBTQ+ community across New Jersey. Our team includes volunteers, organizers, and Community Managers who help bring each event to life and make sure everyone feels comfortable showing up as themselves.
From planning events to welcoming attendees and making introductions, our team plays an essential role in shaping the experience at every Gay Social gathering. Many of the faces you see here are also the ones welcoming you at events.
Lloyd Vliet
Co-founder, Chairman of the Board, & Executive Director
Lloyd Vliet, a marketing professional, has been leading Gay Social since its inception in February 2022. As a co-founder, Lloyd’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in driving the organization forward, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Pat Coyle
Co-founder, Board Member, & Director of Partnerships
Pat Coyle has been an integral part of Gay Social since its inception in February 2022. Serving as the Director of Partnerships, Pat leverages his extensive connections within the LGBTQ+ community to support and advance our mission.
Jonathan Cisek
Vice President of the Board
Jonathan Cisek, a respected leader in the LGBTQ+ community in Somerset County, joined our board in January 2024. As Vice President, Jon brings his passion and commitment to supporting our mission and strengthening our community.
Keith Landon
Secretary & Treasurer of the Board
Keith Landon, who joined our board in 2024, plays a crucial role in keeping Gay Social organized and efficient. A well-known advocate in the gay community in Somerset County, Keith’s dedication ensures our operations run smoothly, benefiting the entire organization.
Andrew Casano
Board Member & Director of Events
Andrew Casano, a prominent figure in the gay community in Hunterdon County, joined our board in 2024. Serving as a Board Member and Director of Events, Andrew’s efforts are essential in creating and managing the events that bring our community together.
Matt Kersey
Board Member & Director of Communications
Matt Kersey, a professional graphic designer and seasoned event organizer, joins Gay Social’s board in 2025. With years of experience hosting Pride Night, Matt is passionate about creating events that foster meaningful connections and bring people together in lasting and impactful ways.
Stephen Frost
Director of Finance & Legal
Stephen Frost is a licensed attorney and seasoned public sector financial professional who oversees Gay Social’s legal and financial functions. With a strong background in law and fiscal management, he ensures the organization’s resources and policies align with its mission of building inclusive, empowering spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
Gregory Elfers
Director of Fundraising
Gregory “Greg” Elfers is a fundraising professional and community builder with over a decade of experience leading donor engagement and development initiatives for major arts and higher education institutions. A lifelong New Jersey resident, he brings his passion for connection and access to his work as Director of Development and community advocate.
Julio SIlva
Social Media Manager
Julio Silva, who joins Gay Social as Social Media Manager in 2025, is a digital storyteller passionate about community building and LGBTQ+ representation. With a background in fashion marketing and social media strategy, Julio uses creativity and data-driven insights to amplify voices, foster connection, and grow vibrant online communities.
Rashad M. Davis
Advisor to the Board
Rashad M. Davis joins Gay Social as a board advisor in 2025, bringing his passion for community building and connection. An illustrator, author, educator, and business owner, Rashad’s work focuses on equity and justice. His expertise in fostering diverse, empowering spaces strengthens Gay Social’s mission, and he’s excited to help grow and enrich our vibrant community.
Gerry Agyeman
Advisor to the Board
Gerry Agyeman, a passionate educator and entrepreneur, joins Gay Social’s advisory board in 2025. Known for his creativity and community spirit, Gerry brings a deep commitment to meaningful connection and personal growth through shared experiences and thoughtful conversation.
Billy F.
Bergen, Essex, and Passaic Counties Community Manager
Billy, an educational professional, has been an active community member since the start of Gay Social. He took the lead as Community Manager in August 2025 for Bergen, Essex, and Passaic Counties. Billy’s passion and dedication have always been essential to fostering and helping expand the organization forward. Establishing a respectful and inclusive community is another core value that is deemed integral for him and the Gay Social.
Phil Carroll
Hunterdon County Community Manager
Phil Carroll, a professional Industrial Designer, has been a part of the Gay Social community since 2023 with his first event at the Coffee Social at Scout’s in High Bridge. Always eager to meet new faces, Phil loves encouraging and fostering connections with members old and new, helping strengthen the community bonds in the group.
Sheldon Carpenter
Essex County Community Manager
Sheldon is a Community Manager based in Essex County, helping create welcoming, connected spaces since 2020. Professionally, he works in business development and account leadership and co-leads his firm’s Pride ERG, bringing a people-first, advocacy-driven approach to community, grounded in the belief that belonging is built on connection.
Chris (CJ) Tulli
Hudson Community Manager
Chris, also known as CJ, joined Gay Social in 2026 as a Community Manager for Hudson County and plays a key role in welcoming attendees and helping them connect with one another. A lifelong New Jersey resident and a Personnel Benefits Administrator in county government, Chris’s thoughtful approach helps create an inclusive, engaging environment that strengthens the Gay Social community.
Collin Roche
Mercer County Community Manager
Collin Roche, a small business owner and committed community advocate, finding Gay Social in 2025 after discovering a local event online. Through his work with the Trenton Pride Center, Collin brings a deep investment in LGBTQ+ community to his role as Mercer County Community Manager, joining the team in 2026.
Rocky Rinaldi
Morris County Community Manager
Rocky Rinaldi, a seasoned event host and DJ, joins Gay Social as Community Manager in 2025. With 10 years of experience creating pop culture events, Rocky is passionate about using technology and entertainment to foster authentic connections. As a single dad and community advocate, he is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and building meaningful connections.
Alberto Zamora
Somerset County Community Manager
Alberto Zamora brings great energy and a welcoming vibe to Gay Social. He’s all about turning strangers into friends, sharing laughs, and helping create a space where everyone feels comfortable, included, and ready to have a great time on and off the dance floor.
Alex Valvano
Warren County Community Manager
Alex Valvano, a local community organizer and Warren County resident, found Gay Social in 2023 after a friend pointed him in the right direction, and he's been bringing people along ever since. Known for his natural ability to rally people and keep them connected, Alex officially joins the team in 2026 as Community Manager for Warren County.