The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is excited to announce a significant reorganization of its executive leadership team, effective Monday, October 2, 2023.

These new leadership changes allow the center to meet the evolving needs of the community. The key purpose behind this reorganization is to establish a forward-leaning leadership framework capable of addressing both current and future challenges. The new structure aims to increase efficiency and adapt to the growing and changing needs of the community. 

Judy Troilo will now hold the title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As CEO, Judy will continue to lead The LOFT with strategic oversight and growth of the organization, maintain key relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, and ensure the highest level quality of programs and services for community members.

“As The LOFT’s CEO, I am so excited about our future. In leading this organization, we have reached a place where we are experiencing our highest levels of community engagement with needs that have also greatly expanded. We are also in the process of building a new center with a medical center and housing.  The organization needs a new leadership structure that is positioned to respond to these considerable growth challenges both now and into the future. That’s why we have designed this new organizational structure to accomplish these goals, and I'm so excited to welcome Danté to our team as our new Chief Operating Officer,” says Judy Troilo.

Danté R.H. Reda joins the executive team as the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO). Danté will oversee programming, human resources, and work alongside Judy in policy development, advocacy, strategic planning, and budgeting.

Danté brings a wealth of experience and leadership to The LOFT, having served as the Chief Operating Officer at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester since 2017. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional skills in leadership, staff management, and organizational strategy.

“As the COO of The LOFT, I am thrilled about the opportunity to blend my identity, values, and leadership style to impact the organization and the community it serves positively. This role aligns with my passion for diversity, inclusion, and servant leadership, allowing me to contribute to a workplace that embraces authenticity, equity, and positive change. My professional journey in leadership within the non-profit sector has been deeply rooted in my commitment to value-driven work and creating a positive impact. Joining The LOFT, and specifically engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, resonates profoundly with me,” says Danté R.H. Reda.

The LOFT is excited to welcome Danté to the team and looks forward to the continued growth and positive impact under his leadership. His passion, expertise, and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community will enhance the center's ability to serve its mission effectively.

Scott Havelka assumes the new position of Director of Contracts and Compliance. In Scott's new leadership role, he will manage the day-to-day responsibilities tied to the organization's diverse range of contracts and grants, ensuring administrative and contractual compliance.

“As The LOFT embarks upon its largest endeavor with the building of a new center including a medical clinic and LGBTQ+ affirming & affordable senior housing,  my new role at the center is both exciting and strategic.  For the first time ever, The LOFT has been awarded federal funding secured by the Honorable Mondaire Jones to support our new center.  This in conjunction with increases in state, county, and foundation funding has sparked such a promising time for our center's growth and expansion. What an amazing accomplishment as we continue to celebrate The LOFT's 40th Anniversary," says Scott Havelka. 

Jeffrey Guard will maintain his role as Director of Marketing and Communications while also taking on the development and fundraising functions within the organization.

“It’s an incredible privilege to work with such an inspiring team of LGBTQ+ leaders.  Marketing and Communications have played an important role in connecting our community to services and programs. I look forward to building on this success so that we can connect with even more people in our community.  I’m also looking forward to working closely with the leadership team in building our donor, community, business, and institutional relationships. These partnerships are also crucial to our future growth. It’s such an exciting time to be a part of The LOFT,” says Jeffrey Guard.

Contact Information

For more information, press inquiries may be directed to:

Jeffrey Guard, Director of Marketing and Communications

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (914) 948-2932, Extension 16

About The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center

The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is a non-profit institution that provides a range of services for the LGBTQ+ Community in Westchester County, NY, and the Lower Hudson Valley Region.  The LOFT offers both in-person, virtual, and hybrid services, support groups, social activities, and special events like Westchester Pride, The Hudson Valley TransForum, and also runs The Trans Support of The Hudson Valley (TSHV), a program designed to assist and empower TGNCNB Communities across the lower Hudson Valley region. The LOFT was founded in 1983 and is currently located at 252 Bryant Ave, White Plains, NY 10605.