The Board at Thrive Youth Center is made up of a group of individuals who are passionate about serving the LGBTQIA+ youth throughout San Antonio and the surrounding communities.
Check out the board page to learn more about our board members & their stories.
Meet Our
Thrive Youth Center
Board of Directors
STEFANIE GAINES, PHR, MBA
Board President
Stefanie has served on the Thrive Youth Center board since 2019. She has been involved with the annual gala, fundraising, reviewing board policies and procedures, and new board member onboarding. Stefanie was born in Okinawa, Japan and grew up on Army bases in Virginia and Kansas and eventually landed in Texas where she graduated from high school in Plano. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Stefanie has worked in HR for over 25 years in manufacturing, in industries ranging from food manufacturing to construction materials and now has landed in the aviation industry.
Stefanie joined StandardAero as the Director, HR in Sept. 2021 where she helps support almost 700 employees at the facility in the Port of San Antonio. Prior to StandardAero, Stefanie worked at HEB and served as the HR advisor for the Pride PRG there.
Stefanie has been involved with the Human Rights Campaign (in Dallas, TX) and on the Fairway to Equality Committee.
Stefanie relocated from Dallas to San Antonio in 2018 where she resides with her wife, Renee, along with three wonderful stepchildren (Lily, Otto, and Henry) along with three dogs.
ALEX MOTTER
Vice President
Alex currently serves as a software engineer at USAA. His primary responsibility is leading a team developing a digital data quality scanning platform he created. With several years of experience in the digital analytics and IT space, Alex’s professional background is primarily in the financial services industry.
Alex received his bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics from Trinity University, minoring in Chinese and English. While at Trinity, Alex and a team from his cohort earned the distinction of Meritorious Winner for the 2020 COMAP International Math Modeling Competition, placing in the top 5 of US teams. Alex also wrote curriculum for and taught an 18-month intensive coding class for high school students interested in AI and ML development.
Through his involvement with USAA and Trinity, Alex became aware of Thrive Youth Center. Prior to joining the board, Alex participated in Elf Buddy and other Thrive programs. Alex has served on the Thrive Youth Center board since 2022. He has been involved with the events committee, decision-making, and spearheading strategic data and technology initiatives.
Alex currently resides in San Antonio.
ERIC MORRIS
Board Secretary
Meet Eric Morris, currently serving as the CEO of Unbound Minds, a private practice
specializing in trauma-informed care, Eric is well-versed in program implementation and
management. With a profound background in clinical social work, Eric brings a unique blend of compassion and expertise to the cause.
With 26 years of experience in the Army combined with a Master of Social Work from Salisbury University in Maryland, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and an Associate of Science in General Education from Troy University, Eric has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the well-being of marginalized communities.
As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, Eric has provided invaluable clinical
assessments and support to complex care patients. Their experience at the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) has equipped them with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Eric has played a pivotal role in outlining best practices for outreach and navigation services, specifically tailored to the homeless community in San Antonio and Bexar County during their time with Close to Home and the City of San Antonio. Their commitment extends to providing training and methodologies aligned with trauma-informed care to establish community-wide standards.
As a coordinator of both clients and agencies, Eric has provided education and career
counseling services to Army personnel stationed in Germany and Texas. Their experience
encompasses a global perspective, but their heart remains firmly rooted in local initiatives,
including pilot programs addressing homelessness and wrap-around services.
Beyond the professional realm, Eric is personally committed to promoting social and emotional development.
Eric is not just a board member; they are part of the community as a non-binary person. With a heart for service and a mind for strategic leadership, Eric embodies the spirit of compassionate advocacy and positive change.
MARTIN KEIGHLEY
Board Treasurer
Martin Keighley is a globally experienced CEO with a remarkable track record in accelerating the growth of early-stage technologies and leading global chemical businesses. Currently at the helm of CarbonFree, Martin has transformed the company into a profitable leader in carbon capture technologies, spearheading innovative solutions that convert CO2 into zero carbon chemicals.
Before joining CarbonFree, Martin served as the President and CEO of Tata Chemicals North America, where he successfully integrated the North American soda ash business into Tata Chemicals’ global operations. His strategic leadership led to significant operational improvements and cost reductions, including a $10 million annual savings through federal royalty reductions.
Martin’s entrepreneurial spirit shone as the CEO of Arvia Technology, where he advanced specialist water treatment technologies and secured major contracts, including a $10 million deal with the UK nuclear power operator. His earlier tenure as Managing Director at Brunner Mond saw him create a $40 million business by patenting a sodium bicarbonate service for the waste incineration market.
In the non-profit sector, Martin chaired St. Luke’s Hospice from 2011 to 2013, where he led the reinvention of its board and management structures, aligning them with a long-term vision of being a research-driven leader in end-of-life care.
Martin holds a Master of Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University and has furthered his education at Harvard Business School, Manchester Business School, and the Centre for Creative Leadership. His board credentials include roles as Chairman and Director for various organizations, and he is a member of the National Petroleum Council, appointed by the Secretary of Energy.
Martin’s extensive experience in executive leadership, combined with his strategic and innovative approach, makes him a valuable asset to any organization committed to sustainability and growth.
SUSAN MACCABE
Board Member
Susan is an attorney and Fortune 100 executive leader with 20+ years in the financial services industry, including experience in insurance operations, litigation, strategy and planning, risk and compliance, and passionate talent development.
She currently serves USAA’s mission as the CEO’s Chief of Staff overseeing operational aspects of the CEO’s office and providing strategic input to key stakeholders across the company to plan, execute and ensure the effectiveness of initiatives.
Susan is also the Executive Sponsor for BOLD, a USAA Diversity Business Group that promotes an inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies.
Susan obtained her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, a Masters concentrated in Finance from Harvard University Extension School, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Susan served as a military spouse and comes from a family of military officers. She is married with three children, two sons (2012, 2013) and a daughter (2017).
Susan serves as a Board Member for Thrive Youth Center. She is passionate about serving her community by providing pro-bono legal services for the underserved in San Antonio, supporting needs of the homeless and foster children communities, and providing career mentorship to military spouses.
MICHAEL J. LYSSY MBA - SPHR
Board Member
Human Resource Business Partner – Target Stores
Michael Lyssy has worked for Target Corporation for nearly 15 years; starting in 2009. As a Fortune 50 company with more than 400,000+ team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand, focused on the company’s purpose of “helping all families discover the joy of everyday life.” Michael started his career with Target in San Antonio as an assistant Store Director, then worked as a Store Director (General Manager) for 4 years, and since June of 2018 has been a Human Resource Business Partner, overseeing HR and Community Engagement for all Target stores within San Antonio – totaling nearly 2,500 employees. In this multi-unit leadership role, Michael supports & influences store leaders, their teams, & district business leaders in bringing to life Target’s purpose, culture, and values, as well as HR strategies; through helping them build talented, diverse, and engaged teams, focused on delivering on financial, team, and community goals. Specifically, Michael works in recruiting, selecting, & developing non-exempt & exempt leaders who care for and invest in their leaders and team members who care about their guests, communities, and each other; ensuring a diverse workforce is in place, to create a positive impact on society today and for many years to come.
Caring for our local community is woven deeply into who Michael is, both personally & professionally. Through his time at Target, Michael has worked to establish strong district-wide partnerships within local Target stores and the community of San Antonio, working with & giving back to numerous non-profits & other local organizations and schools. In 2022 & 2023 alone, Michael led his local Target team to give back more than 11,000 volunteer hours across 25+ different organizations throughout San Antonio & Bexar County. Each of these partnerships are focused on collectively helping bring joy & inclusion to the local community today and creating a stronger future for tomorrow. Michael is also an active member of the San Antonio Human Resources Association, the National Human Rights Campaign, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, & the San Antonio Botanical Garden Society.
In addition, professionally, Michael is a member of Target’s Pride + Business Council, focusing on inclusivity, equity, & representation across the entire Target enterprise & within the communities in which it serves worldwide. Also, Michael serves on Target’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Business Council – supporting inclusion & equity for all across the organization.
Personally, Michael is a South Texas native and a 2003 graduate of Falls City High School. He has an extensive background in agriculture, farming, & ranching, as his parents, grandparents, and extended family have been in the dairy/ranching business for more than 50 years; of which he attributes his work ethic & values, servant leadership, and his focus & commitment to strengthening the community to. He is a proud Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Alumnus; having received his BBA in 2007 & MBA in 2009; & recently completed a Strategic HR Leadership Certification through Cornell University in 2023.
Michael currently resides in San Antonio with his partner, Michael, and their dog Ginsburg & cat Harry. He has 3 young nieces, who are truly the light of his life.
JANET N. EKEZIE
Board Member
Janet N. Ekezie, a Nigerian American, is an LGBTQIA+ ally. Born in Kansas City but raised in San Antonio. She works for the San Antonio Area Foundation as a junior associate where she manages scholarships for students seeking higher education. Despite serving on the board, Ekezie volunteers her time as a member of the National Model United Nations’ secretariat while facilitating debate over international issues for students at the collegiate level. During her free time, she practices yoga and attends local sound baths.
SCOTT ACKERSON, LMSW
Board Member
Scott Ackerson, LMSW, is currently the Director of WestEast Design’s Social Impact Studio. WestEast Design’s Social Impact Studio (SIS) is dedicated to undertaking comprehensive projects in the realm of human service initiatives. Our work includes but is not limited to strategic consulting for housing/homeless systems and helping to create emergency shelters, supportive housing options, and transformational campuses.
Prior to WestEast, Scott was the VP of Strategic Relationships at Prospera Housing Community Services. In this role, Scott oversaw all of the supportive services for over 50 affordable housing developments and worked with all of the major Texas Managed Care Organizations to develop and implement programming related to Social Determinants of Health.Before joining Prospera, Scott worked as a Principal for Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm. In that role, Scott worked across the United States doing work related to homeless systems of care, Social Determinants of Health, supportive housing and infant mortality.
Prior to HMA, Scott provided clinical and programmatic oversight for Haven for Hope, a campus for homeless services with over 1,000 beds in Bexar County. Scott coordinated services and resources among continuum of care organizations and sat on the Continuum of Care Board. He oversaw social service operations, workforce development, and supportive housing programs. Scott piloted a peer support integration program and conceptualized a jail diversion program for people experiencing homelessness.
While working for Haven for Hope, Scott was also vice president of community transformation services at the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS), a community mental health center in San Antonio. He managed behavioral health services on the Haven for Hope campus, as well as an innovative integrated care clinic that provided care to chronically homeless individuals.
Prior to his career in homeless recovery services, Scott worked for 20 years in child welfare services, including opening a trauma-informed residential treatment center in San Antonio.
DAVID HUETE
Board Member
David Huete is Vice President of Transformational Services at Haven for Hope. David’s current focus within Haven is to provide a coordinated system of care to help individuals address the issues that led to their homelessness. He has over 20 years’ experience working in homeless and adult mental health services — beginning his career at a youth homeless shelter in downtown Houston, leading a mental health outreach team in Corpus Christi, to his current work at Haven for Hope. David is a Licensed Master of Social Work and a proud graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
EMILY MARCOTTE
Board Member
Emily joined the Thrive Youth Center board in August 2022 as a local leader in nonprofit and higher education administration. She has dedicated her career to serving youth impacted by trauma to open gateways for successful futures, including over 15 years of combined experience in the fields of foster care and the local homelessness response system. She brings experience with federal grant administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care policies, child welfare, and authentic youth collaboration. Emily spearheaded the development of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project grant proposal, later awarded to San Antonio in 2019 for $6.88 million to create housing solutions for youth ages 18-24. She was instrumental in driving the foundation of the local Youth Action Board.
Emily has a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master of Arts in Education degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She currently leads the UTSA Fostering Futures Program as Associate Director and is the university foster care liaison.
As an LGBTQ+ Ally and Housing First advocate, she passionately believes that housing is a basic human right, and that the solution to homelessness is to collaborate across the community to build innovative housing solutions that meet the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness. Emily is a dog mom to two rescue pups, loves to do hot yoga, and is always up for trying a new hot sauce.
CHRISTOPHER NOVOSAD
Board Member
Meet Christopher Novosad, currently serving as the VP of Marketing of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. With over 27 years of non-profit and arts marketing experience, Christopher is well-versed in brand building and marketing awareness. Christopher has worked with world-renowned entertainment organizations such as the Houston Grand Opera, House Of Blues, the San Antonio Zoo and the Carver Cultural Center. He has served on the Bexar Country Child Welfare Board and the Texas Commission on the Arts Grants Review Council.
Making San Antonio a welcome home and community for all is important to Christopher who also heads up the community outreach department for The Tobin Center. Believing that everyone has true value, that everyone has a real purpose, and that everyone deserves an equal chance, Christopher strives to create a world that reflects those values. Christopher is excited to serve his first year on the Thrive board and help to make a difference in the community he loves.
CARLOS VASQUEZ
Board Member
Carlos is currently an Assistant Store Director for H-E-B.
Carlos grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and is from Edinburg, Texas. Carlos joined H-E-B as a bagger in 2006 and moved his way up to Service Manager, Bakery Manager then moved to San Antonio in 2013 where he joined the corporate team in marketing specializing in coupons and saving customers money. During his time at the Arsenal (H-E-B Headquarters) Carlos helped to build a corporate diversity and inclusion council and launched a pilot for a Partner (employee) Resources Group that focused on LGBTQ+ Partners. Through this group, he met Sandra from Thrive in 2017 and fell in love with their story and mission. Carlos believes that no one should be hungry and always wants to make sure that everyone knows they have a seat at the table.
In Carlos’ free time, he loves to BBQ, try new restaurants, travel, dabble with interior design, and spend time with his family in the Valley. His Chiweenie, Axel Rose is his pride and joy and they have lived in San Antonio for 11 years and call it home.
Our Youth
Thrive Youth Center in San Antonio
is a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth
1 in 5 members of our community will experience homelessness.
That’s why we are working to create a safer future for our youth.
