Watermark’s Most Remarkable People 2017: James Keane, Metro Wellness & Community Centers’ Director of LGBTQ Programs and Development

Lorraine Langlois

James Keane has become a remarkable local leader in the Tampa Bay area. He advocates for justice, inclusivity and equality whenever he sees a need.

James joined the Metro team in June 2014 as the Fundraising and Events manager. With a strong event planning background and passion for community he succeeded in making it a great first year. James’ major contributions to our organization and the LGBT community were exemplified in 2016 as his responsibilities increased. He became director of LGBT Programming and Development and he began to work to strengthen existing relationships and to develop new relationships with businesses and other non-profit organizations.

Keane was responsible for leading the extraordinary efforts of Metro’s Annual Gala this year, as the agency celebrated 25 years of serving the LGBT and HIV community. He added sponsors, increased attendance to 500 and raised essential funds for community programming while throwing an event to remember!

Keane has led a dynamic and talented team that has worked to expand LGBTQ Programing across all agency locations. James demonstrates a passion for developing and strengthening community partnerships. In addition, James has a strong desire to see St. Petersburg continue to move forward, exemplified by his involvement in local politics including as current board member (and past president) of the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association.

We are indeed proud and pleased that James is part of our Metro Family!

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