Contact: Ariel Savage

Director of Strategy & Advancement

Development@truevolution.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2026

TruEvolution Announces New Clinic, Promotions, and National Expansion

New leadership promotions, national expansion, and a new clinic mark TruEvolution's next phase

RIVERSIDE, CA — TruEvolution today announced new leadership promotions, organizational changes, national expansion, and the upcoming grand opening of the TruHealth & Wellness Clinic – strengthening our services and advocacy across the Inland Empire and nationwide.


As TruEvolution continues to grow, so does our impact. By expanding our leadership, deepening our policy and advocacy efforts, and opening the TruHealth & Wellness Clinic, we are strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive care while advancing lasting systems change. Together, these investments position TruEvolution to be an even stronger voice for LGBTQ+ communities, people living with and vulnerable to HIV, and all those who deserve equitable access to health, housing, and opportunity.


"TruEvolution is growing with intention. We are investing in leaders who know our communities, understand the work and are prepared to move our mission forward. This new structure gives us the capacity to deepen our impact in the Inland Empire while bringing our communities' priorities to a national stage," said Gabriel Maldonado, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

New Hires

Matthew Rose

Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs

Matthew Rose joins TruEvolution as Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs. Rose brings more than 17 years of experience advancing federal health, HIV, and LGBTQ+ policy, most recently as a Senior Public Policy Advocate at the Human Rights Campaign. He will lead TruEvolution's policy strategy across California and nationally.

JavonTae Wilson

Outreach, Linkage & Testing Manager

JavonTae Wilson joins as Outreach, Linkage & Testing Manager. A Los Angeles native and longtime community advocate, Wilson brings more than 15 years of experience connecting Black gay, same-gender-loving and bisexual men with HIV prevention, testing and care. He remains committed to creating a healthier future.

Roryana Jones

Housing Coordinator


Roryana Jones joins as Housing Coordinator, bringing experience in program coordination, community outreach and client support to help individuals and families pursue long-term housing stability. She looks forward to advancing the organization’s mission of building healthier communities.

Leadership Promotions and Organizational Structure


TruEvolution also announced the following promotions and title changes:


  • Curt D. Thomas, Director of Housing & Social Services
  • Landon Martin, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health
  • Ariel Savage, Director of Strategy & Advancement
  • Dave Bridgeforth, Director of National Advocacy & Partnerships
  • Shawna Boyd, Senior Manager of Administration & Board Liaison
  • Julianne Ballon, MPH, Development & External Affairs Manager
  • Cigo Govea-Orozco, Development Lead
  • Madison Thompson, Community Engagement & Events Manager
  • Trevon Haney, Workforce & Wellness Manager
  • Sachi Banerji, MPH, Public Health Data & Evaluation Manager 


These organizational updates bring experienced leadership across TruEvolution’s core areas of work and establish a structure designed to support the organization’s continued growth. Curt D. Thomas will lead Housing & Social Services, overseeing Project Legacy, its continued expansion, and TruEvolution’s core housing and supportive services. Landon Martin, LCSW, will lead Behavioral Health, overseeing therapeutic and mental health services for Project Legacy clients while expanding access to behavioral health services for the broader community.


Ariel Savage will lead Strategy & Advancement, an expanded division that brings marketing and communications into the organization’s development and external affairs portfolio, creating a unified approach to fundraising, brand strategy, communications, community engagement and organizational visibility. Dave Bridgeforth and Matthew Rose will guide the National Office, expanding TruEvolution’s advocacy, strategic partnerships and public policy work across California and nationwide.


“These leaders represent the future of TruEvolution. Their vision, commitment and care will strengthen our work and deepen the impact we make together,” said Marguerite Wheeler-Lara, Chief Operating Officer.

Board of Directors Welcomes New Members

CJ Tobe, MA

Member-at-Large

Chief Transformation Officer

DAP Health

Hector De León

Member-at-Large

Legislative Aide

California State Legislature

TruEvolution's Board of Directors also welcomed two new members-at-large: CJ Tobe, MA, Chief Transformation Officer at DAP Health, who brings expertise in healthcare leadership, community health and organizational transformation, and Hector De León, who brings government and public policy experience through his work in the California State Senate.


“CJ and Hector understand both the responsibility of governance and the importance of staying connected to the people an organization serves. Their experience will be valuable as the Board supports TruEvolution's continued growth, national expansion and long-term sustainability,” said Dr. Brandon Brown, PhD, Chair of the TruEvolution Board of Directors.

TruHealth & Wellness Clinic Opens This Fall



TruEvolution will celebrate the grand opening of the TruHealth & Wellness Clinic this fall. The clinic will be led by Medical Director, Dr. Zayn Endo, MD.


Additional Advisory Support


TruEvolution has also engaged Dr. Leo Moore, MD, of Moore Health Innovations, as a consultant, adding public health expertise as the organization continues to strengthen its strategy, programs and organizational capacity.


The celebration continues at TruEvolution's annual Legacy Ball: Golden Hour on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Riverside Convention Center. Early bird tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at legacyball2026.givesmart.com.

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TruEvolution is dedicated to transforming lives and building healthy communities through an integrated care model connecting housing, health, and supportive services. Through Project Legacy and the TruHealth & Wellness Clinic, TruEvolution advances health equity and well-being across the Inland Empire. 


For more information about the organization’s work, please view the 2025 Impact Report and 2025 Impact Video. Learn more about the people leading TruEvolution by visiting our Staff Directory and Board of Directors.

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