Galleria’s Curator Circle met for the first time on August 21. Nine people, nine industries, one long table in a private room at the Citrus Club, with the first print issue passed hand to hand between them.
The Circle is a select editorial initiative created to bring exceptional leaders, innovators, and thinkers closer to the heart of Galleria. More than a list of names, it is a community of perspectives: each curator contributes insight, identifies stories and voices worth amplifying, and helps shape the conversations that define the magazine’s editorial direction.
Together they reflect what Galleria stands for: business, culture, influence, connection, and the ideas shaping Florida’s next chapter. Each left the table with a framed founder’s mark for 2026.
The Nine
The nine follow, in Karina Olive’s portraits and as the magazine records them.
The Mediator
James Gelfand
General Manager at The Citrus Club
James Gelfand is the General Manager of the Citrus Club, Orlando’s premier private business and social club. With more than 45 years of leadership in the hospitality industry, he is recognized for his people-first approach, operational excellence, and commitment to cultivating meaningful professional relationships. Since joining the Citrus Club in 2023, James has led the club’s evolution while honoring its longstanding legacy as one of Central Florida’s most influential gathering places for business and community leaders.
Technology
Andres Ceballos
VP Global OEM Partners at Hyland Software
Andres Ceballos is a global alliances and ecosystem leader with more than 20 years of experience building strategic partnerships across the enterprise software industry. As the leader of Hyland’s Global OEM business, he helps software companies expand through scalable partner ecosystems that connect innovation, product strategy, and go-to-market execution. Throughout his career, Andres has held leadership roles at Hyland, Salesforce, Oracle, and XnR Solutions, helping organizations unlock growth through technology alliances and strategic collaboration. He is recognized for building trusted partnerships that create long-term value for customers and the global technology ecosystem.
Culture
Deloria Nelson
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Authentic Culture & Engagement (ACE) Solutions
Deloria “Coach Dee” Nelson-Streete is a leadership strategist, executive coach, speaker, published author, and founder of ACE. With more than 25 years in human resources, leadership development, and organizational culture, including leadership roles at Walt Disney World and Charles Schwab, she helps organizations build healthy, high-performing workplaces where people and business thrive. Creator of the 3R Leadership Model™ (Rest, Resilience, and Resistance), she inspires leaders to prevent burnout, strengthen workplace culture, and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and government sectors.
Hospitality
David Lindsey
Advertising Sales Executive at Simon Property Group
David Lindsey is an accomplished business development and strategic partnerships professional with over two decades of experience driving brand growth through meaningful relationships and innovative marketing initiatives. As Advertising Sales Executive at Simon Property Group, he partners with national and regional brands to create impactful retail and experiential marketing opportunities. Known for his collaborative leadership style and extensive network throughout Central Florida, David is passionate about connecting people, businesses, and organizations in ways that foster long-term growth, community engagement, and lasting value.
Education
Denise Musselwhite
Tech & Thrive Founder
Denise Musselwhite is a former Chief Information Officer, executive leadership strategist, and founder of Tech & Thrive. With more than two decades of executive experience across independent schools, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofit organizations, she advises leaders navigating technological change, organizational complexity, AI, culture, and the evolving workplace. One of the few Latina women to serve as both CIO and Board Chair, Denise brings lived executive insight to her work. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), she helps leaders earn trust, make better decisions, and build organizations where people and performance thrive.
Luxury & Lifestyle
Maria Helena Maroun
Entrepreneur and Luxury Brand Strategist
Maria Helena Maroun is an entrepreneur and retail strategist recognized for building and scaling luxury consumer brands. Originally trained as a corporate attorney with a master’s degree in Corporate Law, she successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching and exiting multiple businesses, including a jewelry company she built and sold in just 18 months without outside investment. Drawing on her expertise in consumer psychology, retail trends, and luxury branding, Maria Helena creates brands that resonate on an emotional level. She is currently launching Romeo Diamonds, a luxury jewelry venture inspired by innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless client experiences.
Luxury Home Building
Taylor Akers
Senior Project Manager at Akers Custom Homes
Taylor Akers is a luxury residential builder professional with expertise in custom home construction. As a leader at Akers Custom Homes, a family business known for crafting high-end residences throughout Central Florida, he brings a unique perspective on quality craftsmanship, client experience, and the evolving luxury housing market. Combining a background in finance with hands-on construction expertise, Taylor helps bridge design, construction, and real estate, offering a holistic understanding of what creates lasting value in a home. His passion for excellence and service makes him a trusted voice in the future of luxury residential development.
Finance & Wealth Strategy
Ricardo Matte
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Vincit Financial
Ricardo Matte is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vincit Financial, an international wealth management and investment advisory firm serving individuals, families, and entrepreneurs across multiple countries. With more than 15 years of experience in financial services, he specializes in helping clients protect, grow, and transfer wealth through integrated investment management, insurance strategies, retirement planning, and cross-border financial solutions. Under his leadership, Vincit Financial has built a reputation for delivering personalized, long-term strategies designed to simplify complex financial decisions and preserve wealth across generations. Ricardo is passionate about empowering clients to make confident financial decisions while building lasting legacies for their families and businesses.
Real Estate & Investment
Vincent Desai
Founder & Principal at Desai Ventures, LLC
Vincent Desai is an Orlando, Florida-based entrepreneur, real estate developer, investor, and film producer with over two decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate. As founder of VertiX Productions, Inc., he is building an innovative independent film distribution platform that connects filmmakers with audiences worldwide while helping establish Central Florida as a hub for independent filmmaking. Before relocating from Toronto, Canada, in 1992, Vincent spent over 16 years as an Art Director with The Toronto Sun Publishing. Combining creativity with business expertise, he continues to pursue opportunities in real estate, entertainment, and strategic investments that create lasting value.
The Afternoon
Karina Olive photographed the afternoon. A selection follows.
Photography: Karina Olive · @galleriamagazine.us
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