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About MAX
MAX is a social community for gay men and their friends. Our members join MAX to form real relationships with real people. We are a fun, open, diverse and welcoming community where everyone is welcomed to contribute to the group's overall success. Through MAX events, people regularly meet old friends, meet potential friends, lead, support and participate in interesting events, and have fun. MAX (originally known as Men’s Associated Exchange) was established in 1988 in response to the AIDS crisis. Out of fear, many gay men had stopped going out; MAX’s purpose was to create a “safe space” for gay men to socialize. Within a short time, it had grown to over 1000 dues-paying members who participated in dozens of activities each year. After an eight-year hiatus, MAX was revived in 2016, in part to enable people to meet others in person and in social settings. MAX continues today as a vibrant gathering place for our community. Join MAX here. |
MAX Board and Contributors |
 | Elie Abijaoude Chairman Elie Abijaoude is a long-term resident of San Francisco, having moved to the Bay Area in the early 1980’s from his native Lebanon. As a Senior Project Manager in the Civil Engineering field, he has worked on a large variety of projects ranging from BART extensions to major freeway infrastructure. An avid traveler and bon vivant, Elie brings his energy and experience to the MAX board. After helping organize a variety of MAX activities, he decided to get fully involved as a board member. Elie is committed to work with his fellow board members to ensure the continued success of MAX. |
| Jerry Tusan Jerry Tusan has hosted many popular MAX events including beverage tastings and several of our My Favorite Place monthly dinners. He currently works as a wine distributor in San Francisco. He first joined Max in 1994 and was originally active in the East Bay MAX. A third-generation Californian, Jerry splits his time between his two homes in San Francisco’s Diamond Heights and the East Bay. |
| Dennis Lam Dennis Lam has been working in high-tech for over 30 years and a resident of the mid-peninsula. He is a foodie and loves to try out different cuisine of the world. He likes to go to the movies, especially enjoys indie and foreign films; movies that tell a compelling story. His other interests also include traveling, cooking, gardening, exercising, swimming, indoor rock climbing and other outdoor activities. |
  | Bruce Cecil Bruce Cecil is a native Kentuckian who has lived in the Bay Area for the last 12 years. Before that, he lived in Southern California. He has served previously on the MAX board, as well as on the board for Discovery Community. He previously worked as a journalist and a mechanical engineer and currently is an educator. Bruce lives in Berkeley. |
| Kenneth Cleaveland Ken Cleaveland retired from a 40+ year career as a lobbyist for commercial property owners and construction trade organizations in a number of U.S. cities. He recently stepped down after eight years as a San Francisco Fire Commissioner. Previously, he was very active in the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, and won their lifetime achievement award in 2013. A native of Florida, and graduate of Florida State University, Ken enjoys his retirement by traveling as much as possible, socializing with his friends, particularly in MAX and the Black Tie Club, and enjoying the many cultural events in the Bay Area. |
 | Stephen Geisheker Stephen Geisheker is new to San Francisco and new to MAX. Stephen moved here from Silicon Valley where he worked in high-tech until his retirement. He enjoys music, theatre, food, social events, and the outdoors. He also is on the board of Mentor-Tutor Connection that provides educational support to struggling students. Stephen hopes to bring some new events to offer MAX members. Stay tuned! |
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Lawrence Wu
Member-at-Large Lawrence Wu is an accounting expert with over two decades of experience, including 11 years in supervisory and managerial roles. He has extensive knowledge of computerized accounting systems. After relocating from Southern California to San Francisco to join his partner, Lawrence has been enjoying a balanced work-and-play lifestyle. He is outgoing and energetic and enjoys cooking, singing, stage performances, traveling, and organizing social events. Additionally, Lawrence is a fitness enthusiast and a member of the Black Tie Club of San Francisco. He looks forward to contributing his expertise and passions to MAX as a board member. |
| Jim W. Tom Jim was the MAX chairman from 2022 to 2024. He stepped off the board after 2.5 years, but now serves in an advisory role as Chairman Emeritus. Jim favors events that strengthen fellowship among members, and diverse activities that appeal to a broad membership. He has championed an assortment of MAX events, including holiday socials, museum outings, the outdoors/hiking and community service. Now retired, Jim had worked as a commercial real estate appraiser and last handled the western U.S. states. He had served on the board of Open House, a non-profit dedicated to LGBTQ senior services and housing. Raised in Hong Kong and Mexico, Jim currently resides in Dolores Heights. |
Major Contributors Paul Munro Jason Feinberg Phil Carberry |
