President & Founder

Driven. Passionate. Strong. Giving. Loving. Fun. Enthusiastic. Caring. Relentless. The preceding are just a few of the words that could be used to describe the ever-firing sparkplug of living and giving that is MBGC’s President & Founder, Mel Taylor. Born with a microphone in her hand in the live music capital of the world Austin, Texas; Mel has spent the past 12 years delivering her personal touch over the radio airwaves to appreciative and appreciated listeners across the country. Now based out of Orlando, Florida with Clear Channel Radio, Mel can be heard from her home station WJRR-FM 101.1 in Maitland to KKED-FM in Fairbanks, Alaska and over 30 cities in between. Mel has been a consistent leader throughout her life and career with a constant focus towards supporting and giving to individuals/communities in need. One pivotal ingredient in Mel’s life has always been openness…openness to ideas and especially to people from any and all walks of life. This all-inclusive spice of life has always been at the heart of Mel’s vision for MBGC by providing a conduit for absolutely anyone to get involved in bettering their direct community. One of Mel’s most evident attributes is her boundless, relentless energy to perform and give her best effort at whatever task may lay in front of her. Whether it be completing one of her unique pieces of multi-media art, finding a new way to build a piece of home furniture, searching for the right words to identify with her listening audience, or organizing community wide events to assist families in need…Mel’s commitment is relentless. This energy drives Mel’s Bad Girls Club every day to support the Central Florida Community to the fullest extent possible. “I never thought that I would have my own charity organization…I’ve been very fortunate in my life to experience a lot of things and have been forced to learn TOO many lessons...However there are many things out there that I will conquer in time. I have had the opportunity in life to work hard and have something to show for it--and that’s enough to put a smile on my face every day!”

Chairman of the Board

Joe Mareci has over 29 years of sales and marketing experience and is serving his fourth term as a Director for the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. Joe has been employed by Phantom MFG. (INTL) LTD for the past five years where he is responsible for the Custom Home Building Industry as Phantom’s Builder Services Manager. Joe is currently serving his fourth term as a trustee to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) prestigious National Council of the Housing Industry (NCHI), and is current Co-Chairman. He is the Past Chairman of the Board of BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation and is currently The Chairman of the Board, an Officer, and volunteer for Mel’s BGC Charitable Foundation. In addition to Joe’s charitable endeavors, he also maintains a huge passion for music and is a singer/percussionist for the MBGC Jam Band that consists of different members of the club.

Club & Volunteer Coordinator
31 years old and Born in Salem, Massachusetts. Mike has been in emergency medicine and a licensed paramedic since 2003, currently working for Orange County Fire/Rescue. Previously he worked for CBS radio (O-Rock 105.9) and the Orlando Weekly, being very involved with the Orlando community for many years. Mike has also been a drummer/guitarist for 10+ years and has released 3 albums with various bands. Mike enjoys playing golf, poker, all Boston sports teams, podcasting, comedy and movies. Mike’s family consists of an 18 year old brother who attends FSU, and parents who live in Tampa. “I'm honored to be a part of such a great organization and hope to see you at all of our events!!”

Vice President

Katie Merrigan has true heart and determination in everything that she works on and is a part of. She has been Vice President of the MBGC for more than a year and has shown that she knows how to put on a party for a great cause! Katie was a local boutique shop business owner in Baldwin Park and is still the chair of marketing and events for the Merchant Association. Katie has a strong passion for fashion and has spent most of her life working in the industry and continues to do so today. She has dedicated so much of her time to the Central Florida community by spear heading the annual Green Fest and Dog Wash in Baldwin Park, being nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Central Florida Person of the Year and continues to think of innovative ways to help out MBGC.

Treasurer

While permanent resident of Orlando for the last 11 years, Ryan originally hales from Atlanta, Georgia where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in the field of Psychology with a Co-Major in Human & Natural Ecology from Emory University in June of 2000. Eclectic interests such as playing various musical instruments, painting/drawing, participating in sports, and pushing for strong business performance drive Ryan’s life on a daily basis. Ever an avid athlete, over the years Ryan’s strong focus has become the sport of golf as both a competitive outlet and a career path. Humbly beginning as a Caddy at the home of Bobby Jones, East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ryan has spent the last 17 years in the golf industry working his way up to his current role as Head Professional and Director of Golf at ChampionsGate Golf Club. The idea of helping others through charitable endeavors is at the heart of the game of golf and has been since its’ inception. Ryan is honored to continue this tradition by serving as an officer, volunteer, and “anything that needs to be done” facilitator for Mel’s Bad Girls Club. Drawn to Mel’s BGC by the perpetually positive, intensely driven, locally focused, and always fun attitude of the organization’s leader and membership; Ryan is committed to assisting MBGC make the largest impact possible every year, every week, and every day in the Central Florida community.

Secretary

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Kim moved to Orlando in 1998. Working Sales for Skin & Skin Care Research and a part time student, she spends her free time focusing on exercise and nutrition as well as volunteering whenever possible with multiple charities and social events within the Central Florida area. Kim joined the MBGC in 2010 and has swiftly made a positive impact as the clubs new secretary.

New Member Coordinator

As an Orlando native, Jessica has long understood the political and human issues surrounding fellow Orlando residents. She has travelled extensively, winning “The Wonderful Women of NY” award and was published in Los Angeles for her experience of the US Open of surfing. Now, back in Orlando Jessica is seeking her second degree specializing in business at Rollins College. “I am excited to bring my experience and love for Orlando to Mel’s Bad Girls Club.”

Creative Director

With a background of 9 plus years in creative design, advertising, and marketing, our creative director, Amanda Villagomez, works as a designer and creative consultant concentrating on brand identity and assisting companies to better position themselves competitively in their markets. Amanda grew up in Washington DC area and earned her degree in design in Central Florida at Full Sail University. She worked in the DC, Miami and Orlando markets for both large and small ad agencies before starting her own design business. As an active supporter of many local non-profits, generosity and philanthropy are the heart of everything Amanda does.