[AUSTIN, TX] – October 29, 2025 — The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce today announced that Colton Ashabranner has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, following a vote of the Board of Directors on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Ashabranner will continue to serve as the Chamber’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, a role in which he has helped elevate the Chamber’s visibility, strengthen community partnerships, and drive engagement across a growing membership base.

“Colton brings heart, expertise and a deep understanding of Austin’s LGBTQ+ community to this role; his appointment reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful, strategic continuity, and community advocacy” said Emilie Kopp, Board Chair of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “…through Colton’s leadership and the support of our staff, we will continue delivering meaningful impact for our members and advancing inclusive economic growth for the LGBTQ+ and allied business community. 2025 has presented a myriad of challenges for our community and economy, alike, but we are prepared to continue meeting these challenges with ongoing principles, courage, unity, and purpose that have always defined this Chamber.” Kopp continued. 

Ashabranner has been a key architect of signature Chamber initiatives, including large-scale community events, monthly luncheons and happy hours, and regional collaborations that strengthen Austin’s small business ecosystem. 

“I’m honored to serve our members and community in this role,” said Colton Ashabranner, Interim CEO. “Our focus remains clear: to deliver value for our members, daily, advance LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses, and serve as an unwavering champion of an inclusive, opportunity-rich economy for the Greater Austin region. I’m grateful to our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and partners for their trust and collaboration as we continue our work and maintain momentum while the search for a new CEO continues.”

Ashabranner also serves as the Marketing Lead for the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) — a collaborative partnership between the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. 

“We are delighted to welcome Colton as interim CEO of the Austin LGBT Chamber during a time of transitional change. Colton’s extensive experience, longstanding service to our coalition and proven track record of operational excellence, and leading with purpose and passion, make him ideally suited to continue serving the needs of Austin’s diverse communities, alongside our coalition.” Austin’s Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance said in a joint statement. 

The Austin LGBT Board of Directors will oversee the leadership transition and will share updates regarding the permanent CEO search in the coming weeks. During this period, Chamber programs, including member services, networking events, advocacy, and education will continue as scheduled.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook facebook.com/austinlgbtbiz

Instagram instagram.com/austinlgbtbiz/

LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/austinlgbtbiz/

About the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce –

Founded in 1997, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce serves as Central Texas’ largest hub for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and organizations. The Chamber’s mission is to empower and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ business community and its allies through marketing, education, and community development.

As the oldest LGBTQ+ chamber in Texas, the Austin LGBT Chamber represents hundreds of small businesses, corporations, and nonprofit members committed to championing equality and diversity in the workplace. The Chamber hosts more than 70 events annually, advocates for economic opportunity and workplace inclusion, and fuels the next generation through the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund.

MEDIA CONTACT: colton@austinlgbtchamber.com

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