Austin LGBT Chamber

Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition

Colton Ashabranner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX – August 25th, 2025 – Today, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced that CEO Tina Cannon (she/her) will be stepping down from her role effective Sept 12th, 2025.

Graphic announcing the Austin LGBT Chamber leadership transition. The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce logo appears at the top with the words “ALGBTCC Chamber News.” Bold white text on a blue-to-purple gradient background reads: “Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition.” A headshot of outgoing CEO Tina Cannon, smiling, is shown in a circular frame. The announcement highlights the Chamber’s new chapter in leadership and community growth, with Tina Cannon stepping down as CEO effective September 12, 2025.

During her tenure, Cannon has taken the Chamber to new heights, including:

  • Driving membership growth of over 500%, the Chamber now holds the largest membership base in its 28-year history.
  • Hosting the largest and most dynamic events in the Chamber’s history — including launching the Pride in Local Music Festival, expanding the Annual Business of Pride Awards into a marquee celebration, and leading high-profile Intercity Visits that put Austin’s LGBTQ+ business community on the national and international stage.
  • Driving regional collaboration with the launch of the Diversity Ethnic Chambers Alliance (DECAcentx.org), a groundbreaking coalition uniting minority chambers of commerce, and spearheading the Regional Equity in Economic Development (REED) Plan — setting a national standard for building resilience, advancing equity, and driving inclusive investment across Central Texas.

Tina Cannon
President & CEO
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

“Tina’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have transformed the Chamber and created lasting opportunities for the LGBTQ+ business community in Austin. We are deeply grateful for the countless contributions she has made and the strong legacy she leaves behind,” said Emilie Kopp, Chair of the Board of Directors.

To ensure organizational continuity, the Chamber will operate under an interim model of staff self-management with Board oversight until a new CEO is selected. The Board of Directors will launch a search for a new CEO in the coming weeks.

“Tina’s leadership has been transformative — not only for our Chamber, but for Austin’s broader LGBTQ+ community. She has opened doors, created space for new voices, and built a strong foundation for us to grow from. We are excited to honor her legacy while continuing the Chamber’s mission with the same passion and purpose,” said Colton Ashabranner, VP of Marketing.

“All programs, advocacy efforts, and events will continue as planned,” said Emilie Kopp. “Our experienced staff remain fully engaged, and the Board is committed to supporting them through this transition.”

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Links to a PDF version and a headshot can be found here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Colton Ashabranner
VP Marketing
colton@austinlgbtchamber.com

About the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1997, we serve as Central Texas’ largest hub for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and organizations. The Austin LGBT Chamber’s mission is to empower and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ business community and its allies through marketing, education, and community development. We represent hundreds of small businesses, corporations, and nonprofit members, all committed to championing equality and diversity in the workplace.

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