08 Sep Tina Cannon to Lead Visit Austin Foundation & Strategic Alliances
Visit Austin Appoints Tina Cannon as Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Executive Director of the Visit Austin Foundation
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Tina Cannon, who will begin a new role as Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Executive Director of the Visit Austin Foundation on September 22, 2025.
Tina Cannon President & CEO Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Cannon has served as President & CEO of the Chamber since 2017, leading the organization to record-breaking growth and impact. Her tenure included:
- Growing membership by more than 500%, building the largest member base in the Chamber’s 28-year history.
- Expanding signature programs and events, including launching the Pride in Local Music Festival and transforming the Business of Pride Awards Gala into a marquee Austin celebration.
- Driving regional collaboration through the Diversity Ethnic Chambers Alliance (DECA) and spearheading the Regional Equity in Economic Development (REED) Plan.
“Tina’s leadership has been transformative — not only for our Chamber, but for Austin’s broader LGBTQ+ community,” said Colton Ashabranner, VP of Marketing & Events. “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.”
The Chamber remains focused on advancing its mission of empowering LGBTQ+ businesses and allies. All events, programs, and advocacy efforts continue as planned.
Updates on the leadership transition and information about upcoming Chamber programs can be found at here.
Previous Release
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition
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.
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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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.