My name is Andee Huxhold, and I am thrilled to be joining you as the first Executive Director of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For the moment, I reside in northern Indiana with my family, but we are in the final days of packing for our move to Tucson—a city that holds a special place in my heart. Over a decade ago, Tucson became a pivotal part of my life when I spent several weeks here finalizing the adoption of my oldest daughter. The beauty of the desert and the warmth of the community left a lasting impression on me, and it has been a dream for the two of us to return ever since. Imagine my delight when I came across the Gaymber’s job posting for an ED as I was planning our move to Tucson!
This longing to return to Tucson is not only about reconnecting with a place I love but also stepping into a community that mirrors the diversity and inclusivity I’ve championed throughout my life. My journey as a Queer person has been integral to both my personal and professional development. Growing up in a very religious community, where my early experiences of love and identity were often viewed through a lens of misunderstanding, I’ve navigated complex landscapes of acceptance and resistance. These experiences have not only shaped who I am but have also fueled my passion for advocacy, informing my approach to leadership—emphasizing empathy, inclusiveness, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for all.
“It all started with an idea that we pitched to about 25 like-minded friends and before we knew it, we had an LGBT-focused business networking group called the Community Business Association. It has been incredible to watch the growth of this member-supported organization over nearly 30 years. The addition of a full time Executive Director is a significant milestone. I look forward to seeing how the organization evolves as they boldly step into the future.” ~ Brad Sensenbach, Co-Founder, Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Professionally, I bring to the Gaymber an undergraduate degree in social and behavioral sciences as well as continuing graduate studies in Restorative Justice with a strong focus on community healing and advocacy. With over seven years of experience in nonprofit leadership, particularly in fundraising and strategic planning, I am excited to leverage my skills to enrich our vibrant community.
As I enter into this new season, my husband Patrick, our daughters, Lissie and Miriam, and all our critters are making the move with me to Tucson. Meanwhile, our sons, Drew and Alex, are carving out their own paths in this big, big world, establishing their lives back in Indiana. We are in the midst of finalizing our preparations and anticipate being fully settled in Tucson by mid-May.
Once we’re settled, I’d love to grab coffee, lunch, or even enjoy a cocktail hour—I hear this group knows all the best spots in town! It will be a great chance for me to hear about your experiences and discuss how we can work together to achieve our goals. Please feel free to reach out to me to schedule a time. I am here to connect, listen, and collaborate as we continue to build a supportive and inclusive Gaymber that truly reflects the values we hold dear.
With great enthusiasm & anticipation,
Andee Huxhold (she/her/they/them)
Executive Director
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (aka The Gaymber)