North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce CEO & President Tony Vedda
From Staff Reports
The North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce last week announced a prestigious award for CEO and President Tony Vedda, and the Chamber Foundation announced the selection of the sixth LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute cohort.
During the recent 2025 National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce International Business & Leadership Conference, held in Las Vegas, Vedda was honored with the Kellie Parkin Legacy Leadership Award. The award, established in 2024 by the NGLCC, “commemorates the life and leadership of Kellie Parkin, former executive director of nglccNY, the national chamber’s New York affiliate,” according to a press release announcing the award. Parkin, who died of cancer in May 2024 at the age of 44, is “remembered for her fearless advocacy and passion for building inclusive business communities,” the press release notes.
Amanda Cole, executive director of Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland and the 2024 award recipient, introduced Vedda at the award ceremony, saying, “This year’s honoree embodies the very spirit of the Kellie Parkin Legacy Leadership Award through his tireless advocacy for chamber growth, mentorship and community building. A true thought leader, he not only shares his wealth of experience but continually seeks to learn and evolve, an inspiring quality he shares with Kellie.
“His leadership has left an indelible impact on North Texas and the broader LGBTQ+ and ally business community.”
Vedda said he is “deeply humbled” to receive the award but added that it “truly reflects the collective efforts of our members, board, staff and partners who inspire me every day.”
Vedda added, “Kellie’s life and work set a powerful example of courage, generosity and unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive business community. To be honored in her memory is both moving and motivating, and I remain dedicated to carrying forward that legacy in North Texas and beyond.”
Vedda joined the Chamber’s inaugural Board of Directors in 2005 and became CEO and president in 2007, helping guide the organization “to become a powerful advocate for equality and economic opportunity across North Texas,” the press release announcing the award noted. “His leadership and vision have not only elevated the chamber locally but also earned him recognition across the national chamber industry.”
In 2011, Vedda completed the Institute for Organization Management program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and in 2014 achieved the Certified Chamber Executive credential from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. CCE is the highest professional distinction in the field, with fewer than 4 percent of chamber executives in the U.S. and Canada holding this credential.
Sixth Leadership Institute cohort
Also last week, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the selection of its sixth LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute cohort.
“Since its inception in 2019, the program has graduated five classes, building a powerful network of informed and empowered leaders across the Dallas-Fort Worth business community,” noted a press release announcing the selection. “The Class of 2026 represents a diverse group of individuals from small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations and civic groups throughout the DFW area.”
Class members are Tres Brown (he/they) with Resource Center, Jordan Bruce (they/them) with Baby Blue General Contractor, Calvin Cox (they/them) with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Alyssa Dickerson (she/her) with Vistra, Elisa Gilbertson (she/her) with Weaver, Justin Gordon (he/him) with Prism Health North Texas, Cierra Graham (she/her) with Truth Pregnancy Resource Center, Lauren Hollis (she/her) with Resource Center, Valerie Jackson (she/her) with Hair & Now Electrolysis, Nicholas Limon (he/him) with Children’s Health, Don Mamone (they/them) with The Mamones, LLC, Twan McGary (he/him) with Trust the Process Project, Isaiah Rumadha (he/him) with Room for Change, Viviana Sanchez (she/her), Lynne Spikes (she/her) with Balfour Beatty and Cory Terrell (he/him) with Casebook.
Over the next nine months, the class will engage in a curriculum designed to hone their leadership skills and also provide a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ history, the press release explained, noting, “This unique approach prepares participants to be effective advocates and leaders in their professional and civic lives.”
Lisa Howe, the chamber’s vice president of membership and programs, said, “Our institute is designed to do more than just develop leaders; it’s about creating ambassadors who can champion their communities in every sector.
“By bridging generational knowledge and providing a strong foundation in LGBTQ+ history, we ensure our graduates are prepared to lead with purpose and perspective, whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally,” she said.
Vedda added, “As we launch our sixth cohort, the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to continuous improvement. Its emphasis on personal and professional development, paired with a focus on LGBTQ+ history, makes it an invaluable program that directly contributes to a more equitable and prosperous North Texas.”
The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation was established by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce in 2010 to nurture the development of leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. It is also home to the LGBTQ Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.