Tennessee Pride Chamber Announces Leadership Transition as Dr. Stephanie Mahnke Steps Down as Executive Director
Nashville, TN - October 28, 2025 - The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Pride Chamber and its Foundation announces that Dr. Stephanie Mahnke, Executive Director of the Chamber, will be stepping down from her position effective October 31, 2025. We issue this statement with deep appreciation as we are immensely grateful for Stephanie’s hard work and the positive impact she has made on our organization and the LGBTQ+ business community in Tennessee.
Since 2023, Dr. Mahnke has led the Tennessee Pride Chamber to several historic milestones. Under her leadership, the Chamber achieved a 12% growth in membership in 2024, at a time when many organizations struggled. In fact, according to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Pride Chamber was the only LGBT chamber in the nation to increase its membership last year – a remarkable feat amid broader corporate DEI backlash. This membership growth, which brought the Chamber to over 525 members including major corporations, stands as a testament to Stephanie’s ability to unite businesses around our mission of inclusivity.
Dr. Mahnke also significantly expanded the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. She positioned the Chamber as a strong voice at the state legislature, working tirelessly to defend our community against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Notably, Stephanie and our advocacy team helped defeat Tennessee House Bill 884, a proposed ban that would have severely impacted LGBTQ-friendly businesses and drag performances. Stephanie’s presence at the Capitol week after week ensured that the interests of LGBTQ+ professionals and businesses were heard and protected.
Stephanie’s tenure has been marked by deep community engagement and partnerships. She personally represented the Chamber in the broader community, including being honored as part of the Grand Marshal Squad for the 33rd Annual Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run in 2024, reflecting the Chamber’s visibility and commitment to public health and diversity. The Chamber also forged stronger connections with Pride organizations across the state – providing direct support and grants to rural and suburban Pride festivals across Tennessee.
A cornerstone of Dr. Mahnke’s impact has been education and resources for LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals. She has facilitated countless educational opportunities for our members and their employee resource groups. Under her direction, the Chamber launched new workshops and training sessions, such as the Tennessee Pride Chamber Academy series, to help businesses develop inclusive practices, marketing strategies, and professional development. She also recognized emerging needs in our community and acted on them: in partnership with the legal community, the Chamber organized free legal clinics. These clinics provided crucial support to trans and non-binary individuals navigating legal processes and new state restrictions, allowing them to get advice and complete paperwork in a welcoming environment. By bringing in volunteer lawyers and partners, Stephanie helped many community members overcome barriers and access their rights.
Dr. Mahnke’s leadership has left the Tennessee Pride Chamber and its Foundation stronger and more resilient. During her time, the Chamber not only grew in size but also in reach and reputation. It expanded beyond its roots in Nashville to truly become a statewide organization. It also published the inaugural Tennessee Pride Travel Guide to promote LGBTQ-friendly tourism statewide, and increased engagement with corporate partners. All of these achievements – in advocacy, membership, education, and community building – are a direct result of Stephanie’s vision and hard work.
The Board sincerely thanks Dr. Mahnke for her service to the Chamber and the community. Stephanie’s dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ economic opportunities in Tennessee has set our organization on an upward path. We are confident that the positive changes and programs instituted under her watch will continue to flourish, benefiting LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across the state for years to come. As she moves on to her next chapter, we wish Stephanie the best and have no doubt she will continue to be a champion for equality wherever she goes.
Looking ahead, the Board of Directors will commence a comprehensive search for a new Executive Director immediately. Our aim is to find a leader who can build upon the solid foundation laid by Dr. Mahnke and guide the Tennessee Pride Chamber and its Foundation into our next phase of growth. During the transition, the Chamber’s operations and programs will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of our Board of Directors. We remain as committed as ever to our mission to advocate, educate, and connect – serving as Tennessee’s leading business voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
About the Tennessee Pride Chamber and Foundation
The Tennessee Pride Chamber is the state’s leading advocate for LGBTQ+ businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs. With a mission to advocate, educate, and connect, the Chamber supports an inclusive economy by providing networking, training, and policy advocacy throughout the state. The Tennessee Pride Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the Chamber, focused on educational and community programming.