Dallas, TX – At the 2025 National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Tony Vedda, CEO & President of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the prestigious Kellie Parkin Legacy Leadership Award.

The award, established in 2024 by the National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), commemorates the life and leadership of Kellie Parkin, former Executive Director of nglccNY, the New York affiliate of the NGLCC. Ms. Parkin, remembered for her fearless advocacy and passion for building inclusive business communities, passed away in May 2024 at the age of 44 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Introducing Vedda, Amanda Cole, Executive Director of Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce (Cleveland, OH) and the 2024 award recipient, reflected:

“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.”

In accepting the award, Vedda shared:

 “I am deeply humbled to receive the Kellie Parkin Legacy Leadership Award. While this recognition bears my name, it truly reflects the collective efforts of our members, board, staff, and partners who inspire me every day. 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 has been a driving force in chamber leadership for nearly two decades. He joined the Chamber’s inaugural Board of Directors in 2005 and became CEO & President in 2007, guiding the organization to become a powerful advocate for equality and economic opportunity across North Texas. His leadership and vision have not only elevated the Chamber locally but also earned him recognition across the national chamber industry. In 2011, he completed the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and in 2014 achieved the prestigious Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) credential from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. CCE is the highest professional distinction in the field. Fewer than 4% of chamber executives in the U.S. and Canada hold this honor.

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About NGLCC

The National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE^®) suppliers. Learn more at www.nglcc.org.

About North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

Since its inception in 2005, the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce has served as the premier business organization intersecting equality and business in the North Texas region. With a membership of more than 400 business entities and community organizations, the Chamber works to achieve equality through business. Chamber programs are designed to promote policies and practices that value an inclusive business community, workforce, and supply chain.

LGBTQChamber.com