Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen Announces Exit

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) Executive Director, previously Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, announced that he will be leaving his role at the end of his contract on April 30, 2025. There is no current plan to fill the position.  

“Now that we’ve made it through the merger, and A4TE is established as a new, prominent institution fighting hard for trans equality, it’s time for me to take my next step,” said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Advocates for Trans Equality Executive Director. “When Andy and I began envisioning the merger, I committed to seeing it through. I’m proud that now our vision has been realized. A4TE has not just launched, but is fully up and running, delivering results for trans people around the country. With A4TE gaining momentum, I’m now ready to move on to my next chapter.”  

“Taking a step back from executive leadership, I will be focusing on changing hearts and minds. With my background in persuasion and messaging, it’s where I can make the biggest difference, and what I feel called to return to in this era of anti-trans backlash. I will still be fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone the trans movement, simply in a different capacity,” continued Heng-Lehtinen. 

“We cannot begin to express the admiration we have for Rodrigo’s extraordinary leadership during these unprecedented times in our country’s history,” said Jay Austin and Sissi Yado, A4TE Board of Directors Co-Chairs. “With Andy, Rodrigo brilliantly launched one of the largest trans-led organizations in the country, and the lives of countless members of the trans community are better because of it. He has devoted his life to fighting for equality, and we are tremendously grateful for his vision and tenacity.” 

Over his 17+ years in the LGBTQI+ movement, he’s worked with many organizations, including Freedom for All Americans, GLAAD, the Transgender Law Center, Gender Justice LA, and the National LGBTQ Task Force. In 2019, he joined the National Center for Transgender Equality as Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Action, and in 2021, he assumed the role of Executive Director. 

“We thank Rodrigo for his years of dedicated leadership and service,” said Advocates for Trans Equality CEO Andy Marra. “A4TE will continue to deliver on our promise to advocate for the lives of trans people who need us now more than ever. We remain undaunted by our endeavor to ensure trans people and our families are no less than free and equal and treated with dignity and respect.” 

"Rodrigo has been a steady hand and a bright light in this work. He's someone who shows up with integrity, kindness, and a deep commitment to meeting this political moment with courage. I’ve always felt deeply supported and heard by him, which is something I value deeply,” said Peyton Rose Michelle, Executive Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates. “I fully support him as he steps into this new chapter, and I know his clarity of vision and heart-forward leadership will keep shifting this landscape back toward justice for trans people, and therefore, all people." 

“I am deeply grateful to Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen for his exceptional leadership at both the National Center for Transgender Equality and Advocates for Trans Equality,” said Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center. “Rodrigo’s long-time work in shaping policy and advancing public understanding at both the state and federal levels has transformed the landscape of trans rights in this country. He has ensured that trans voices are not only heard but are central to the national dialogue about our lives, our dignity, and our rights.”

"Rodrigo has been an extraordinary leader at NCTE and A4TE, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him for the last six years, said Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director of National Center for Lesbian Rights.  “I’m a witness to his commitment to the LGBTQ movement and to equality for all people, and I know that our community is better because of his tireless dedication.”  
 

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