Rebecca Rolfe to Retire as Executive Director After 22 Years Leading SF LGBT Center
[San Francisco, CA] — The SF LGBT Center today announced the upcoming retirement of longtime Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe, marking the culmination of more than two decades of steadfast leadership and ushering in a new chapter for the organization. Rebecca has led the SF LGBT Center for 22 years, shaping it into one of San Francisco’s most vital and trusted LGBTQ+ institutions. She first joined as Deputy Director in 2003 and became Executive Director in 2007. Rebecca’s retirement has been years in the making and thoughtfully planned to ensure a strong and stable transition. Rebecca will continue as Executive Director through December 2025. This will ensure a smooth transfer of leadership for the next Executive Director, who is expected to be announced later this year.
Under her decades of leadership, the Center expanded its programs to meet the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ communities. Rebecca spearheaded the development of new offerings, including employment and financial services, housing resources, arts and culture programming, and specialized support for youth and trans communities — several of which were the first of their kind in the nation. In 2017, she led a major capital remodel that cemented the Center’s Market Street building as a prominent city landmark and expanded its role as a true multi-service hub for innovative, community-rooted programming. Today, the Center serves thousands of LGBTQ+ people each year, providing connection, support, and access to essential resources.
“Leading the Center has been the honor of my life. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I believe the Center is prepared for what’s ahead. But I know the work doesn’t end with me. This is a moment that calls for courage, solidarity, and collective action. I ask the community to keep showing up for each other, and for the generations of LGBTQ+ people who will continue to walk through our doors seeking connection and belonging,” said Rebecca Rolfe, Executive Director at SF LGBT Center.
As LGBTQ+ rights face growing attacks nationwide, the SF LGBT Center is poised to meet this moment with urgency and compassion. Building on Rebecca’s incredible legacy, the Center will continue to prioritize support for LGBTQ+ people most impacted by injustice, while deepening its commitment to equity, connection, and service. Rooted in San Francisco, a city that has long shaped LGBTQ+ culture and activism, the Center carries forward a legacy of community leadership at a critical moment. Looking ahead, it is uniquely positioned to drive change and unite a broad coalition of stakeholders to protect the future of LGBTQ+ people.
“Rebecca’s leadership has shaped every part of the Center, from laying the groundwork in its early years to growing the programs and services the community depends on today. She has united LGBTQ+ people and allies while mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders. Because of her grounded leadership and steady presence, the Center is well-positioned to tackle what’s ahead,” said MK Johnson and Travis Mitchell, Board Co-Chairs at SF LGBT Center.
The Center is deeply grateful to Rebecca for her decades of visionary leadership and commitment to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. Her leadership leaves a lasting mark, and her legacy will be honored for generations to come.