AUSTIN, Texas—Texas Health Action, a community-informed nonprofit with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV, recently named Juan Benitez as its chief advancement officer. In this role, Benitez will oversee communications and marketing, as well as development and fundraising for the organization and its programs across the state. This newly created role will help Texas Health Action accelerate its pursuit of health justice.
“Juan’s experience working with nonprofit and healthcare organizations make him uniquely positioned for this role,” Christopher Hamilton, chief executive officer of Texas Health Action, said. “With his skills and leadership, I am confident in his ability to help us advance our mission. We’re very pleased he has joined our team and look forward to the contributions he will bring to our community.”
Prior to joining Texas Health Action, Benitez served as communications director for Workers Defense, a family of organizations made up of a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), PAC and Independent Expenditures Committee (Super PAC). Previously, Benitez served as the communications and marketing manager for Vivent Health, leading the communications strategy for a merger with AIDS Services of Austin and supporting clinic locations in Colorado and Wisconsin.
“The health of LGBTQIA+ Texans is at a critical juncture in our state’s history that calls on us to rally a movement, take action, and invest in organizations like Texas Health Action,” Benitez said. “As THA looks to the future, I’m honored to step into this role to organize the necessary resources we need to meet the demand for our services and steward a base of value-aligned supporters.”
Benitez originally immigrated from Mexico and has called Austin home for more than 20 years. He is the sitting chair of the City of Austin’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs—a position for which he was first appointed by Congressman Greg Casar and reappointed by Councilmember Jose ‘Chito’ Vela. As chair and commissioner, Benitez advises Austin City Council, the city manager’s office and other city departments on policies and municipal budget expenditures, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community.
About Texas Health Action
Texas Health Action (THA) is a community informed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV. Since 2015, Texas Health Action has provided health services without stigma or judgment and has empowered the community through outreach and education. Texas Health Action operates Kind Clinic, which provides sexual health services through locations across Central Texas; TeleKind, which provides sexual health services via virtual visits and at-home testing; and Waterloo Counseling Center, which provides behavioral health services in Austin. Texas Health Action is led by CEO Christopher Hamilton. For more information about Texas Health Action and its programs, please visit www.TexasHealthAction.org.
