Triangle Care Management (TCM), a Coachella Valley nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ individuals who are aging or living with disabilities, has appointed Steven Drew Auerbach as its Founding Executive Director, effective November 1.
The appointment signals a significant milestone for the organization as it continues expanding its mission of ensuring LGBTQ+ older adults have access to affirming care, meaningful community connections, and long-term housing options that support aging with dignity.
Auerbach brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning business development, product innovation, strategic planning, and organizational growth. His international career has taken him to more than 40 countries, where he worked in brand development, consulting, and business strategy, helping organizations strengthen operations and achieve long-term goals.
Raised in a family of entrepreneurs on the East Coast, Auerbach credits much of his professional philosophy to his upbringing. His father, a longtime patient advocate, worked to protect the rights of individuals who experienced injuries related to medical care. That early exposure to advocacy and service helped shape Auerbach’s commitment to supporting underserved communities.
More recently, Auerbach has focused his talents on nonprofit leadership. He served as Co-Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the HIV+ Aging Research Project (HARP-PS), where he helped expand educational programs, strengthen partnerships, increase funding opportunities, and broaden the organization’s community impact.
He also co-founded The Chosen Family Alliance, an initiative supporting LGBTQ+ organizations serving rural communities throughout the United States.
Auerbach’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Consumer Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has also earned advanced certificates in International Negotiations and Importation from the World Trade Institute at the World Trade Center, along with a Writing Certificate from UCLA. A published writer and speaker, he has appeared on NPR programs discussing entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.
Palm Springs residents may also appreciate another side of Auerbach’s life. He shares his home with partner Michael and their three dogs, Rocco, Teddi, and Edward, who, by his own account, largely oversee household operations.
Building on an Expanding Mission
According to TCM President Kelly Watson, Auerbach’s combination of executive expertise and community commitment makes him well-positioned to guide the organization through its next phase of growth.
“Steven brings a valuable combination of executive experience and a genuine commitment to community,” Watson said. “He knows how to turn a vision into action. We are excited to have him build on the work already underway at TCM and help take the organization into its next chapter.”
As TCM grows, its work remains focused on three interconnected areas that address some of the most pressing challenges facing LGBTQ+ older adults and individuals living with disabilities.
Advocacy and Care Management
TCM’s Advocacy & Care Management services provide personalized support at no cost, helping individuals navigate healthcare systems, long-term care planning, and access to LGBTQ+-affirming providers and services. The goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions while reducing barriers to care.
Building Community Connections
Recognizing that social isolation remains a significant concern for many older adults, TCM’s Community initiatives focus on fostering relationships, support systems, and trusted networks.
Through its Embracing Aging Program, participants are encouraged to develop personal circles of trust and support. One of the program’s first initiatives, Lesbians Embracing Aging (LEA), brings women together to share experiences and prepare for future life transitions.
Creating Affirming Housing Options
TCM’s long-range vision includes expanding access to affirming housing opportunities where LGBTQ+ individuals can age safely and authentically. Potential future projects include community care residences and housing models specifically designed to support dignity, independence, and connection.
Watson emphasized that these initiatives are interconnected and essential components of healthy aging.
“These aren’t separate challenges. Care, community, and housing are deeply connected,” Watson said. “Our goal is to help people find the support they need today while building a future in which LGBTQ+ older adults have more choices and greater security.”
Looking Ahead
As Executive Director, Auerbach will focus on strengthening TCM’s organizational capacity while expanding partnerships, community engagement, and resources necessary to advance its mission throughout the Coachella Valley.
For Auerbach, the organization’s work addresses a reality that touches everyone.
“Getting older isn’t optional,” he said. “But growing older without the support, care, and community we deserve shouldn’t be the price we pay. TCM is working to change that. I’m excited to be part of an organization that is not just talking about the challenges, but building practical solutions.”
About Triangle Care Management
Triangle Care Management is a Coachella Valley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals who are aging or living with disabilities. Through care management services, community-building initiatives, and a vision for affirming housing, the organization works to reduce barriers to support while helping people live with comfort, safety, and dignity.
For more information about Triangle Care Management, visit:
https://trianglecaremanagement.org
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