08/05/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026
PRESS CONTACT:
Cori Convertito, Board President
[email protected]
305.294.4603
Fritzie Estimond, Executive Director
[email protected]
305.294.4603
Key West Business Guild Announces Fritzie Estimond as New Executive Director
August 4, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Business Guild, the nation's first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization, is proud to announce the appointment of Fritzie Estimond as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s nearly five-decade history.
Since its founding in 1978, the Key West Business Guild has been dedicated to promoting Key West as one of the world’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations while supporting the success of the island’s diverse business community. Today, the Guild represents more than 475 member businesses, welcomes approximately 250,000 LGBTQ+ visitors each year, operates the Gay Key West Visitor Center, and produces nationally recognized signature events including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest, and the Headdress Ball. Together, these efforts generate meaningful economic impact while celebrating the inclusive spirit that makes Key West a destination for everyone.
As the Guild looks toward the future, Estimond brings the ideal combination of experience, vision, and passion to lead the organization forward. Having spent the past nine years helping shape the Guild’s growth, she understands its mission and impact while embracing new opportunities to strengthen the organization for its members, visitors, and the community.
“Fritzie is the right leader at the right time for the Key West Business Guild,” said Dr. Cori Convertito, President of the Guild’s Board of Directors. “She has earned the trust of our members, built strong relationships throughout our community, and has consistently demonstrated her ability to think creatively and build partnerships. Just as importantly, she shares the Board’s vision for the future – one that builds on our proud history while embracing new ideas that will ensure the Guild remains a vibrant and innovative organization for years to come.”
A passionate advocate for Key West and the Florida Keys, Estimond is deeply invested in the community she serves. Her dedication to collaboration, volunteerism, and civic engagement has made her a respected leader both within and beyond the Guild. As Executive Director, she will ensure the organization continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission of promoting Key West as a premier LGBTQ+ destination that welcomes all.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as the next Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild,” said Estimond. “This organization has meant so much to me throughout my career, and I believe wholeheartedly in its mission and the role it plays in our community. Together with our Board, members, volunteers, and partners, I look forward to building on the Guild’s extraordinary legacy while creating new opportunities for our members and welcoming visitors from around the world.”
Under Estimond’s leadership, the Key West Business Guild will continue building on its nearly five decades of success while embracing new opportunities to support its members, strengthen its programs, and promote Key West as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.
About the Key West Business Guild
The Key West Business Guild is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Key West to LGBTQ+ travelers while supporting the island’s business community. Founded in 1978, the Guild is the nation's first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization and today represents more than 475 businesses across the island. Through year-round destination marketing, visitor services, and internationally recognized events including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest, and the Headdress Ball, the Guild helps welcome approximately 250,000 LGBTQ+ visitors to Key West each year, reinforcing the island’s reputation as one of the world's premier LGBTQ+ destinations.
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IMAGE 1: Fritzie Estimond has been appointed Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. A longtime member of the Guild team and a dedicated community leader, Estimond will build on the organization’s nearly 50-year legacy of promoting Key West as a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world. (Photo Credit: Peter Arnow)
