Andy and Cathy Mills have received The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s inaugural Allies Award as the couple prepares to leave Palm Springs following Andy Mills’ retirement as the city’s chief of police in September.

The award recognizes Andy and Cathy Mills’ extraordinary support of The Center and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Since coming to Palm Springs in 2021, Chief Mills has gained strong popularity for his community-centered approach to public safety. Together, he and Cathy have been visible supporters of local organizations and causes, including serving as co-chairs of The Center’s Center Stage gala in October 2025.

The Center CEO Mike Thompson presented the Allies Award to Andy and Cathy Mills on Wednesday at The Center’s McDonald/Wright Building in Palm Springs.

“Andy and Cathy Mills exemplify the very best of allyship,” Thompson said. “Through Andy's leadership as Chief of Police and their shared commitment to showing up for our community, they have helped build trust, foster belonging, and strengthen the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the Palm Springs Police Department. They don't simply support our community—they stand with us.

“It is an honor to recognize them as the inaugural recipients of The Center's Allies Award. We wish Andy and Cathy all the best as they begin their next chapter and thank them for the legacy of leadership, compassion, and allyship they leave with our community.”

Chief Mills announced earlier this month that he will retire on September 5. The couple plans to move to the Sacramento area to be close to his mother.

In a statement on Facebook, Mills called Palm Springs “the crown jewel of an amazing career.”

On Wednesday, Mills reflected on the relationship he and Cathy have built with the LGBTQ+ community during their time in Palm Springs. He said their support for the community has been reciprocated, with many people expressing their love and support for the couple.

Mills also said he is confident that the Palm Springs Police Department understands how important the LGBTQ+ community is to the fabric of the city and will continue building on the relationships established during his tenure.

“I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will continue the mission,” Mills said.

He added, “We truly love this community. It was tough for us to say, ’Now’s the time.’”

About The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center) 
With a mission of creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way, The Center’s work stretches across the Coachella Valley. From its McDonald/Wright Building in Palm Springs to The Center Coachella, the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, and the Community Food Bank, The Center offers an astounding range of programs and services to people of diverse ages, races, and identities. Named one of America’s Most Admired nonprofits for its impact and workplace culture, The Center focuses its work on ending isolation and loneliness, connecting people to resources and community, and enriching our individual and collective experiences.

More information is at thecentercv.org or on social media @thecentercv and @thecentercoachella.