Who We Are
The Chosen Family Project™ was born out of months of discussion in 2020 among the initial three founders, Steve Rossetti, Steven Drew Auerbach and Bruce Purdy, all gay men residing in Palm Springs, California. These founders were initially looking to support the gay community through a platform where gay men could “come out” and be their authentic selves. However, they discovered there is very little about what happens after one’s coming out.
Steven Drew Auerbach is an international business consultant specializing in brand marketing & management. As a published journalist and public speaker, Auerbach serves as an advisor for organizations focused on the health and welfare of the LGBTQ+ community. He is the COO & Director of Development for the HIV+ Aging Research Project.
Steven Drew Auerbach - Founding Partner, CEO
Bruce Purdy is an international development economist working in more than 25 post-conflict and emerging market economies to improve service to local citizens. Bruce actively supports and serves organizations that focus on gay health and the gay community. He lives with his husband of 37 years, Barrett Shepard, in both Maryland and Palm Springs.
Bruce Purdy - Founding Partner, COO
Shannon McCarthy joined the CFP team as Social Media Manager in 2024. She brings 10 years of nonprofit and education-focused marketing experience, along with a passion for queer communities, to the role.
Shannon resides in Northern Virginia, where she builds community and nurtures her chosen family with handmade crafts, text reminders to drink water, and photos of her two beloved cats, Millie and Fitz.
Shannon McCarthy - Director of Social Media
Steve Rossetti is a licensed Psychotherapist specializing in addiction, eating disorders, and the LGBTQ+ community. Rossetti worked as a Director of Training and Organizational Development where he consulted on diversity, sexual harassment prevention, and team development and leadership.
Steve Rossetti - Founding Partner
