TODAY – Thursday, September 3 at 4:00 PM
Palm Springs Convention Center
It’s so hard to say goodbye, so for now, we’ll simply say farewell until we see you again.
Today, our community has the opportunity to come together and send Chief Andy Mills and his wonderful wife, Cathy, off with all the love and gratitude Palm Springs has to give.
We love you. We will miss you. And we are so incredibly grateful for the love, connection, laughter, kindness, and joy you have brought into our community and into our lives.
As you begin this next chapter, we wish you all the happiness, love, and joy that you have so generously brought to all of us. May the days ahead be filled with wonderful adventures, beautiful memories, and so much happiness.
Thank you, Andy and Cathy, for being such a special part of our community. We’ll be cheering you on until we see you again.
It is not often that a public servant becomes as deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of a city as they are into its civic leadership. But that is exactly what Chief Andy Mills has accomplished during his tenure as Chief of Police in Palm Springs.
As he steps away from his role, the city is not just losing a respected law enforcement leader, it is saying goodbye to a cherished presence, a familiar face, and a true community partner.
Chief Mills’ departure marks the end of an era defined by progressive leadership, transparency, and a genuine commitment to connection. Throughout his time leading the Palm Springs Police Department, he championed a modern approach to policing, one rooted in trust, inclusion, and visibility. He didn’t just serve the community; he showed up for it, time and time again.
Beyond the badge, Chief Mills, alongside his equally gracious and radiant wife, Cathy, became a beloved fixture at countless events throughout the Coachella Valley. Whether supporting philanthropic causes, attending galas, or celebrating the arts, Andy and Cathy Mills brought warmth, elegance, and authenticity wherever they went. Their presence was never obligatory, it was heartfelt. They embodied what it means to truly engage with a community.
On a personal note, their kindness and sincerity left a lasting impression on me. At this year’s L-Fund “Luck Be a Lady” Gala, where I had the honor of receiving the Ambassador Award, Andy and Cathy chose to sit at my table, an unexpected and deeply meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about who they are.
In a room filled with dignitaries and community leaders, they made that moment feel intimate, personal, and unforgettable.
Chief Mills has long understood that public safety extends beyond patrols and policy, it is about relationships. Under his leadership, the department worked to strengthen ties with Palm Springs’ diverse population, ensuring that every voice felt heard and respected. He brought empathy into the conversation and led with both intellect and heart.
His departure will undoubtedly leave a void, not only within the department but across the broader community he helped shape. Palm Springs has thrived in part because of leaders like Andy Mills, those who lead not from behind a desk, but from within the community itself.
As he transitions into this next chapter, there is no doubt that his impact will continue to be felt. And while his title may change, his legacy in Palm Springs is firmly cemented.
Chief Andy Mills will be greatly missed, not just as a leader, but as a friend to many, a supporter of the arts and philanthropy, and one half of one of the most admired couples in our city.
From all of us in Palm Springs, thank you, Chief Mills, for your service, your presence, and your heart.
JOIN US TODAY
Thursday, September 3, 2026
4:00 PM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Come help Palm Springs send Andy and Cathy Mills off with the love and gratitude they so richly deserve.
Until we meet again.
