NOTABLE LGBTQ LEADERS & EXECUTIVES

The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project documents some 350 locations around New York City related to its LGBTQ community and history.

The project is an eclectic registry across the five boroughs of theaters, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, parks and plazas. Of streets, stores, office and government buildings, hotels and schools. Of single-family homes and apartment buildings, cemeteries and houses of worship. It is an impressive list, reflecting the centuries-long impact and never-ending struggle of this vibrant demographic.

The breadth and depth of this eye-opening collection aligns especially well with the 58 honorees on Crain's second annual list of Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives. They are a diverse group of enterprising and accomplished individuals who represent a remarkably wide range of organizations, industries and occupations. They are the salaried embodiment of the LGBTQ community's vital role in the New York metropolitan area's economic and civic workings.

To find this year's honorees, Crain's consulted with trusted sources in the LGBTQ and general business communities. Firms or individuals headquartered in or having a major influence on the metropolitan area submitted nominations. Crain's then carefully vetted those nominations.

Ultimately, the notable LGBTQ leaders and executives were selected for their career achievements, their mentorship of others and their involvement in community and industry organizations.

Discover how the people honored in this roll call of success have contributed to this great city.

METHODOLOGY: The honorees did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from submitted nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive. It includes only executives for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after an editorial review, plus after Crain's consulted with trusted sources in the LGBTQ and general business communities. To qualify for this list, nominees had to self-identify as LGBTQ and serve in a senior-level role. In addition, executives must have made significant contributions to advancing equality within the workplace and assumed a leadership position outside of the their own organization or company, including for professional organizations and civic/community service initiatives.

ERIK ALICEA

Director of human resources

Acacia Network

No matter how chaotic and challenging the situation, Erik Alicea is always looking for ways to help people in need. With 10 years' experience in HR, the director of human resources at Acacia Network, a human services agency, has...