Longtime NYC LGBT Center Director Accepts Position at Arcus

Richard Burns

Last week New York City’s LGBT Community Center announced its executive director, Richard Burns, will be leaving the Center for a post at the Arcus Foundation as chief operating officer.

Since Burns accepted the position 22 years ago this month, he built the Center into a space for around 30 community groups to meet to a hub providing cultural programs, public policy and recreational programming, mental health and social services, and meeting space to more than 6,000 folks a week

Burns’ work at the Center will be remembered by many. His pioneering spirit that helped the Center through its early years during the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis. His commitment to forge partnerships with allied progressive movements has left a mark on LGBT activism.

“Richard Burns has been the driving force of the Center for the past 22 years,” said Center Board President Bruce Anderson in a statement. “His vision, perseverance and dedication to the LGBT Liberation Movement secures his position as one of the more important social justice leaders in the country today.”