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SAGE announced today that Michael Adams will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer in early 2026, concluding nearly two decades of dedicated leadership of the world’s preeminent organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime for me to lead SAGE over the last 19 years and to help advance the profoundly important cause of ensuring that LGBTQ+ older people can age with the dignity and support they deserve as the pioneer generation of our community. I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together,” said Adams. “And, as someone who is now old enough to benefit from SAGE’s advocacy and programs, I know that much remains to be done, so I look forward with excitement to the next chapter of this amazing organization.”

Under Adams’ leadership, SAGE has grown dramatically in size, scope, and impact. SAGE’s training and education programs now directly benefit 500,000 LGBTQ+ elders across the country.  The organization established and runs the country’s only National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging. In 2020, SAGE convinced Congress to amend the Older Americans Act to prioritize LGBTQ+ older people; and SAGE has successfully advocated for important LGBTQ+ inclusion in laws and policies across the country.

In addition, SAGE has opened multiple older adult centers and expanded its services and programs. The organization partnered with developers to launch two affordable residential communities for LGBTQ+ older adults in New York City and has supported dozens of similar projects across the country through its National Housing Initiative. SAGE helped found the Diverse Elders Coalition and has housed the Coalition for more than a decade. SAGE’s budget is fifteen times larger than when Adams joined the organization as CEO. SAGE is now widely recognized as the country’s and world’s leading advocate on LGBTQ+ aging, and the needs of LGBTQ+ elders have moved from the margins to become much more visible concerns for the LGBTQ+ and aging sectors.

SAGE is well positioned for its next CEO to take the organization’s work with and on behalf of LGBTQ+ older people to the next level.

“The growth of SAGE’s work under Michael’s leadership has been tremendous,” said SAGE Board Co-Chair Ruth Eisenberg. “Michael’s dedication has elevated SAGE’s commitment to LGBTQ+ elders from its New York roots to nationwide impact, moving the concerns of LGBTQ+ older people from the margins to the center for our community and for policy making.” Added Eisenberg, “On behalf of the Board, we extend our deep gratitude to Michael. As we begin the search for a new leader, we are confident in the strong foundation SAGE has built under Michael’s leadership.”

“Michael has been a transformative and visionary leader for SAGE,” said SAGE Board Co-Chair Rahul Culas. “His forward-thinking approach recognized the vital role of social enterprise in SAGE’s future, laying a strong foundation for future leadership to build upon. Through his innovative strategies, SAGE has impacted hundreds of thousands of elders and their caregivers. Michael’s leadership has positioned SAGE as a trailblazer not just in the LGBTQ+ community, but across the aging sector.  I’m optimistic about what’s ahead and proud of the enduring impact Michael and his team have created.”

The SAGE Board of Directors has established a search committee to oversee the selection of the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, in partnership with Korn Ferry, a leading executive search and talent solutions firm. This extensive national search will launch immediately and focus on identifying a candidate who embodies SAGE’s mission and core values, while also building on the organization’s strong foundation to continue advancing its work on behalf of LGBTQ+ older people.

Over the years, Adams has played a path-breaking role in advancing the issues facing LGBTQ+ older people, and below, key leaders reflect on his contributions.

“Michael Adams is one of the great LGBTQ+ nonprofit leaders of our times,” said Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings. “What he has done at SAGE is revolutionary: he led the way in putting aging on the ‘gay agenda’ and brought elders from the periphery to the center of our movement. His impact has been enormous and his leadership will be truly missed.”

“Michael’s leadership in the aging sector has been nothing short of transformative,” said Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, American Society on Aging, President & CEO. “As a longtime member and past Board chair of the American Society on Aging, he played a pivotal role in centering the experiences of LGBTQ+ elders within aging services and advocacy. Michael’s unwavering commitment and strategic vision have not only elevated SAGE but have also helped reshape the broader aging landscape to be more inclusive and affirming for all.”

“Over the last 20 years, Michael has been an incredible partner and a smart, humble and great leader. His genuine desire to help our collective community has been enormous,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA). “Michael has made an amazing mark in our society, in the Latino community and in the LBGTQ+ community, and the greater aging world.” Continued Dr. Cruz, “His work leaves us with a strong legacy — a solid institution at SAGE and the Diverse Elders Coalition. Thank you to Michael for his monumental contributions.”

“Michael’s leadership at SAGE has been instrumental in advancing the health and well-being of older LGBTQ+ New Yorkers,” said Dr. Carla Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the NYC LGBTQ+ Center. “From its first office in the building that is now The Center, to its expansion into a series of SAGE Centers offering life-saving resources across the city, to its growing national presence, SAGE’s positive influence cannot be overstated.” Continued Smith, “our organizations share a long and meaningful partnership, and I have been proud to work alongside Michael to support our community. His dedication leaves a lasting legacy, and The Center looks forward to continuing to work with SAGE to improve the lives of our New York LGBTQ+ elders.”