Lynn Faria Named as SAGE’s New CEO, Ushering in a New Era for LGBTQ+ Aging Advocacy

SAGE, the United States’ leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, announced on September 25, 2025, that Lynn Faria will become its new Chief Executive Officer this November, following the departure of longtime CEO Michael Adams. The appointment comes after a national search and a carefully planned leadership transition, reflecting both organizational stability and renewal as SAGE enters its next chapter of advocacy and service .

Lynn Faria, who uses she and they pronouns, brings more than a decade of experience at SAGE, most recently serving as Executive Vice President. Faria’s leadership has helped expand SAGE’s reach, build a national network of advocates, and secure major policy victories for LGBTQ+ elders at both federal and state levels .

In a statement, Faria expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed their commitment to the organization’s mission: “I am deeply humbled and excited by the opportunity to be SAGE’s next CEO. I am proud to step in to lead SAGE’s growing LGBTQ+ aging movement. In my tenure, SAGE has expanded our work nationally, built a network of advocates, and won major policy victories in Washington and in states across the country” .

Faria’s background in LGBTQ+ advocacy extends beyond SAGE. Prior to joining the organization, Faria served as Deputy Executive Director at the Empire State Pride Agenda, where they played instrumental roles in winning marriage equality in New York and launching the state’s first transgender rights campaign . This history of championing intersectional progress is expected to inform Faria’s approach as CEO.

Michael Adams, who has led SAGE since 2006, will step down after nearly two decades of transformative leadership. Under Adams, SAGE emerged as a national force for LGBTQ+ aging issues, advocating for policy change, expanding programs, and building coalitions to combat discrimination and isolation faced by older LGBTQ+ adults. Adams expressed strong confidence in his successor, stating, “Without a scintilla of doubt, Lynn Faria is the right person to lead SAGE through the next chapter of our organization’s critically important work with and on behalf of LGBTQ+ elders” .

Faria’s appointment has been met with widespread support from the LGBTQ+ community and SAGE’s partners. Loren Ostrow, SAGE’s board co-chair, highlighted Faria’s proven track record: “Lynn has a decade of proven leadership at SAGE under their belt and has headed many of our growing national programs. As CEO, Lynn will further broaden the scope of SAGE’s work across the country to ensure that LGBTQ+ people from every corner of America are able to age with respect and dignity. Lynn is the right person, with the right skills and vision, at the right time” .

Rea Carey, former executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, also praised the selection: “Michael Adams brought SAGE to new levels, and I have every confidence that Lynn is the ideal successor. Needless to say, Lynn’s expertise and experience is more important than ever as we, unfortunately, have to continue to insist on the value of our lives and fight for respect, basic services, and recognition of LGBTQ+ elders’ contributions to society” .

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, underscored the importance of SAGE’s work and Faria’s leadership: “For years, NYC Aging has been proud to partner with SAGE, creating a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ older New Yorkers, and I am excited to continue working with them under the exceptional leadership of Lynn Faria” .

Founded nearly five decades ago, SAGE is the oldest and largest organization in the United States dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults, many of whom have faced a lifetime of discrimination and marginalization. SAGE provides a wide range of services, including advocacy, direct support, social programs, training, and research—all designed to ensure that LGBTQ+ elders can age with dignity, respect, and community .

LGBTQ+ elders often face unique challenges, such as higher rates of social isolation, health disparities, and barriers to accessing affirming care. Many lived through eras of intense stigma and discrimination, and some lack traditional support networks. SAGE’s advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels has been pivotal in raising awareness of these issues and securing policy advances—from anti-discrimination protections to increased funding for senior services .

In public remarks and in a video released by SAGE, Faria articulated a vision for the organization that celebrates aging as an act of living fully and authentically. “How we approach and talk about getting older in this country is broken. If there was an organization that could figure out a different way forward … it would be SAGE. Our community has a tradition of passing on power and courage to stand up. We are all threads in this safety net that we’re building as a community,” Faria said .

Faria has pledged to make SAGE more accessible and relevant to LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds and in every region: “I want SAGE to be the first place that you go for answers and information and the last place you’ll ever feel invisible” .

The leadership transition will be formally recognized at the SAGE Awards and Gala in New York City on October 27, 2025, an event that will celebrate Michael Adams’ legacy and highlight Faria’s vision for the organization’s future .

As SAGE moves forward under Faria’s leadership, the organization is positioned to deepen its commitment to ensuring that every LGBTQ+ elder can age with respect, dignity, joy, and the support of their community. Faria’s appointment marks both a continuity of mission and a renewed call to action in the face of ongoing challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ aging advocacy.