Chicago House Leaders Recognized as 2020 Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business

CHICAGO, IL - Chicago House’s Senior Program Director Josie Lynne Paul and Chief Development Officer Eric D. Wilkerson were recently recognized as part of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2020 Notable LGBTQ Executives. The 2020 list features 57 Chicago leaders across nonprofit, business, healthcare, government, and education sectors for their commitment to equality and making an impact in the LGBTQ community.

“Leaders continue to grow inside of our organization and we are proud of Josie and Eric for the significant impact they make each day in the lives of the LGBTQ individuals and families,” said Chicago House CEO Michael Herman. “This recognition is a significant accomplishment and our agency is fortunate to have them.”

Chicago House opened its doors 35 years ago when governments ignored LGBTQ people who were dying of AIDS, medical transitions were nearly impossible, same-sex marriage was not a discussion, and violence among LGBTQ people was at an all-time high. Now, 35 years later, Crain’s is celebrating LGBTQ individuals who are making a difference in our world and Chicago House is proud to have two of our own leaders recognized for their work.

“When I first transitioned, somebody at the agency where I worked sent an anonymous complaint to HR, which stated that they knew how to work with transgender clients, but that they thought it unprofessional to have a trans women as a manager and director. Today, this honor demonstrates the leadership capacity of the trans communities, and highlights contribution and resilience rather than pathologizing LGBTQ people,” Paul said of her recognition. “I am humbled and grateful to be honored amongst this distinguished group of Crain’s Notable LGBTQ Executives.”

Wilkerson shared, “Twenty years ago, as a closeted kid in the South, I never thought I could be openly gay. Ten years ago, as I made the decision to live authentically, no part of me ever thought my queerness would be celebrated. Today, I’m proud of the work I do to serve LGBTQ+ communities and am honored to be recognized for this work by Crain’s as a Notable LGBTQ Executive.”

Learn more about Chicago House’s impact.

See the full list of 2020 LGBTQ Notable Executives.

ABOUT CHICAGO HOUSE

Chicago House and Social Service Agency provides housing, health, and employment services to individuals living with or most impacted by HIV/AIDS. The TransLife Care Program serves a large population of LGBTQ+ individuals in and around Chicagoland.