Gina Quattrochi, the chief executive officer of Bailey House, died Tuesday, December 13, after a battle with cancer. She led the New York City–based group for 25 years. In 1983, Bailey House became the first provider of housing and critical services for homeless people with HIV/AIDS.

During her tenure, Bailey House grew from a small agency providing housing for people with HIV/AIDS into an $18 million organization that provides housing, care coordination, mental health and substance use treatment to New Yorkers living with the virus and other chronic illnesses.

Quattrochi also was a former president of the National AIDS Housing Coalition and served the community in various roles, including as a member of the New York State Ending the Epidemic Task Force; as a member of the Harlem Hospital Community Advisory Board; and a board member of iHealth NYS.

Her contributions as an advocate and leader were widely recognized over the years. Her most recent awards of distinction were given this year in conjunction with World AIDS Day by the New York City health department and the Brooklyn–based group Bridging Access to Care.

“All our lives will be poorer for the loss of this extraordinary person,” said activist and author Larry Kramer, a longtime friend of Quattrochi, in a statement by Bailey House. “She was the most noble of heroines. She fought not only for us, but for all of mankind.”

The Bailey House board of directors is implementing a succession plan. A memorial service is being planned by the group at a date yet to be determined in January.

To read a tribute by Housing Works CEO Charles King, click here.

To read a statement by GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie, click here.