Jeff Simmons

Vice president, Anat Gerstein, Inc.

Jeff Simmons, executive vice president at Anat Gerstein, Inc., has more than three decades of experience in private and public sector communications, media, and journalism.

In his role at Anat Gerstein, Jeff works with non-profits that advance social and racial justice and equity issues. Notably, he has worked over the last five years with Alliance for Positive Change, which provides support to New Yorkers impacted by HIV/AIDS, chronic health issues, and substance use.

Jeff currently hosts radio shows on WBAI 99.5 FM—Driving Forces on Thursdays at 5 PM and City Watch on Sundays at 10 AM — where he regularly focuses on issues important to underserved communities and consistently books prominent leaders in the LGBTQ community.

Jeff previously served as senior vice president for communications at the Alliance for Downtown New York and ran communications for former New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. While at the comptroller’s Office, he regularly spotlighted the agency’s efforts to ensure Fortune 500 companies adopt policies barring discrimination on the  basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

A born and bred journalist, Jeff formerly worked at The (Bergen) Record of Hackensack, New York Post, New York Daily News, and NY1, where he led the station’s Pride coverage. It was during his time at The (Bergen) Record that Jeff penned a guest column for National Coming Out Day to educate readers about LGBTQ issues and his own personal journey.

Jeff lives with his husband, former New York City Council candidate Alfonso Quiroz, and two Brussels Griffons in Queens. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @JackHites.