Stacey I. Sikes is an experienced leader of innovative programs in business, government, the non-profit sector, and higher education. She serves as the vice president of Government Affairs and Communications for the Long Island Association, the leading business organization in the region that supports Long Island’s economic growth.
At the LIA, she is the primary advocate for its legislative agenda, manages the Membership Department, coordinates the work of the member Board Committees, and oversees the organization’s press and digital communications.
Stacey previously served as the executive dean of Entrepreneurship and Business Development at Hofstra University, where she supervised the globally recognized Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Scott Skodnek Business Development Center.
Under her leadership, Hofstra was the only organization in New York State to receive a 2021 U.S. Small Business Administration Lab-to-Market award for its efforts to support a diverse population of entrepreneurs during the pandemic.
In 2022 Stacey was elected Chair of the Board of Accelerate Long Island, a non-profit collaboration among Long Island’s research and academic institutions and business community to support the growth of high-tech startup companies, and previously served as its Assistant Executive Director.
Stacey has served as a speaker on several Newsday panels offering advice to businesses navigating the economic challenges presented by COVID-19. She has been honored by regional and national non-profit organizations, including Girls Inc. of Long Island; the Urban League of Long Island; the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives as a 40 Under 40 Executive.
She has also been recognized by many regional media outlets including Blank Slate Media. She is a member of the 2022 class of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy University and is a volunteer in her community with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, her school district, and church.
Stacey’s career started in government, serving as deputy chief of staff for Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko; director of special projects for Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi; and deputy regional representative for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.
She received her B.A. and M.A. in government and politics from St. John’s University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and also served as an adjunct instructor.
Stacey lives in East Northport with her husband Rich and two daughters.
