Civic Leadership & Community Organizing Expert; Executive Director at Friends of the High Line; Former CEO at Educational Alliance

New York, NY, USA

Alan van Capelle Biography

Alan van Capelle is a leader in civil rights, social justice, and community organizing. As executive director of Friends of the High Line, van Capelle oversees the nonprofit and public park on Manhattan’s West Side, focusing on the role of public spaces in fostering connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities. His career spans multiple sectors, unified by a commitment to advancing the interests of marginalized communities and strengthening society.

Van Capelle’s experience in grassroots organizing and civic leadership began in the labor movement, where he worked as an organizer and contract negotiator. He managed political operations for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, the largest building service union in the United States. At the Committee of Interns and Residents, van Capelle advocated with healthcare workers to prevent the privatization of public hospitals. As head of Empire State Pride Agenda, he contributed to overturning discriminatory laws, advancing anti-bullying and medical decision-making legislation, and played a key role in the passage of New York’s marriage equality bill. Through partnerships with labor unions and faith communities, van Capelle helped expand the organization’s reach and impact.

His leadership continued at Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish advocacy group, and as deputy comptroller of the City of New York, where he worked to increase government transparency and accountability, including the development of a citywide MWBE report card. As president and CEO of Educational Alliance, van Capelle led a network of community centers in Lower Manhattan, providing programs and services that support well-being and economic mobility. He was selected by Jewish Daily Forward for the "Forward 50" and represented the American Jewish community at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

Van Capelle has been recognized in civic and media circles, appearing on the National Leadership Council’s "40 under 40" list and being quoted by The New York Times, CNN, New York 1, Newsweek, and New York Magazine. City & State included him in its Nonprofit Power 100 list. The NYU McSilver Institute named him a Vanguard for Social Justice. Van Capelle has testified before the New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises regarding public space and community input.

With experience in government, the nonprofit sector, and the labor movement, van Capelle advises elected officials, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals. He serves as treasurer of the board for the Association for a Better New York, is a member of the City University of New York LGBTQ Council, and is a trustee of the City University Construction Fund. Van Capelle earned a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, where he is an adjunct professor, and a Bachelor of Science from the City University of New York.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/08/2026.

Alan van Capelle Videos

Alan van Capelle (High Line, NY, EUA) | Arq.Futuro Shorts

Alan van Capelle (High Line, NY, EUA) | Arq.Futuro Shorts

Resumo da palestra de Alan van Capelle diretor da Friends of the High Line no Arq.Futuro – Novas Centralidades Urbanas Campinas 2026.

Honoree Spotlight: Jeffrey R. Ginsburg

Honoree Spotlight: Jeffrey R. Ginsburg

NYU McSilver Institute · Honoree Spotlight: Alan van Capelle. NYU McSilver Institute

Honoree Spotlight: Alan van Capelle

Honoree Spotlight: Alan van Capelle

In this clip hear from Alan van Capelle Executive Director of Friends of the High Line ... Honoree Spotlight: Alan van Capelle.

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  • What topics does Alan van Capelle speak about?

    Alan van Capelle is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Corporate Strategy, Education, Education Reform, Environment, Environmental Activism, Environmental Policy, Government, Non-Profit, Strategic Leadership
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Alan van Capelle is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Alan van Capelle for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Alan van Capelle generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Avipsa Mahapatra, Ann Louden, Ashley Lynn Priore and Maya Kocian. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Alan van Capelle for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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