Vikki Barbero

Vikki Barbero presently serves as the Chair of Community Board 5, Manhattan (CB5). She has spent virtually her entire professional career as an administrator at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of the State University of New York. In her many roles at FIT, she has closely communicated with both City and State government officials, served as a member of various Business Improvement Districts, coordinated the Space Planning and Facilities Management Program and chaired the Aesthetics Committee. In 1993, Ms. Barbero was appointed to serve as FIT’s representative on CB5, and has remained an active member of CB5 since her retirement in 1998.

In her 23 years on the Board, Ms. Barbero served 12 years as the Parliamentarian, 15 years as the Chair of the Public Safety/Quality of Life Committee and nine years as Vice Chair of the Board. In June 2009, Ms. Barbero was elected Chair of CB5.

During her tenure as Chair, Ms. Barbero has led CB5 as it grappled with high priority city issues and countless matters with substantial community impact. She has served as a composed and dedicated ambassador between CB5, local government and community members to improve the quality of life for CB5 and its residents. As chair of the board, she is devoted to proactive community engagement and making sure that every voice is heard.

In 2007, Ms. Barbero was appointed to the Board of the Ali Forney Center, the largest organization dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youth in the country, providing emergency housing and supportive services to homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City. She served on the Board of the Ali Forney Center for eight years, the last several as Secretary and a vital member of the Fundraising Committee.

Ms. Barbero has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America over many years. She enjoys cooking food that is inspired by countries that she has visited, and has a large collection of international cookbooks. She is also an avid gardener and supporter of animal rights.