City & State New York’s 2026 50 Over 50: Craig Leslie

The Age Disruptors who are at the peak of their powers.

Making it halfway to 100 is no small feat. Anyone who has reached the age of 50 has lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Great Recession and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They’ve witnessed the fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of China and the convention-shattering presidency of Donald Trump. It’s a cohort that has experienced seismic technological shifts, from the advent of the home computer and the birth of the modern internet to the rapid adoption of smartphones, satellite-based navigation and artificial intelligence.

But these aren’t the only transformative changes to occur in their lifetimes. With several decades of professional experience, people over the age of 50 have often amassed an impressive record of accomplishments. Some have become undisputed leaders in their field, ascending in the public or private spheres, in industry and labor, in higher education or health care, in arts or advocacy. It’s an age when many are at the peak of their powers.

That’s why City & State is celebrating 50 distinguished New Yorkers over the age of 50. This year’s list features an impressive group of highly accomplished older adults, including Craig Leslie.

The full list of honorees can be found on the City & State website.