FIRST OPENLY GAY CEO WELCOMED ON NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

'Leaders who feel comfortable being open about their sexual orientation are more productive and engaged'.

Wall Street executives voiced support for C1 Financial Chief Executive Officer Trevor Burgess, who Thursday became the first openly gay CEO of a bank traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bloomberg News reports that C1 Financial, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, priced its $44.7 million initial public offering this week. The firm was created in 2009 when Burgess, a former Morgan Stanley investment banker, and three other investors took over the Community Bank of Manatee, ultimately acquiring other lenders in the state.

'Leaders who feel comfortable being open about their sexual orientation are more productive and engaged, which directly impacts the success of their organizations,' Irene Dorner, CEO of HSBC USA, said in a statement. 'Sincere congratulations to Trevor on leading the way with this IPO.'

Hit the link below to access the complete Bloomberg News article:

Wall Street Leaders Welcome Gay CEO of Public U.S. Bank