Modesto Tico Valle and Center on Halsted staff celebrates Alford-Axelson Award.

Chicago – Center on Halsted received top honors today from North Park University when it was named the winner of the 2012 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence. Center on Halsted was among several other local organizations nominated for the honor, which is awarded annually to a Chicago-area nonprofit organization that ’embodies exemplary organizational management qualities.’

“We work hard every day to build and strengthen the LGBT community,” said Modesto Tico Valle, CEO of Center on Halsted, upon receiving the award. “We work just as hard to hold ourselves to the highest level of excellence and professionalism in our work. To be recognized for this is an honor indeed.”

This is the eleventh year the award, named for Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community healthcare leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a contemporary leading thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena.

Organizations are selected on an annual basis by a nomination committee comprised of Chicago-area nonprofit and community leaders. The criteria used to determine the winner includes: a coherent organizational strategy that aligns programs and services to mission and goals; strong and effective leadership by staff and board; solid financial management; and a strong sense of integrity throughout organization’s culture. For a full list of award criteria, please visit the award website .

This year’s award was accompanied by a $7,500 grant. For more information on Center on Halsted’s win, you can view the award video produced by the Axelson Center.

“At Center on Halsted, we hold ourselves to the very highest standards in order to best serve our community,” Valle continued. “Today’s award recognizes that.”

Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to building and strengthening the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community. More than 1,000 people visit the Center every day located in the heart of Lakeview. The diverse programs offered range from volleyball, yoga and cooking classes to free rapid HIV testing, group therapy, vocational training and a comprehensive senior program. For more information, visit www.centeronhalsted.org .