Press Release

Leaders of NYC Real Estate, Business and Government Gather at the REBNY Annual to Celebrate Industry and Civic Leadership that Moves the City Forward

REBNY Staff

April 20, 2023

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In its 127th Year, Iconic Annual Event Featured Awards Ceremony, Unmatched Industry Networking and World-Class Culinary Experience Featuring Top NYC Chefs

A Portion of Event Proceeds to Go to the REBNY Foundation, Which Helps to Connect Underserved New Yorkers with Good Jobs and Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Real Estate Industry


NEW YORK, NY– The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) last night hosted more than 1,000 leaders of real estate, business and government at the REBNY Annual – the premier networking event for New York City’s real estate industry.

Now in its 127th year, the iconic event was held at The Glasshouse in Manhattan and featured remarks by Mayor Eric Adams as well as appearances by hundreds of top real industry executives and a wide array of elected officials across New York City, State and Federal government.

The REBNY Annual kicked off with red carpet press interviews showcasing REBNY’s annual honorees and other industry leaders, followed by a cocktail reception curated by 10 NYC chefs and seven mixologists alongside the Glasshouse’s skyline and waterfront views.

Guests enjoyed a formal two-course dinner crafted by Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern and dessert by Chef Daniel Boulud of the Dinex Group. The dinner program featured recognition 70 esteemed guests seated at the historic REBNY dais, as well as a prestigious awards ceremony honoring seven industry and civic leaders.

Additionally, the iconic evening included a dedicated lighting of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and other iconic New York City buildings in REBNY red. The program also highlighted the steps the real estate industry is taking to invest in sustainability and energy efficiency across the City’s largest properties. (See images here.)

“The partnership between New York’s real estate sector, broader business community and public sector is critical to the region’s economic future,” said REBNY President James Whelan. “Bringing together these groups to celebrate our collective impact on New York and spotlighting our best and brightest embodies the spirit of REBNY.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate the biggest night in New York real estate, with the return of traditions like the historic REBNY dais combined with the fresh spirit of the Glasshouse” said REBNY Chairman Douglas Durst. “The evening will demonstrate the energy of our members and their drive to keep moving New York forward.”

The 2023 Honorees Recognized at the REBNY Annual:

REBNY recognized seven honorees for unparalleled commitment to the civic welfare of New York City and its residents, outstanding personal and professional success, and exceptional contributions to the industry. These awards are among the top professional distinctions in the real estate industry.

The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award
Presented to Barry M. Gosin, Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Group, Inc., for exceptional accomplishments and invaluable contributions to New York and its real estate industry.

The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award
Presented to Mary Ann Tighe, Chief Executive Officer, NY Tri-State Region, CBRE, for a lifetime of exceptional accomplishment in the profession and having made invaluable contributions to New York’s civic welfare.

The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award
Presented to John C. Santora, Chairman, New York Tri-State, Cushman & Wakefield, for outstanding service to the community.

The John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award
Presented to Dan Doctoroff, Founder & Chairman of Target ALS, for exceptional accomplishments and service to the public’s interest.

The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award
Presented to Elly Pateras, Executive Managing Director, Douglas Elliman Property Management, recognizing exceptional career accomplishments as well as service to the profession and the broader community.

The Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award
Presented to Frederick K. Marek, Vice-Chairman of Helmsley Spear LLC, recognizing a REBNY broker with personal and professional integrity, long-term leadership and prominence in the brokerage community and participation in REBNY’s committees.

The Young Real Estate Professional of the Year Award
Presented to James Nelson, Principal, Head of Tri-State Investment Sales, Avison Young, for incredible professional achievements as a rising star of the industry and for civic leadership.

A portion of event proceeds will go to the REBNY Foundation, which supports and funds social impact initiatives in New York City.

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ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK
The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate. REBNY conducts research on various civic matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY regularly publishes market data, policy reports, and broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. For more information, please visit www.rebny.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Santarelli
csantarelli@rebny.com
(212) 616-5249

Topics Covered

  • Awards