REBNY Announces Key Personnel Changes and Additions to Government Affairs, Planning and Policy Teams

NEW YORK, NY – The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City’s leading real estate trade association, today announced several new personnel additions and promotions across the organization.

“REBNY proactively works with a wide range of stakeholders in New York City Hall, Albany and Washington D.C. to advance ideas and legislation that help the real estate industry and broader economy move forward,” said REBNY President James Whelan. “Heading into a new year with critical issues at stake for our members and City, we have invested even further in our talented and dynamic teams of professional staff.”

Maya Kurien has been named to REBNY’s Government Affairs team as Vice President of Advocacy. In this role she is responsible for leading REBNY’s complex coalition-based advocacy campaigns, including coordination between outside consultants and internal staff. Maya joined REBNY staff in September 2021 as Vice President of Policy and Planning. Over the course of her career, she has served as Executive Director of Government Affairs for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Budget Analyst at the New York City Office of Management and Budget, as well as professional staff roles in the New York State Senate and New York City Council. Maya has a bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology and master’s degree in Public Policy from University of London.

Earlier this fall, the Government Affairs team also added Anna Lis as Vice President, State Legislative Affairs. Anna works closely with REBNY leadership, members and Government Affairs staff to craft and execute the organization’s advocacy strategy and legislative agenda in Albany. Before working for REBNY, Anna served in the Office of the Mayor as Deputy Director & Chief of Staff of State Legislative Affairs. She has also worked at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig as a Legislative Specialist. Anna graduated The College of Saint Rose in Albany with a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science.  Anna and Maya report to Reggie Thomas, REBNY’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

Daniel Avery is now Director of Policy at REBNY. In this role, Daniel is focused on the Policy team’s work with REBNY management committees as well as external stakeholders on building operations issues. Before coming to REBNY Daniel served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater New York and in various public policy roles, including at the City Council, for over a decade prior to that. He earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Columbia University and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Yale University.

Adele Reardon has joined REBNY as a Policy Analyst. In this role she supports the Policy team on issues like sustainability and labor, in addition to facilitating REBNY’s executive Committee and Board of Governors meetings. Adele joins REBNY from Tucker Green & Co, a Political Consulting firm where she was a Senior Associate. Adele is a University of Virginia graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Public Policy.

Under the direction of Senior Vice President of Policy Zachary Steinberg, the Policy team leads REBNY on policy issues related to building management, labor and sustainability, among others.

Madeline DeCerbo has joined REBNY as Senior Urban Planner. Reporting to Senior Vice President of Planning Basha Gerhards, Madeline will support the organization’s efforts related to housing policy, urban planning and zoning. She joins REBNY from CBRE where she was the Northeast Logistics Field Research Analyst. Madeline previously she worked at GoPuff in Philadelphia as both a Licensing and Compliance Associate and a Zoning Analyst. Madeline received her bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Public Policy from the University of Virginia and received her master’s in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University. 

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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

press@rebny.com

(212) 616-5249