REBNY Honors Outstanding Leaders in Property Management at 25th Annual Residential Management Leadership Breakfast

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City’s leading real estate trade association, gathered hundreds of members of the residential property management industry today for the 25th Annual Residential Management Leadership Breakfast. The event celebrated the accomplishments of residential building management professionals, including honoring five leaders for outstanding work in their field. 

Held at the New York Hilton Midtown, over 500 gathered to honor: 

• Dennis DePaola of ORSID NEW YORK for Residential Management Executive of the Year Award. 

• Ernest Sanchez of Ogden CAP Properties, LLC for Superintendent of the Year Award. 

• David A. Goldoff of Camelot Realty Group for the Residential Management Community Service Award. 

• Maria Zadrima of Century Management Services, Inc. for Residential Management Rising Star of the Year Award. 

• Elise Argueta of Silverstein Properties, Inc. for Building Service Employee of the Year Award. 

The Management Executive, Rising Star and Community Service honors are selected by REBNY’s planning committee while the Building Service and Superintendent honor is selected in partnership with 32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the United States. 

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our partners in property management,” said REBNY Chief Operating Officer Sandhya Espitia. “Their expertise and commitment drive the strength of our real estate industry and fuel the momentum of New York City’s economy.” 

“In his ten years as a residential manager at One Lincoln Plaza, Ernest Sanchez has carefully managed every major infrastructure upgrade – from energy to elevators – all while serving as a mentor to his team of more than 40 employees. Elise Argueta, as the concierge at Silver Towers, is the friendly face greeting residents – and the first person they turn to in an emergency, like when she performed life-saving CPR for a resident during a medical crisis,” said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU. “These are just two examples of how 32BJ members are going above and beyond each and every day, and we are grateful to REBNY for recognizing their work. From keeping our apartments warm in the winter and cool in the summer, to being a friendly face and resource, it’s residential workers who make New York City home.” 

“This annual event is a special opportunity to recognize the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and integrity of our city’s residential management community,” said Michael Wolfe, Chair of the REBNY Residential Management Council. “Each year, our honorees embody the very best of what it means to serve New Yorkers — ensuring that our buildings run safely, efficiently, and with care for the people who call them home. It’s an honor to celebrate their contributions and the vital role our industry plays in maintaining and improving the quality of life across New York City.” 

Receiving the top honor at this year’s event, Dennis DePaola is Chief Legal Officer at ORSID NEW YORK, where he leads the compliance and energy departments for one of the city’s premier property management firms. Since joining ORSID in 1998, Dennis has held several leadership roles including Vice President, Executive Vice President and eventually became General Counsel and the Director of Compliance. For over 25 years, Dennis has advised dozens of Cooperative and Condominium Boards across New York City on matters ranging from construction and finance to regulatory compliance. 

 “It is an honor to accept this award from REBNY’s Residential Management Council and I’m humbled to join the long list of previous award winners,” said Dennis DePaola, Chief Legal Officer of ORSID NEW YORK. “Recognition means the most when it comes from those who understand how hard the work really is.”

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ABOUT THE AWARD WINNERS 

Dennis DePaola is the Chief Legal Officer of ORSID NEW YORK. Dennis joined the firm in 1998 as an Account Executive and was promoted to Vice President, Executive Vice President and eventually became General Counsel and the Director of Compliance. The grandson of a prominent contractor in New York City’s construction industry in the ‘70s and ‘80s, this Long Island native spent his formative years working in construction. He received a BS in Business Management with a minor in Philosophy from LeMoyne College in Syracuse and a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law. For over 25 years, Dennis has advised dozens of Cooperative and Condominium Boards on all types of issues from staff management, construction, finance, and the never-ending list of new laws, rules, regulations, and codes that affect NYC Residential Real Estate. 

David A. Goldoff has spent more than two decades shaping New York City’s real estate landscape. He started working for his family’s Real Estate business in the late 90s, which has been operating in and around NYC since the late 80s. In 2006, he founded Camelot Realty Group, a full service boutique styled, property management, and brokerage company. David’s leadership extends far beyond business. He is deeply involved in community and charitable work, helping organize events like the AMRF Golf Outing, which raised funds for Crohn’s and Colitis research. His commitment to mentorship, generosity, and problem-solving has earned him respect as both a professional and a humanitarian. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts and New York University, where he earned degrees in Fine Arts and Real Estate, David is recognized for his hands-on leadership, professionalism and dedication to turning buildings into thriving communities. 

Ernest Sanchez has been an integral part of Ogden CAP Properties and the Milstein family’s portfolio. As Resident Manager of One Lincoln Plaza for over 10 years, he oversees a 671-unit mixed-use condominium and more than 500,000 square feet of commercial space. Leading a team of over 40 employees, Ernest’s expertise in mechanical systems, maintenance, and capital improvements has set a standard of excellence in residential management. Under his direction, One Lincoln Plaza has undergone over $45 million in capital upgrades, including a full elevator modernization, hallway renovations, a 20,000-square-foot green roof, and major infrastructure enhancements. Known for his professionalism and calm leadership, Ernest continues to inspire his team and ensure One Lincoln Plaza remains a premier place to live and work. 

Maria Zadrima has emerged as one of the industry’s most promising rising stars. Beginning her career at Century Management as Assistant Director of Maintenance, she quickly improved operational systems and implemented a new work order process that brought unprecedented transparency and efficiency. Her leadership and problem-solving abilities led to her promotion to Assistant General Manager, where she supported a nine-building, 1,651-unit complex. Now a portfolio property manager, Maria’s professionalism, communication skills, and ability to manage complex situations have made her a standout talent within Century Management. She is also a member of NYC HPD’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Development Program. 

Elise Argueta is a beloved and dependable presence for residents and colleagues alike since joining Silver Towers. As concierge, she serves as the first point of contact for residents, handling everything from guest check-ins and deliveries to maintaining the lobby’s welcoming atmosphere. Her warmth and professionalism have made her an essential part of the building’s community. Elise’s dedication goes far beyond hospitality. In January 2023, she saved a resident’s life by performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Residents of all ages adore her, from families to children who look forward to seeing her each day. Elise’s reliability, kindness and genuine care for others exemplify the very best of New York’s building service professionals. 

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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: 

Fiona Bundy 

press@rebny.com 

(212) 616-5208