Real Estate Weekly’s 2020 Rising Stars
The coronavirus pandemic wrought havoc on the global economy in 2020 and the real estate industry was not immune. Across the sector, from builders to bankers, managers to administrators, executives at every level were confronted with unprecedented challenges. For some, the crisis crystalized their passion for an industry that changes lives and landscapes and drove them to new heights in their career. Today, we recognize some of those up-and-comers who transcended the turbulence around them to solve problems, create solutions and drive their business forward during historic times. They are Real Estate Weekly’s 2020 Rising Stars and we congratulate them all.
Jay Ackerman
Director of Outreach
The Real Estate Board of New York
Most recent achievement: As Director of Outreach, Jay is spearheading REBNY’s dedicated nonpartisan election outreach and voter registration campaign to reach thousands of members. The campaign, the first of its kind at REBNY, provides members with information on voter registration, candidates and key issues. This is an incredibly important initiative, as New Yorkers will vote for a new Mayor, Comptroller, Borough Presidents and all 51 City Council seats in the 2021 elections.
Previously, Jay served as chief of staff at the office of Councilman Kalman Yeger, who represents Midwood, Borough Park, Flatbush, and Bensonhurst. He oversaw day-to-day operations, served as the elected official’s chief adviser and communications director, provided legislative oversight, and supervised the management and approval of discretionary and capital budget requests. Before that, Jay spent the 10 years as a political consultant and outreach director for many city agencies, political campaigns, and private firms within New York State.
As Director of Outreach at the Real Estate Board of New York, his work includes advocating for members on behalf of the real estate industry, organizing members to participate in countless political advocacy efforts, and analyzing REBNY’s database to improve the organization’s internal communications.
AJ Arlaukas
Vice President, Asset Management
Silverstein Properties
Most recent achievement: In 2020, AJ led the effort to complete refinancings for three of the firm’s properties. In March, Silverstein Properties, along with our partner UBS, closed on a $510 million refinance with Wells Fargo at 120 Broadway, a 1.9 million square foot office building. In December, Silverstein Properties and Taconic Partners completed a $205 million refinance for Hudson Research Center, a 322,000 s/f, mixed-use property at 619 West 54th Street. Also in December, Silverstein Properties, along with our partners Dune and Four Seasons completed a $277 million refinance of the Four Season Orlando Resort in Walk Disney World Resort.
In addition to the refinances completed in 2020, in Q3 2020 AJ led the transition of the Silverstein Properties acquisition of US Bank Tower, a 1.4 million square foot office tower in Downtown LA, into its operating portfolio and assumed the asset management responsibilities for this asset.
In 2013, AJ joined SPI’s asset management group and has been an integral part of the team. He was first hired as senior associate in the Asset Management group. His main responsibility was Beekman Tower, a Midtown hotel that Silverstein Properties converted to furnished corporate rentals. AJ was involved in transitioning it from development to operations, and then eventually facilitating the sale of the asset in 2015.
Since the sale, AJ’s responsibilities have shifted and grown to encompass 3WTC, 4WTC, 120 Broadway, 529 Fifth Avenue, 619 W 54th Street, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, and most recently US Bank Tower in Downtown LA. He has been promoted three times, most recently to Vice President.
Currently, he oversees five of the company’s assets totaling more than 6.3 million square feet – 120 Broadway, 4 WTC, US Bank Tower, Hudson Research Center at 619 West 54th Street and Four Seasons Resort.
Prior to joining Silverstein, AJ worked at PNC Bank’s real estate investment advisory group, PNC Realty Investors, in DC, and the NYC Economic Development Corporation in the asset management group.
AJ graduated with a degree in Finance from Loyola University.
Anacelle Bautista
Director of Customer Success
URBN Playground
Most Recent Achievement: Amenity Management’s transition to digital.
Originally from the Philippines, Anacelle emerged empowered as a woman and person of color in this male-dominated real estate industry as the Director of Customer Success at URBN Playground, which provides amenity design and consulting, programming, PropTech and operations for luxury residential properties, hotels, and offices in 50+ developments in NYC and beyond.
Anacelle led URBN’s efforts to shift to digital in the pandemic, resulting in an amenity tech platform rolled out to more than 13,000 apartment units. Her approach to lifestyle design with a focus on creating top-notch customer experiences was evident through the frameworks, strategy, processes, and training for team members and residents using URBN’s new digital tools.
She prioritized the health and safety of users through contact tracing and contactless reservations for luxury amenities spaces, fitness centers, and pools through the URBN application; fostered lifestyle, wellness and community-building through virtual events and daily fitness programs and mobilized ancillary services for apartment cleaning, spa, pet services and groceries.
Anacelle is a graduate from the MS Real Estate Development at Columbia University. She is a National Town Builders’ Association scholarship recipient. Her team won $10,000 at the 2020 Harvard Real Estate Venture Competition. She enjoys organizing university outreach projects for the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and did a TEDx talk in Europe on women empowerment.
Christine Colley
Managing Director
Cushman & Wakefield
Most recent achievement: Christine has been identified as a leader within Cushman & Wakefield and was recently nominated to be a member of the firm’s Next Generation Leadership Network (NGLN), a selective network of 130 of the firm’s highest performing professionals across the Americas. Christine also was asked to serve as a member of NGLN’s Advisory Council, where she is one of six members charged with overseeing the firm’s Leadership Development initiative. Since joining the firm, Christine has distinguished herself as a leading brokerage professional. She has been recognized as one of the most accomplished and talented young professionals in the industry.
Christine is responsible for assisting both tenants and landlords across a range of industries and assets. She has effectively managed some of the most complex transactions, completing over 3.6 million square feet of leasing transactions throughout her career. Christine’s success and accolades directly speak to her experience and ability to solve complex real estate issues. Her attention to detail, transaction ingenuity and client management skills continuously result in exceptional outcomes for her clients.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Christine has been nominated for leadership positions within Cushman & Wakefield, including the Tri-State President of Cushman & Wakefield’s Future Leaders, comprised of 200+ members, from 2017-2019, and recently named the 2021 Tri-State Chair-Elect of C&W’s Woman’s Integrated Network, serving 250+ members. Christine is also a Founding Member of Chief, a private network of the most powerful women in business.
Jordyn Comras
Associate Director
Newmark
Most recent achievement: Most recently, Jordyn secured 500 rooms for Pace University at the Marriot Hotel Downtown to assist in their COVID-quarantine protocol prior to the start of the Fall semester and continues assist them in their real estate needs.
As an associate director with Newmark, he supports the New York leasing team on both landlord and tenant representation projects while actively seeking out new business opportunities. Having begun her career as a retail broker, Jordyn has found a way to converge the worlds of retail of office leasing by working with two of the company’s largest teams in both sectors. On the retail leasing side, Jordyn works on behalf of several prominent landlords, including Brookfield Properties where she and her team are marketing the new seven-million-square-foot mixed-use development anchored by Peloton’s global flagship and Whole Foods.
Jordyn currently represents Lefrak, Bettina Equities, GFI Hospitality, Marx Realty, The Winter Organization, Meadow Partners, Somerset, Bromley Companies, Taconic, JP Morgan Chase and PGIM in their retail and office leasing efforts. Jordyn advises Adidas and its subsidiary brands, LVMH-owned Benefit Cosmetics, Theragun, Seamore’s, and SEE Eyewear in their retail growth strategies in New York. She is a member of the Young Men’s and Women’s Real Estate Association and a graduate of NYU.
Joanna Slusarz Debski
Partner
Herrick, Feinstein LLP
Most recent achievement: In 2021, Herrick was proud to elevate Joanna to partner in the Real Estate Department. Joanna joined Herrick in 2014 and has established herself as a savvy and smart real estate lending attorney. By expanding existing relationships and doing excellent legal work for lenders such as Centennial Bank, G4 Capital Partners and others, Joanna quickly became a valuable member of the lending group working on multiple, sophisticated deals. Most recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Joanna represented Centennial Bank in a $54.8 million loan for the construction and development of 186 multifamily units, retail and industrial components and 131 parking spaces at the property in Astoria, NY. She also worked on the team that represented a private lender in a $20 million refinancing secured by a newly-constructed self-storage facility located in Staten Island, New York. She sometimes also finds herself on the borrower side, most recently in connection with the restructuring of a $101 million mezzanine loan secured by membership interests in the owner of a large residential development located on Park Avenue.
Joanna is also strongly committed to pro bono legal work. Most recently, after an almost five-year process, she was able to assist a Mexican national and her two foreign born children in securing a U Visa, a special visa available only to victims of specific crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
Chris Doucette
Asset Manager
LIHC Investment Group
Most recent achievement: Chris helped secure $700 million in re-financings for the firm’s portfolio in 2020, leading to deeper affordability and generating funds for apartment, common area and building renovations. Notable deals include:
A $140 million loan for Parkview Towers, a 688-unit Section 8 property located West New York, New Jersey. As part of the loan refinancing, the property entered into a new 20-year regulatory agreement which will ensure the property remains affordable through 2059.
A $65 million loan for Renwick Garden Apartments, a 224-unit subsidized Section 8 property supporting elderly and disabled tenants located in Kips Bay, Manhattan. As part of the loan refinancing, the property entered into a new 20-year regulatory agreement extending the affordability through 2049
Played various roles in the preservation of 122 mixed-income affordable apartments at Mercantile Wharf in Boston.
Since joining LIHC in 2017, Chris has played various roles leading to the preservation of more than 5,000 affordable units and helping secure over $1 billion in financing for the portfolio.
He initially spearheaded Special Projects for LIHC before transitioning into the Asset Management department in 2018 where he now has direct oversight over one-third of the portfolio and drives the organization’s Risk Management & Mitigation processes.
Working with a multi-million square foot portfolio – mostly consisting of affordable and low-income housing – Chris treats every resident and vendor with the same level of professionalism and devotion, strengthening LIHC’s external relationships and motivating satisfied family communities.
Most recently, Chris participated in the preservation of 122 mixed-income units in Boston, MA. The property was subsidized through the 13A mortgage program in the 1970s, having provisions set to expire in 2018 which put the project at-risk of losing its affordability as units became vacant and re-rented at market rate. With cooperation from the resident population along with numerous State and Local housing agencies, the project was able to attain a Project-Based Section 8 contract in addition to assistance provided by the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program that would secure affordability for the next 20 years.
Kathleen A. Farrell,
Associate, Real Estate Practice Group
Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP
Most recent achievement: Kathleen and her team recently closed a substantial transaction involving the sale of 61 acres in Farmingville, New York.
Kathleen concentrates in the areas of commercial leasing, asset purchase and sales, and real estate development. She represents clients at the local, regional and national level, including commercial property owners and tenants from independent retail stores to major institutions and businesses.
Prior to joining the firm, Kathleen was Real Estate Counsel at Professional Physical Therapy, one of the nation’s largest outpatient physical therapy providers. In 2018, she successfully led negotiations for a new 40,000 s/f corporate headquarters, inclusive of a PILOT with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency.
For one year after law school, she worked as a Real Estate Associate at the office of a sole practitioner on Long Island.
Kathleen earned her Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and was on the Dean’s List. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Literature and Rhetoric with a minor in History from Binghamton University.
She was co-creator and treasurer of the Veteran’s Legal Assistance Program helping low-income veterans and their families with free legal advice and representation.
Through the Firm’s LIKE (Lawyers Involved in Kids’ Education) program, Kathleen donates her time as a mentor to 4th and 5th graders deemed at risk at Walnut Elementary School in Uniondale, New York.
In 2020, she was named to the New York Metro Rising Stars list of Super Lawyers, as well as its Women’s Edition. She was also recognized as one of the “2020 Women in Real Estate” by the New York Real Estate Journal.
Cole Gendels
Associate
Newmark
Most recent achievement: Cole’s most recent achievement was sourcing the Orthodox Union (OU) deal at 40 Rector Street off a true cold call. What began as a preliminary market discussion ultimately concluded in OU’s purchase of the entire 3rd & 4th Floors (69,000 RSF) for $24,851,880.00. The deal itself took well over a year from that initial discussion with OU and faced numerous hurdles, including the pandemic, before it’s successful close.
As an associate with Newmark, Cole specializes in representing both tenants and landlords throughout New York City. He has represented the owners of numerous prestigious buildings in New York City, including Columbia/Normandy, Philips International, RXR Realty, Silverstein Properties, SL Green and Vanbarton Group. Cole is also part of the agency leasing teams for notable NYC properties like 2 Herald Square, 330 West 42nd Street, 230 Park Avenue, 885 Third Avenue, 292 Madison Avenue, 149 Madison Avenue, 707 Eleventh Avenue, 120 Broadway and 40 Rector Street.
After graduating from Union College, where Cole also played lacrosse, he moved to New York, where he immediately started working as an office leasing broker specializing in representing both landlords and tenants alike.
Cole takes great pride in being the Chief of Fundraising for a non-profit called TAASA Health, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the developing world and does so through quality healthcare, education, and female empowerment, and economic development.
Harrison Green
Director of State Legislative Affairs
The Real Estate Board of New York
Most recent achievement: As Director of State Legislative Affairs, Harrison spearheaded REBNY’s dedicated state legislative campaign, positioning REBNY and increasing visibility among state elected officials.
His broad professional background includes policy analysis, financial regulation and compliance, corporate social responsibility, non-profit management, and economic development.
Working closely with New York City and State officials, Harrison would eventually deepen his experience of public service as Counsel and Special Assistant to State Senator Kevin Parker in 2014.
In his previous role as Director of Community and Government Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Harrison had the opportunity to do just that, working across various sectors in manufacturing, tech, design, and the arts to employ local Brooklyn and New York city residents in the Yards over 400 plus businesses.
Harrison obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Political Science from Emory University in Atlanta, GA in 2005 and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH in 2009.
Eric Hazen
Senior Associate
Cushman & Wakefield
Most recent achievement: Recently transacted a 96,800 s/f renewal with Verizon at 111 8th Avenue, 42,667 s/f lease (LVNY) at The Factory Building, 40,868 s/f sublease (Maven) at 225 Liberty Street.
Eric works on one of Cushman & Wakefield’s top producing teams globally. He executes complex real estate strategies for both landlords and tenants. He is also a registered securities representative (Series 79, 7, 66 and SIE) with Cushman & Wakefield’s broker dealer subsidiary, Cushman & Wakefield Securities, Inc.
Eric graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and accounting.
Eric is also active in his community, dedicating many weekends to philanthropic events, including volunteering at a soup kitchen and helping fight homelessness.
Eitan Horwitz
Vice President, Asset Management
Silverstein Properties
Most recent achievement: At the end of 2020, Eitan was promoted to Vice President, which was the second time he had been promoted since joining the company in 2018.
Eitan was instrumental in helping Silverstein respond to the challenges of Covid-19 in 2020, including helping manage tenant relations.
He Horwitz joined Silverstein Properties in 2018 and, as the asset manager for several properties in the company’s 16-million square foot operating portfolio, Eitan is responsible for the creation and execution of business plan initiatives for each asset designed to maximize asset performance and value. In addition, Eitan is responsible for managing investor and lender relationships with Silverstein’s various equity and debt partners.
Most recently, Eitan has been actively involved in the asset management and leasing for 1735 Market Street, a 1.3-million, trophy office building in Philadelphia.
Prior to joining Silverstein, Eitan worked in RXR Realty’s Asset Management group.
He received a master’s degree in Real Estate from Cornell University and his BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rosh H. Jaffe
Member, Real Estate Development & Land Use Group, and Co-Chair, Banking & Finance Group
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Most recent achievement: Named Co-Chair of CSG’s Banking & Finance practice in October 2019, Rosh has spearheaded the remarkable growth – in deal sophistication, volume and attorney headcount – of the practice’s transactional element. Over the course of the past year, he has served as lead lending counsel on more than $500 million in real estate, construction and asset-based financings and, in 2020, led the practice on its way to collectively eclipsing the $1 billion milestone of deals advised on.
His practice focuses on a variety of banking and finance matters – with an emphasis on advising money center banks, institutional lenders, private banks and lenders as well as regional and foreign-based banks and lenders across a range of transaction types.
When not advising his banking and finance clients, Rosh is called upon by owners and developers of commercial real estate to provide counsel on matters involving real estate acquisitions, dispositions and development.
Adam Jakubowitz
Assistant Vice President
Unilite Insurance, a Division of
HUB International Northeast
Based out of the Woodbury, NY office, Adam works with individuals and businesses to provide them with custom comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions, specializing in personal lines and the real estate industry.
Adam joined HUB International when Unilite was acquired by HUB in July of 2017. Prior to his embarking on his insurance career over four years ago, he taught post-graduate Talmudic studies and served as a Rabbi for Yeshiva Gedola of Five Towns for nine years.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Yeshiva University in New York City and is a licensed life & health and property & casualty insurance broker.
Dean Katz
Associate
HKS Real Estate Advisors
Most recent achievement: Dean initially began his career with HKS in 2018 and has quickly become an integral member of the firm. To date, he has successfully participated in closing over 70 transactions, with an aggregate value of more than $250 million.
Dean’s responsibilities include helping oversee the firm’s deal pipeline, where he manages the due diligence, underwriting, legal and closing processes. Additionally, Dean focuses on originating ground-up construction loans, acquisition loans, bridge loans on transitional assets and refinances on stabilized assets across the country.
Dean obtained his real estate license at the age of 18 and is a third-generation member of the commercial real estate industry. Joining the HKS team and entering the world of debt capital markets was an appealing career choice; ultimately providing Dean with the necessary exposure to forge his own real estate path.
While attending college, Dean faced medical adversities which he says have played a major role in his career development. These experiences taught him how to maintain a level head and weather the storm on challenging deals. In the future, Dean plans to continue brokering commercial mortgages in NYC and eventually would like to own and operate buildings. He also hopes to start a charitable organization for Crohn’s and Colitis research.
Some of Dean’s notable transactions include: a $17.5 million cash out refinance of a medical office building located in Great Neck, NY; $11.5 million acquisition loan for a 9-property mixed-use portfolio located throughout New Jersey. TOE closing during the Covid-19 pandemic; a $10.6 million cash out refinance from a CMBS lender for a newly developed seven-story multifamily Brooklyn property; and a $3.38 million acquisition loan for a 1031 exchange buyer, triple net leased to a Walgreens in Greenville, South Carolina.
Matt Kauffmann
Investment Analyst
Belveron Partners
Most recent achievement: In 2020, Matt led on underwriting Belveron’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Conifer Realty, LLC, one of the nations’ largest affordable housing companies, encompassing over 160 properties and 15,000 homes. The transaction marked a ‘first-of-its-kind’ for the industry and represents the future of affordable housing preservation through thoughtful succession planning. Additionally, Matt was instrumental in a LIHTC preservation deal in the Over-the-Rhine Historic District of Cincinnati.
A native New Yorker, Matt sources, underwrites, and executes on new investments. He began his real estate career as an intern at Belveron while doing his MBA at Notre Dame. He quickly moved up the ladder, returning as an Investment Analyst just 18 months later.
Prior to rejoining Belveron, Matt worked as an analyst at Enterprise Community Partners underwriting housing tax credit investments and was a summer associate at the real estate investment banking company, Eastdil Secured.
Matt was inspired to begin his career in affordable housing after serving homeless and low-income individuals in a variety of roles at nonprofits in California and North Carolina.
Emma Kistler
Associate
Newmark
Most recent achievement: For the past 16 months, Emma has been heavily involved in launching one of the few life science buildings to come to market in the city. Called Innolabs, the property spans 267,000 s/f and is part of a growing cluster of life science assets in Long Island City. She has been working to introduce the brokerage community to the growing industry by representing one of the top owners in this field.
Emma joined the firm in 2018. As an associate with Newmark based in the firm’s New York City office, she provides strategic real estate advisory services to both owners and tenants throughout the city. Notably, Emma most recently partnered with King Street Properties to lease up their Innolabs and is part of a leasing team at the forefront of the burgeoning life science cluster in New York City.
She has also provided services for GFP Real Estate in leasing efforts at 515 Madison, an Art Deco Building on the corner of 53rd and Madison Avenue.
Emma is a 2018 graduate of the Tulane University-A.B. Freeman School of Business.
William Landsberg
Associate/ Commercial Real Estate Advisor
Kaufman Organization
Most recent achievement: The commercial real estate market in 2020 posed a real challenge, however Will Landsberg, a newer team member to the Kaufman Organization, was able to meet the needs of the recent companies he represented. Through continuous conversations and the ability to be flexible, Will successfully inked transactions over the last few months securing a total of over 36,000 square feet of leased space for the company.
The leases included: Kaufman Arcade Building located at 132 west 36th Avenue where Allure Gems signed a 17,531 s/f lease across the entire 3rd floor; R. B Samuels, Inc. signed an 8,240 s/f lease on the partial 2nd floor. At 550 Seventh Avenue, Lela Rose signed an 8,432 s/f lease on the entire 24th floor and Penthouse. Most recently, Landsberg signed HungryPanda, a UK based company which had plans to expand in the US a year ago. Will maintained the relationship throughout 2020, and continued to tour Kaufman properties in the summer, however, their needs were continuously changing. After diligent market research and budget assessments, Will was finally able to achieve their goal that fits both the company’s operational and financial needs, signing 2,563 s/f at Kaufman’s headquarters, 450 Seventh Avenue.
Will joined Kaufman Leasing Company in 2020 and specializes in Tenant and Landlord Representation. Prior to joining Kaufman Leasing Company, Will worked at Colliers International as well as WeWork Space Services. He graduated from The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University with a double major in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises.
Will always works diligently with integrity, honesty and professionalism on behalf of his clients, helping him establish long standing relationships with all his clients.
Michael J. Langwell, RA,
Project Architect,
RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC
During his time at RAND, Michael has worked on over $13 million in capital improvement work, including a new flagship healthcare facility for The Floating Hospital in Long Island City; a new recreational complex for Dayton Beach Park No 1, a five-building, a 1,150-unit cooperative complex in Rockaway Beach; and numerous ADA-Compliance entrance conversion projects around New York City. He is currently overseeing a property-wide residential bathroom upgrade at Mitchel Houses, a 10-building, 1,729-unit NYCHA development in the Bronx.
He began his career at RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC as a high school intern in the summer of 2006. He has worked on RAND’s Architectural Team for the last ten years and became a New York State Registered Architect in April 2020.
Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a concentration in the Built Environment from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
As RAND’s Architectural Licensing Manager, Michael assists junior architects at the firm on their path to licensure by providing updates from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions to discuss each employees’ specific requirements for obtaining their license.
Elizabeth Leonard
Project Administrator
ConRock Construction
Most recent achievement: In addition to her work at ConRock, Elizabeth is extremely active in her community and we would like to acknowledge her volunteer work as a Community Based Support. As a Community Based Support, Elizabeth helps a young woman with developmental disabilities build confidence and skills, from running errands to practicing text messaging and video calls; work that took on even greater importance this year as many programs and social events for her community were cancelled as a result of the pandemic.
Due to her background in social service administration, Elizabeth is able to provide valuable insight for the firm’s tenant-in-place rehabilitation projects, which require sensitivity to residents’ needs.
Elizabeth joined ConRock Construction in 2020 as a Project Administrator. In this role, she is responsible for performing cost estimations; filing bid estimates; negotiating and vetting subcontractors; maintaining OSHA compliance; managing requisitions; communicating with subcontractors, building officials, architects, engineers, and developers; and other project management-support related tasks.
Elizabeth began her career in affordable housing development and construction as an intern at Katerra in Jersey City, where she supported the general contractor of 100-unit LIHTC financed project in West Orange. Elizabeth also spent time working as a Program Coordinator at Mental Health Partnerships, a not-for-profit that provides peer-to-peer mental health support and advocacy for low income and homeless residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth holds a B.S. in Development Sociology from Cornell University and earned her Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University’s Bloustein School. She is Leed Green Associate and 30 Hour OSHA Training certified.
Andrew Marca
Loan Originator
Eastern Union
As a member of the new broker team, Andrew Marca is an Eastern Union “Rising Star” because of his potential as a loan originator. But he is also bringing substantial value through his hands-on experience in promoting business growth from within.
Based in the company’s Bethesda, MD office, Andrew graduated from Colorado State University. His professional life has been largely devoted to the mechanics of scaling. He launched a start-up company while in college. He went on to work with three early-stage start-ups, quickly developing a facility for workforce expansion.
Andrew was attracted to Eastern Union’s ambitious plans to scale and rapidly add new sales personnel. He saw an opportunity to add value. Tapping his experience with start-ups, Andrew stepped forward to offer strategic counsel on ways to seamlessly boost the ranks of the firm’s broker team.
Eastern Union has already adopted some of Andrew’s tactical suggestions and has given him management-related duties in a broker training capacity.
Eastern Union considers Andrew Marca to be one of the company’s top prospects. In the future, the company is expecting him to add value both as a mortgage originator and also as an in-house, strategic advisor.
Alexandra Marolda
Senior Associate
Avison Young
Most recent achievement: Selling of 126 East 86th Street for $26,000,000.
Alexandra spent over five years on the principal side prior to joining Avison Young in 2019. She started as a property manager, overseeing a real estate portfolio consisting of 1,200 residential units and 50 retail units within Manhattan and the Greater New York City area.
Eventually, she transitioned from the to senior management, overseeing the property managers, leasing managers as well as acquisitions.
In 2020, Alexandra was recognized by the New York Real Estate Journal as a “One to Watch in 2020.”
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Richmond.
Christopher Masotto
VP – Property Management
Columbia Property Trust
Most recent achievement: Over the past nine months, Chris has overseen the launch of Columbia Gateway, a new mobile app available exclusively to tenants in Columbia Property Trust buildings that has been built on the HqO end-to-end tenant experience operating system for commercial office buildings. The Columbia Gateway mobile app connects and engages office workers in each building with the amenities, conference rooms, service providers, and transit in their building and the surrounding community.
Chris oversaw the working team that developed the piloted Columbia Gateway last summer at several of Columbia’s key properties in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Since then, as of the first week of February 2020, he has helped to implement the app at nearly 20 office buildings across Columbia’s 16 million square foot national portfolio.
Jason McCalla
Vice President, Operations
Silverstein Properties
Most recent achievement: The development and execution of a five-year capital improvement and energy efficiency strategy that led to all existing Silverstein’s New York City commercial properties achieving the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. Jason also successfully transitioned the engineering team of the newly acquired US Bank Tower, located in Los Angeles, into the Silverstein portfolio. “In spite of ever-changing pandemic restrictions, over the course of several trips we were able to assemble the right team to ensure a seamless transition.” He also developed and oversaw implementation of a comprehensive portfolio-wide Ventilation and Air Condition program to meet and in many cases exceed new ASHRAE building requirements for COVID.
Jason is an innovative Vice President of Operations at Silverstein Properties. He has demonstrated success in cost savings, technology implementation, strategic planning and execution of multi-million dollar solutions throughout a diverse and complex portfolio of properties. His expertise in management and implementation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sustainability, energy efficiency, telecommunications and ongoing commissioning initiatives continue to yield impactful reductions in operation expenses.
Jason is a founding member and current Chairman of the Bronx Alumni Achievement Foundation, a philanthropic organization helping those less fortunate in the Bronx, whose contributions include annual scholarships to college bound students, food pantries, Adopt-a-Highway beautification program, back to school haircuts, book bag giveaways and providing Christmas toys to children.
Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics from Manhattan College and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration at Columbia University.
Ryan Monell
Director of City Legislative Affairs
The Real Estate Board of New York
Most recent achievement: Ryan has spearheaded multiple campaigns, increasing visibility among the New York City Council and impacting major legislation. His has work enabled the approval of key pieces of legislation, including in building management and operations, that helped REBNY members and all New Yorkers.
Prior to joining REBNY as the Director of City Legislative Affairs, Ryan served as Chief of Staff for Gilbane Building Company, working to facilitate special initiatives and strategic objectives in the New York Division. His professional experience includes restoring natural gas service for 10,000 homes in three months following the Columbia Gas explosion in Andover, Massachusetts.
Ryan previously held leadership positions in the legislative and executive branches of local, state and federal government. He’s a graduate of Ohio State University and Columbia University.
Justin Polsinelli Montero
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Compass
Justin was instrumental in launching several new development projects in the city, including Roosevelt Island. His hands on approach enabled him to learn the intricacies of ground up projects and the marketing involved to be successful.
Justin is no stranger to construction sites. His professional knowledge and experience, along with his personal insight as a Manhattan native and resident, allows Justin to easily navigate clients around the city.
Having a strong work ethic and intimate knowledge of market conditions and inventory, Justin co-founded Dormless NYC, an online platform that offered a seamless way to transition students from a dorm to their first apartment. He leased over 90 rentals in a short period.
As a Division 1 soccer player, Justin understands the importance of focus, discipline and teamwork. His tenacity and competitive spirit drives him to get the job done, regardless of the challenges.
Angela Mulder
Senior Associate
Avison Young
Most recent achievement: Selling of 300 West 23rd Street for $11,000,000.
As a senior associate on the Tri-State Investment Sales Team, Angela focuses on retail properties. Growing up in China, she is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and her bi-cultural background enables her to connect and conduct business with international investors.
Prior to joining Avison Young, she was an associate at Longines Realty where she assisted in sourcing, analyzing and coordinating deals in various asset types.
Outside of work, Angela is actively engaged in the Asian American real estate community. She is on the Board of Directors of The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) and an active member of The Asian Real Estate Professional Association (AREPA).
Angela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Business Management with a minor in Japanese and International Studies from University of Arizona.
In addition to her Real Estate experience, Angela spent five years as a project manager at Macy’s/Bloomingdale’s managing fraud detection and prevention in the credit division.
Whitney Osentoski
Sales Manager, Licensed R.E. Salesperson
Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing
Most recent achievement: Whitney was honored as the No.1 agent in the Brown Harris Stevens Harlem office in 2020. He is handling sales for three premier Harlem boutique developments: 17 Convent; 52 Convent; and 99 Morningside, a 23-unit condominium next to Morningside Park.
Whitney works with both re-sale and new-development clients throughout Harlem and has completed more than 140 sales transactions and $130 million in real estate sales, many of which have been in Harlem, though have included sales throughout all boroughs.
Whitney integrates his love of NYC real estate with a unique marketing ability. His impeccable results derive from innovative marketing platforms including social media, mailers, and a massive contact list in the thousands, built from over a decade in the business. He delivers buyers and sellers comprehensive information backed by market data, taking fear out of the transaction. Clients benefit from his access to NYC’s finest real estate attorneys and mortgage brokers who mirror Whitney’s work ethic and commitment to consistent client service.
He worked in musical theater for many years and was seen on Broadway in “Mamma Mia!” and Disney’s “Tarzan.”
He has a BA in Music from Saginaw Valley State University.
Isabel Preskill
Assistant Director
Savills
Isabel Preskill joined Savills as Assistant Director in 2016. She works closely with Eric Feinberg (Vice Chairman, Co-Head Chicago Region) and John Goodman (Vice Chairman and Managing Broker), leaders on one of Chicago’s highest achieving brokerage teams. Isabel provides clients with full-service tenant representation, advising them through each stage of real estate transactions from initial project planning through lease execution and move-in.
Prior to joining Savills, Isabel began her career at a software start-up where she was responsible for marketing, sales and accounting functions. Additionally, she also helped in capital raising efforts resulting in a $1 million Series A Fund. The position gave her valuable insight into the needs, motivations and challenges facing start-ups as they strive for growth while mitigating risk and controlling costs. It also fueled her passion for working with professional partners in a wide range of entrepreneurial pursuits throughout Chicago’s diverse business community.
Isabel is an active member of the Jewish United Fund’s Young Real Estate Group, which serves as a means to connect young Jewish professionals in the real estate industry through professional and social networking, educational opportunities and volunteering.
She is also actively involved in the Savills charitable committee, which is chiefly responsible for the “Annual Landlord Golf Challenge,” which supports worthy local causes while encouraging friendly industry rivalry.
Brett Rieger, AIA
Project Architect
RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC
Most recent achievement: New York City Department of Buildings Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI)
Brett is project architect on RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC’s Facade & Roofing Team, and is a shareholder under RAND’s Equity Stock Purchase Plan.
A graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, with a Bachelors of Architecture, Brett spent 14 years teaching and working in exterior building envelope restoration before joining RAND in 2016. During his time at RAND, he has managed over $30 million in repair, restoration and capital improvement work.
Brett is a licensed FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot, and as RAND’s Drone Group Leader, is currently consulting with the DOB on a City Council-mandated study of the feasibility of expanding authorized drone usage in New York City. Adding examination of the city’s aging infrastructure via drone to the inspector’s tool kit could help better protect the public against injury and death due to failing building exterior envelopes.
An active participant with RAND Gives Back volunteering and charitable giving, Brett recently fundraised for Make-A-Wish Foundation, worked with developmentally disabled youth with Arc Westchester, and mentored high school students through RAND’s mentoring program with MentoringUSA.
Ben Schwartz
Senior Loan Consultant
Eastern Union
As a senior loan consultant and lead broker for Eastern Union’s Small Loans Division, Ben Schwartz primarily focuses his attention on multi-family deals nationwide valued at less than $5 million, with a minimum loan size of $500,000.
In addition to numerous larger transactions, Ben tied up and closed more than 70 smaller deals in 2020, even amid these unprecedented times.
Ben, who continues to devote a portion of his energies to large deals, takes pride in closely monitoring trends in the commercial real estate marketplace so that he can keep clients aware of the most up-to-date information available.
He works closely with another of the company’s “Rising Stars,” Sarah Steinhardt, who is the director of Eastern Union’s Small Loans Division.
Ben Schwartz also volunteers in hospitals on Sundays — or whenever he has the chance — to help children with cancer, in cooperation with such organizations as Chai Lifeline and Chesed 24/7.
Matthew Scoville
Partner
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Most recent achievement: In just the past year, Matt has advised on real estate transactions in New York and around the country valued at over $2.6 billion. He is an integral member of the team, helping to lead notable transactions, including the continued representation of Empire State Development in connection with the $1.3 billion redevelopment of Belmont Park into a sports and entertainment destination in New York that will be the new home of a 19,000-seat arena for the New York Islanders National Hockey League franchise.
Outside of New York, he’s helped a prominent real estate owner and developer with the $220 million financing of residential rental and retail development in Washington, D.C.; and the representation of a real estate development firm in connection with a $123.5 million mortgage loan secured by an office building in California, among many others.
As a partner in the firm’s capital finance and real estate practice, Matt cuts a wide swath across the real estate industry by advising owners, developers, investors and lenders, among them REITS, private equity funds and family offices, on a variety of transactions. These include construction and real estate finance, acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures and real estate developments, among others.
Well-connected in the real estate world, Matt looks to generate business for his clients by introducing them to potential partners and new deals.
He is active in pro bono work and leads the coordination of the annual NALP/Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program in New York, which brings high school seniors from The Urban Assembly School for Law & Justice into the firm to teach them about the law and legal careers, encourage them to enter the field and support them in their pursuits.
Sean Scuderi
Counsel
Tarter Krinsky & Drogin
Most recent achievement: Sean co-authored the article, Pre-Construction Services: To Lien or not to Lien, which was published in the November/December issue of the Mann Report. The article delves into the decision rendered in the case Old Post Road Associates LLC v. LRC Construction LLC, by the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Department. In the case, the court clarified that pre-construction services could not serve as a basis for a mechanic’s lien unless the services include an architect or engineer’s drawings, which significantly limits the scope of pre-construction services for which mechanic’s liens can be filed. Sean further discusses the importance of the case and its implications on the podcast, Law Brief.
Sean has nearly 10 years of legal experience and regularly advises construction industry clients in various commercial, real estate and construction business ventures and disputes. Sean approaches each deal and dispute with a strong awareness of his client’s business, legal and personal goals to provide tailored advice and services.
While Sean’s primary expertise is in construction law, he is able to connect with his clients on many other levels by taking a holistic approach to his client’s business and becoming a valuable member of their professional team. Sean started his legal career as a litigator. He has successfully handled several significant high-profile construction matters, including representing one of the world’s largest Buddhist organizations in the development of a new ground up community and cultural center. Sean assisted from the initial stages of drafting and negotiating design, consultant and construction agreements, to providing counsel through COVID-19-related project issues.
Mai Shachi
Associate
Newmark
Most recent achievement: Mai’s work representing Levain Bakery with their expansion in the city is among her most recent achievements. In 2019 and 2020, she helped them close three deals — two in Manhattan and one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The strong placement of the brand’s Williamsburg location allowed them to open to the neighborhood amidst the pandemic.
As an associate for Newmark in the firm’s New York City office, Mai specializes in retail leasing, focusing on landlord and tenant representation throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. She represents national and local retailers expanding throughout New York City. Mai also recently helped China Overseas Holding secure their first Sales Gallery location at 475 Park Avenue South. She is also currently a part of the team that assists World Class Gym out of Moscow with their expansion and rollout into the United States.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mai has grown her business and now oversees over 70,000 s/f of retail space, including CIM Group’s 40,000 s/f Panorama Development in Dumbo, Brooklyn. On the ownership side, she represents some of the city’s most significant landlords, including WeWork, Clerestory Properties, Slate Property Group, Rockpoint Group, Elysee Investments and Madison Realty.
Mai started her career in 2017 as a canvasser for RKF. She specialized in canvassing several neighborhoods throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, analyzing and collecting market knowledge and data and prospecting new clients.
David Shalom
Director, Tri-State Investment Sales
Avison Young
Most recent achievement: David was named one of Commercial Observer’s Top Leasing and Sales Professionals of 2020.
As a director in the Tri-State Investment Sales group of Avison Young’s New York City office, specializing in multi-family and mixed-use assets, David generates and secures investment sales opportunities in the New York Metro area, with a focus on multifamily and mixed-use assets.
Previously, David worked as a director for Cushman & Wakefield’s New York City office, where he focused on property evaluations as well as business development and execution.
He is currently on the market with over $200 million worth of properties. He has been involved in the sale of 260 properties valued at more than $4 billion.
David is a lifelong NYC resident. He earned a Certificate in Real Estate Finance from New York University, and is a member of Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and Young Real Estate Professionals (YREP).
Ashalata Shettigar
Senior Director, Business Tax Group, Real Estate Solutions practice
FTI Consulting, Inc.
Most recent achievement: Ashalata was recently involved in the tax consulting and compliance for the sale of an investment vehicle which was comprised of 19 multi-family residential properties totaling 5,200 units sold for approximately $1 billion.
She leads tax engagements for large private equity fund clients invested in real estate; most recently, she provided tax compliance guidance for properties in a $5 billion retail portfolio located in Manhattan.
She also specializes in international tax and has recently been engaged by various offshore funds from Asia to assist with their U.S. tax consulting and compliance needs.
She is passionate about diversity at workplace and co-leads her FTI Consulting’s diversity initiative for her local office in Roseland, NJ.
Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Ashalata was an assistant manager at PwC, India in their tax – financial services industry practice. She worked on international taxation – advising private equity funds and other clients on tax structuring of inbound and outbound cross border transactions and other tax consulting assignments.
Ashalata received her Bachelors and Masters in accounting and taxation and L.L.B from Mumbai University.
She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York State and a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is also certified as a Chartered Accountant in India.
Albert Sitt
Licensed RE Salesperson
Compass
Albert has played a pivotal role in marketing several new development projects in the city. His familiarity with ground lease structures and complex ownership structures has made him an integral part of the residential and commercial team.
Coming from a long lineage of real estate moguls, Albert learned the intricacies of deal making at an early age from his father and other family members who have been involved in some of the city’s most exciting transactions. Growing up surrounded by devotees of the industry, Albert’s excitement toward real estate intensified.
Born and raised in New York City, Albertʼs professional relationships and experience allow him to easily identify opportunities for his clients.
He has an outstanding track record of consistently sourcing unique real estate transactions. With an extensive understanding of the art of the deal, and a solid reputation of commitment to his customers, he delivers an exceptional process.
Prior to joining Compass, Albert interned at Ackman- Ziff Capital, where he sourced, negotiated, and structured the terms of sale of several successful transactions.
He also worked at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management where he reviewed the financial strength of mortgage applicants.
Albert has experience in all aspects of real estate investing from the legal side to the financing side and is able to apply his skills to offer a well-rounded process with superior skills.
Having developed a passion for residential leasing and sales, Albert is a tremendous asset to anyone in the market looking to buy or lease.
Sarah Steinhardt
Director, Small Loans Division
Eastern Union
At age 24, Sarah Steinhardt is one of the youngest employees in Eastern Union’s 20-year history to lead a division within the company.
As director of the firm’s Small Loans Division, her work — which extends nationwide — focuses on coordinating mortgages for investors seeking loans valued at up to $1.5 million. Transactions mainly consist of multi-family deals starting at a minimum of $150,000. Loans of this scale have consistently comprised a major proportion of Eastern Union’s overall transaction profile.
The Small Loans Division also arranges financing for portfolios of single-family rental or smaller multi-family properties whose combined value can reach tens of millions of dollars. The Small Loans Division also coordinates financing for office properties, mobile home parks, and storage facilities.
Sarah’s fast rise within the company is largely attributable to her prolific record of deal-closing success with the firm. She recently closed 75 transactions valued at a total of more than $60 million over a six-month period.
Sarah, who had previously served as a processor and underwriter with Eastern Union, carries a dual degree in international business and economics from Queens College.
Courtney Squicciarini
Marketing Manager
Silverstein Properties
Most recent achievement: In 2020, Courtney was responsible for marketing the Silverstein Properties’ INSPIRE app, which is a hospitality app for Silverstein’s 30,000 commercial and residential tenants. The INPSIRE program app became more crucial than ever during the pandemic with tenants working remotely. In anticipation of our tenants return to the office, Courtney oversaw the creation and opening of three new tenant lounges, and is currently working on a fourth that is due to open in 2022. As the company’s digital and social media manager, Courtney was responsible for reaching and engaging with 1.2 million followers across the WTC and Silverstein Properties social media channels.
She joined the firm in 2019 and was promoted from marketing associate to marketing manager within a year.
She serves an important role in supporting firm’s marketing efforts for the office portfolio and is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the commercial marketing plans and management of company’s digital and social media efforts. She manages the company’s WTC.com website and dozens of Silverstein and WTC social platforms.
Prior to joining Silverstein Properties, Courtney worked in marketing professional services at the start-up phase. She was the marketing and sales co-ordinator for Synpulse Management Company, and worked as a marketing co-ordinator for Clearview Group.
Courtney has a BA in Communications – Public Relations from Virginia Tech.
Maurice Suede
Director of Sales
Cushman & Wakefield
Most recent achievement: In 2020, despite the retail market being arguably the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic, Maurice overcame a multitude of obstacles and sold four retail properties.
As director of sales, he focuses on selling commercial real estate in the New York City, Brooklyn and Queens markets. Maurice works transactions ranging in value from $1 million to $100 million.
Working exclusively with sellers, his clients range from mom-and-pop owners to REITs.
Since Maurice started his career in 2013, he has sold 85 properties worth approximately $965 million and has been recognized as a top young professional in the industry.
He holds a master’s degree in real estate finance from New York University.
Along with being a dedicated broker, Maurice is active in his community. In 2018, he was part of a group that helped lobby for $30 million of government funding for STEM programs at private schools involved with Teach New York State, acting as a private advocate for all private schools within New York State to receive additional funding for students. Every summer for more than a decade, he has been part of a group of volunteers that helps raise money for a local yeshiva by organizing different sports tournaments. To date, his volunteer group has raised more than $1 million.
Eduard Suleymanov
Partner
Marks Paneth LLP
Most recent achievement: Eduard was promoted to Partner at Marks Paneth as of January 1, 2021
At the firm, he provides accounting, tax planning and advisory services to commercial and residential real estate owners. His background includes preparing certiorari filings, operating escalation statements, as well as multistate partnership tax returns.
With more than 14 years of experience in public accounting, Eduard brings additional experience in tax compliance for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses, including partnerships and limited liability companies.
Eduard is a frequent in-firm lecturer on tax-related topics and has deepened his expertise as an adjunct faculty member at Baruch College’s Continuing and Professional Studies Education (CAPS) program. As an adjunct instructor, he developed and taught courses covering various areas of financial accounting.
Joseph Sutkowi
Consultant
Karp Strategies
Most recent achievement: Joseph led Karp Strategies’ work supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with operations analysis, tenant engagement and project management for the PANYNJ’s Wharf Replacement Program. This transformative multibillion-dollar initiative is focused on modernizing the mission-critical, timber-supported wharf structures vital to marine cargo activities at five port facilities over the next 30 years. The program is designed not only to prepare our region’s ports for the challenges of a global economy, but also to ensure our waterfront infrastructure is more resilient to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.
Joseph is an economic development consultant who uses a data-driven and equity-focused approach to tackle complex urban and infrastructural challenges. He leverages his planning experience and policy lens to ensure public and private projects achieve not only infrastructure improvements but stronger, more inclusive communities.
Current and past projects Joseph has led include: conducting economic feasibility analysis supporting the Town of Leonia, New Jersey in achieving two of its master planning priorities, to build more senior housing and create a more dynamic downtown; advising the grocery chain Western Beef through a multi-site rezoning and distribution center acquisition project in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx; providing support for the market analysis Karp Strategies’ conducted for the Long Island City waterfront development team; workforce development analysis and stakeholder engagement for offshore wind developer Atlantic Shores; and community planning analysis for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation around the proposed Staten Island Skyway site.
Joseph is a member of the New York Building Congress’ Transportation Committee and the Urban Land Institute’s UrbanPlan program, which teaches urban planning principles to high school and college students.
David Szeker
Partner
Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP
Most recent achievement: David serves as lead deal counsel for real estate developer JDS Development in its 9 DeKalb development in Brooklyn. He assisted in securing $664 million in construction financing from mortgage lender Otera Capital and mezzanine lender Silverstein Capital Partners for the development of what will become the tallest skyscraper in Brooklyn, reaching 1,066 ft. Recently, David negotiated additional joint venture agreements to bring in equity partners and collaborated extensively with tax professionals to determine how best to benefit from the Opportunity Zone program, and also assisted JDS in entering into a series of agreements to secure offsite parking for the project. David has worked hand-in-hand with JDS on this development for several years and initially closed on a $135 million bridge and pre-development loan for the project from the Bank of the Ozarks and Melody Finance in 2017.
As the lead partner in Kasowitz’s Real Estate Transactions group, David leads significant real estate deals belying his age.
He has handled deals involving the development of one of Jersey City’s most expensive office towers, the largest mixed-use building on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, and leases at Hudson Yards.
He represents developers, investors and owners in a wide range of transactional real estate matters, including acquisitions/dispositions, joint ventures, financings and office and retail leasing. David also represents his clients in real estate disputes across the country.
David is an active real estate investor and operator with his own portfolio of multifamily properties in Hoboken and Jersey City and self-storage facilities in Pennsylvania.
Carolina Tejada
Vice President, Operations
Silverstein Properties
Most recent achievement: Carolina worked around the clock with the Operations and Property Management Teams to keep the company’s office and residential buildings open and functioning during the pandemic. She was pivotal in helping to prepare plans for our commercial properties for tenants’ return to the workplace. During this challenging time, she also travelled often to Los Angeles to help transition the company’s new property management team at the US Bank Tower, which the firm acquired in the fall of 2020.
Carolina began her career at Silverstein Properties as an intern in the Operations Department in 2004. Since then, she has held multiple roles including assistant property manager at 120 Broadway, acting property manager at 1177 Avenue of the Americas, property and technical systems co-ordinator, property manager at Silver Towers, and assistant property manager at 3 WTC.
She has portfolio oversight collaborating closely with the firm’s asset management, accounting, leasing, and legal groups. In this role, she is responsible for the portfolio’s budgeting process, administrative management of capital projects, contract administration, investor relationship management, and the development and execution of internal processes and procedures. She also performs project management for strategic repositioning projects.
Carolina holds a BS in Computer Engineering, with a minor in Business and Math, from Manhattan College.
Cooper Weisman
Associate
Newmark
Most recent achievement: Cooper’s most recent achievement was his involvement with a major NYC law firm looking to secure new space during the pandemic. His team was able to secure over 14,000 s/f in a premier building owned by SL Green that offered his client a fully built environment and flexible terms with optimal economics.
As an Associate at Newmark’s New York City headquarters, Cooper specializes in tenant representation providing comprehensive analysis, strategic planning and overall dynamic end-to-end management for leasing deals in all business sectors. Cooper offers ongoing support with lease renewals, relocations, subleases and office market research for both national and international firms. He has also had great success uncovering hidden space opportunities.
Cooper’s client development and relationship management are characterized by his passion for client advocacy and his attention to his clients’ complex needs. He has recently represented clients in a wide variety of sectors, including financial services, technology, media, legal, professional services and apparel industries.
Cooper’s tireless attitude is also evidenced by his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, completing the NYC marathon last year. Additionally, his work with Success Academy led to raising over $12,300 to support their 2019 efforts.
Wesley Wilcox
Vice President
G.S. Wilcox & Co.
Most recent achievement: Originated and participated in the commitment of nearly $140,000,000 worth of loans in 2020.
Wesley joined G.S. Wilcox & Co. in 2016 as a Senior Associate and now serves as Vice President of the firm. In this role, he is responsible for originating new debt and equity structures and is part of the management teams strategic advisory council.
His expertise in building business relationships has led to an increase in the number of new clients that G.S. Wilcox & Co. serves and the growth of the firm’s servicing portfolio to over $1.3 Billion.
Wesley is proud to have been involved in closing/committing nearly $140 Million in loans in 2020. Some of his recent deals in the firm’s portfolio include 1776 On the Green, a 145,262 square foot office building in Morristown and a 252-unit apartment building in Middlesex County, NJ. Additionally, to date Wesley has secured financing for over 950,000 square feet of warehouse space. He has held a leadership position for several years with NAIOP and serves as a Trustee for the New Jersey chapter.
Wesley is also involved with ULI’s Young Leaders as well as several local philanthropic organizations. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University.
Jen Winston
Residential Realtor
The Agency
Most recent achievement: Sales volume over $50 million.
Born and raised in Southern California, Los Angeles native Jen Winston knows the city intimately. Her expert knowledge of the different areas has amassed her a loyal following of clients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Los Feliz, and Silverlake.
Jen is known for her innovative and creative approach to real estate, and more importantly, her genuineness and unmatched professionalism with her clients. She is a great listener and communicator, and is highly detail-oriented by nature, making her a top agent with first-time buyers.
Jen possesses the perfect combination of business savvy and a passion for what she does. She prides herself on building and maintaining relationships not only with her clients, but with a network of fellow agents, and this has led her to great success in real estate.
Jen is the Founder of L.A. Power Ladies, an organization that focuses on networking and promoting opportunities for women professionals. She is also involved in Art of Elysium, a charity that promotes creativity and inspiration to children in need.
Alvin Yeung
Partner
Marks Paneth LLP
Most recent achievement: Alvin was promoted to Partner at Marks Paneth as of January 1, 2021.
Based in the firm’s Long Island office, Alvin Yeung, CPA, HCCP, provides tax planning, consulting and preparation services for individuals, partnerships, corporations and foundations. In addition, he plays a key role in many of the Real Estate Group’s largest attest engagements, with a heavy focus on bond certifications, cost certifications and operational audits.
During the course of his more than 15-year career in public accounting, Yeung has developed deep expertise in low-income housing tax credits, advising clients on the many complex compliance challenges associated with these incentives.
Alvin began his career with Marks Paneth in 2004 as an intern, and over
the years has developed deep relationships within the New York City real estate industry that enable him to confidently serve the investors, developers, property managers, asset managers and other professionals who comprise the firm’s real estate clientele.
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