Q. How did you originally get involved in BOMA New York?
I joined BOMA NY in the early 1980’s when I was a Building Manager with Fisher Brothers. At that time, BOMA NY held monthly luncheons at the Plaza Hotel and each of these luncheons featured a different guest speaker. I was immediately impressed with the depth and detail of the topics presented and how it related to my profession as a Property Manager in NYC. We learned about the latest industry trends, newest regulations, building codes and construction laws. The luncheons also gave us an opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders. It was at BOMA NY where I met Mike Downey and Tony Campbell; two industry greats who encouraged me to be involved in the new fire codes for Class E systems, Asbestos Abatement Regulations and, later, Electricity Deregulation. BOMA NY has a voice and its concerns are taken seriously by the local government agencies.
Q. Are you involved in any committees? What’s that like?
I am currently involved with three BOMA NY committees. I am chair of the Pinnacle Awards Committee and the Professional Development Committee as well as a member of the Energy & Sustainability Committee. This involvement allows me to keep in touch with key members of the real estate community and stay informed on topics that impact building operations.
Q. What inspired you to join three committees?
I love the Pinnacle Awards!; we won the Operating Building of the Year when I was Manager of The Grace Building. Mike Copperstone was sub-committee chair of the Operating Building Category at that time and got me involved the very next year. I’ve walked through over 100 different buildings during the last 15 years and have learned there is more than one way to operate successfully. When President James R. Kleeman was President-Elect, he asked me to head the Professional Development Committee recognizing my passion for industry education and my drive to get others involved. My belief in energy efficiency keeps me involved on the Energy & Sustainability Committee. Looking ahead, I’ve already been speaking with President-Elect Ronald Zeccardi about my role within BOMA NY and look forward to continuing my involvement with all three committees.
Q. What does your role on the board entail?
I represent the Allied members; they are the contractors, vendors and suppliers to the industry. Serving as a corporate real estate professional for over 25 years, I have gained insight into the concerns of Property Managers and Chief Engineers. Allied members play an important role in exposing them to new ideas and best practices (…and we host the best Rooftop Party for membership every year along with the Professional members!)
Q. Are there any initiatives or events that you’re particularly interested in or passionate about?
One of the things I am most passionate about is BOMA New York’s educational initiatives. Each year, in true BOMA NY tradition, we hold seminars on current matters ranging from the homelessness crisis to preparing and responding to terrorism. Our focus is always centered on providing the available information and resources necessary to respond and react to these situations.
I was very pleased to gain approval from the Board of Directors to host monthly Lunch & Learns in the BOMA NY office. The advantages are two-fold; attendees receive expert instruction from our Allied and Professional members and they get to meet prospective clients. Deborah DeLuca heads this sub-committee and she is doing a great job lining up terrific programs; we’re fully booked already through April 2018…and the food is also very good!
Q. What’s the best part of being involved in BOMA New York?
For me, it’s the people–true professionals, smart, concerned and active. BOMA NY is the place to meet and network with the individuals managing real estate operations in the greatest city in the world.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is newer to property management or the commercial real estate industry, what would it be?
That’s easy…join BOMA NY, get on a committee, get involved!
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dan Donnelly and Dino Mangione of Donnelly Mechanical for giving me the support and resources to be an active member of BOMA NY.
