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Bridget Cunningham
Vice President of Operations | New York Division
Vornado Realty Trust
How long have you been a BOMA New York member and how did you first get involved with the Association?
I joined BOMA New York in 2004 when I became an Assistant Property Manager at Vornado Realty Trust. That was four years after joining Vornado as a Building Administrative Assistant.
What is your favorite BOMA New York event and why?
I love the Pinnacles. It is always great to recognize what members are doing to steward commercial buildings throughout New York City via projects such as renovations and re-tenanting. I also think it is great to recognize the individual contributions of our colleagues to improve an asset; from managers to security and janitorial professionals, and operating engineers.
You’ve been with Vornado for over 22-years and are a testament to the cliché, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Your experience began as a Building Administrative Assistant and now as Senior Property Manager for the PENN District portfolio. What is so unique about Vornado to have attracted you to join, stay and build your career there?
For a company as large as Vornado, and considering the significance of its portfolio and trophy assets, the company embodies the value of great communication from senior management through all co-workers. Employees understand the company’s vision, and in return, Vornado appreciates our own individual goals and shared responsibility. Employees are treated with great respect and are valued. These qualities make Vornado an attractive company to work for.
In the past 5-6 years, it has been extremely exciting to be a part of Vornado’s vision for THE PENN DISTRICT. PENN 1 is an excellent example of seeing the results of our efforts with best-in-class amenities at a multi-tenant building. When PENN 2 is ready for occupancy, it’ll be a “show-stopper.”
Let’s talk about the PENN District and Vornado’s large portfolio. Given your experience, you have the institutional knowledge of what was, combined with the inside track to the long-term vision of a true market transformation. When the conversation began eons ago, what was the focus then and how has that focus changed today?
The focus has always been to polish the diamond in the rough to change the perception of THE PENN DISTRICT. We knew that these assets have excellent bones, which fueled our vision that there is significantly more value in these mistakenly perceived sleepy buildings.
We are giving each building within THE PENN DISTRICT portfolio the attention they need. Consequently, the amenities package at PENN 1, and coming soon to PENN 2, are industry-leading.
We also take the time and respect to make intentional design decisions when integrating modern solutions into the unique aesthetic of each building and its irreplaceable historic architecture. A great example is the new full-height LED screen in the lobby of PENN 11, which seamlessly looks like it is meant to be there.
As we continue to add value to these buildings, we will continue to change the perception of the district and realize our long-term vision.
Vornado has introduced more than 200,000 square feet of tenant amenities on the PENN campus. Please tell us a little about Vornado’s WorkLife office amenity and why spaces like that are essential for the new normal.
The WorkLife amenity ecosystem was conceived well before the pandemic. Our analysis showed that people prefer not to sit in their office or workspace all day. We recognized the need to accommodate tenants with activated space to socialize and collaborate, complemented by a wellness component and a robust food and beverage program. Free Wi-Fi is available and QR codes to make it easy to order food or reserve a private conference room within the PENN 1 environment. Spaces like WorkLife have become beneficial for small to mid-size companies to make coming to work more attractive.
BOMA New York is a rare industry association that has empowered women at multiple professional levels. Please explain the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workspace and industry.
I believe DEI is extremely important. I generally feel that when working at any company or are a part of an association, you should see a reflection of yourself within its core values. If you feel you are represented, you are more likely to participate. It is important for BOMA New York to highlight and promote DEI throughout the industry because it’s imperative to show young people that are joining our industry that there is a place for them and that they belong.
How do you inspire and motivate your team and what is your advice to someone starting out in the commercial real estate industry?
I inspire my team by mutual respect and never saying, “It’s not our job.” We are in operations, and my message is, “It’s our job to solve problems,” and I constantly try to lead by example.
My advice is to work hard, be humble, openly communicate, and always be open to learning. That quest for knowledge will help you professionally grow and assist you with success as more challenges fall on your plate.
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing with your spare time?
I love spending time with friends and family. I enjoy going to Broadway. My next show will be “Straight Line Crazy” at The Shed
Beyond work and hobbies, how do you give back?
Giving back is very important to me. I am active with St. Francis Food Pantry and have volunteered to remove graffiti from areas throughout THE PENN DISTRICT. Lastly, at the beginning of the pandemic, I helped raise funds for Feed the Frontlines.
What’s your favorite movie and favorite book?
Forest Gump is my favorite movie, and my favorite book to drive my intellectual curiosity is The Power Broker by Robert Caro. For more casual reading, I read Elin Hilderbrand who writes a series of books set on Nantucket.
