The 129th Annual Banquet of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) brought together over 1,000 leaders from various sectors including real estate, government, labor and economic development in New York City. Held at The Glasshouse on Manhattan’s Far West Side, the event featured the presentation of REBNY’s 2025 honorees who have made significant contributions to NYC and its residents. Notable attendees included Governor Kathy Hochul as well as hundreds of top business executives and public officials from across all levels of government.
According to REBNY President James Whelan, this annual event serves as a celebration for all that has been achieved by both private and public sector leaders in NYC while also addressing potential challenges facing the region’s economy and quality of life in 2025. Whelan expressed gratitude towards his team for organizing another successful banquet along with appreciation for their honorees who serve as role models through their civic commitment and professional accomplishments.
Seven individuals were recognized at this year’s banquet for their dedication to improving NYC through exceptional personal success within their respective industries. These recipients include Craig Waggner (Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield), Scott Rechler (CEO & Chairman at RXR), Jonathan L.Mechanic (Chairman – Real Estate Department Fried Frank), Michelle A.Adams(Senior Managing Director – Global External Relations & Business Development Tishman Speyer), Rep.Ritchie Torres(United States Congressman representing NY’s15th Congressional District ), Tom Lloyd(Senior Managing Director – Investor Services CBRE)and Nicola M.Heryet(Principal Avison Young).
Connect CRE had an opportunity to interview industry leaders such Barry Gosin(Newmark CEO ), James Nelson(Avison Young Principal )William Rudin(Rudin Management Co-Chairman )and Bob Knakal(BKREA Chairman). In these interviews they discussed some pressing issues facing NYC today.
