The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) hosted more than 1,100 leaders from real estate, government, labor, economic development and other leading New York City business sectors for the 130th REBNY Annual, where New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reaffirmed her support for the industry.
“The future of real estate in New York City is as strong as it’s ever been,” Hochul told attendees in a keynote speech. “We’re gonna build, baby, build.”
Hosted at the historic Waldorf Astoria New York, the event featured the presentation of REBNY’s 2026 honorees for commitment and contributions to New York City and its residents. It also featured a video produced by REBNY highlighting the vital role that the real estate industry plays in supporting housing in New York City from development to building management to brokerage to construction.
“New York City’s foremost industry leaders, public officials, and civic stakeholders came together yesterday for a night of recognition, celebration, and commitment to meet the opportunities and challenges facing our city’s economy in 2026 head on,” said REBNY President James Whelan. “I am extremely grateful for our team for designing a memorable event that fully championed the spirit of REBNY in its 130th year, as well as our honorees for setting the bar for civic and professional excellence that we can all aspire to in the year ahead.”
This year’s honorees included the following:
- The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award, presented to Anita Laremont and David Karnovsky, Partners at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, for exceptional accomplishments in the profession and invaluable contributions to New York’s civic welfare.
- The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award, presented to Jeffrey R. Gural, Chairman and Principal of GFP Real Estate, for exceptional service to the industry and remarkable professional accomplishments over the course of his career.
- The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award, presented to Winston C. Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers & CEO of AREA15, for outstanding service to the community.
- The John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award, presented to Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Women in Need (WIN), for exceptional accomplishments and service to the public’s interest.
- The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award, presented to Kevin Hoey, EVP of L&L Holding Company, recognizing exceptional career accomplishments as well as service to the profession and the broader community.
- The Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award, presented to James R. Wacht, Managing Principal of Lee & Associates, recognizing a REBNY broker with personal and professional integrity, long-term leadership and prominence in the brokerage community and participation in REBNY’s committees.
- The Young Real Estate Professional of the Year Award, presented to Camille McGratty, AVP, Head of Real Estate at Hospital for Special Surgery, for incredible professional achievements as a rising star of the industry and for civic leadership.
Photo credit: Jil Lotenberg for REBNY.
The post Hochul at 130th REBNY Annual: New York Real Estate “As Strong as It’s Ever Been” appeared first on Connect CRE.