REBNY Appoints Con Ed’s John Banks Next President
By Tobias Salinger December 9, 2014 2:50 pm
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The Real Estate Board of New York picked John Banks, the vice president of government relations at Consolidated Edison, as its new president-elect, effective March 2, 2015, REBNY announced today.
Mr. Banks, who served in the Koch Administration and as a City Council staffer prior to assuming his current role at Con Edison in 2002, will replace current president Steven Spinola, who is stepping down after almost three decades as REBNY’s president.
“Throughout his extraordinary career in both the public and private sectors, John Banks has earned widespread acclaim for his wisdom, insight and trustworthiness, as well as his ability to build consensus,” said REBNY Chairman Rob Speyer in a prepared statement. “We needed someone exceptional to replace Steve Spinola, and we found him in John. The real estate community owes Steve a great debt of gratitude for all he has done for our industry and the City of New York. Not only is he the longest-serving REBNY President, he has been its most effective in its 118-year history.”
Reports that members of the influential professional and advocacy organization, which has also extended Mr. Speyer’s term as chairman until 2016, was considering Mr. Banks surfaced in recent weeks, and today’s announcement makes the succession plan official.
“I look forward to working with the leadership of REBNY, its members, staff, the community and New York’s elected officials,” said Mr. Banks said in a prepared statement. “It is an honor to follow in Steve’s tremendous footsteps and build upon his accomplishments. I am grateful to Con Edison which encouraged and supported my team’s efforts to engage with and be a positive force in the communities we serve.”
