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Thursday, March 19th, 2026

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8:00 AM – 8:30AM: Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM: Opening Remarks

Speakers

James Whelan Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

OPENING REMARKS

james whelan

President

The Real Estate Board of New York

8:35 AM – 8:45 AM: Public Sector Keynote

Speakers

Jessica S. Tisch Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

KEYNOTE

jessica s. tisch

Police Commissioner

City of New York

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Jessica S. Tisch

Police Commissioner, City of New York

Jessica S. Tisch was appointed the 48 th police commissioner of the City of New York in November 2024. Commissioner Tisch is an 18-year veteran of cityngovernment who has dedicated her professional life to serving the people of New York. Before her appointment as police commissioner, Tisch previously served asncommissioner of both the New York City Department of Sanitation and the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunicationsn(DoITT).nnPrior to joining DoITT, Tisch spent the majority of her career at the New York City Police Department, where she served as deputy commissioner of the Information Technology Bureau, and oversaw the NYPD’s 911 operations. She spearheaded efforts to use technology to transform the NYPD’s fundamental businessnprocesses, including how officers are dispatched and respond to 911 calls, take crime reports, investigate, and search for wanted or missing persons. She also managed the development and implementation of the flagship DomainnAwareness System. Under her leadership, every officer was equipped with ansmartphone – giving them access to real-time information in the field, as well as improving their accessibility to the public. Tisch also managed the implementation of the NYPD’s body-worn camera program and drove additional efforts to improve transparency and public access to the NYPD, including the modernization of CompStat. She began her public service career in 2008, when she joined the NYPD as a counterterrorism analyst.nnCommissioner Tisch is a graduate of Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Business School, and is a lifelong New Yorker.

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM: Keynote Session

Speakers

Paul Darrah Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

KEYNOTE

paul darrah

Chief Workplace Officer

Citadel

Barry S. Langer BW Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

KEYNOTE

barry s. langer

Executive Vice President – Development and Co-Head of Real Estate

Vornado Realty Trust

Jonathan L. Mechanic BW Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

jonathan L. mechanic

Chairman, Real Estate

Fried Frank

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM : Strengthening Industry Momentum with a New Administration

2025 brought strong commercial leasing activity, the addition of new trophy buildings to our skyline and historic land use reforms making the year well remembered for many in the industry. However, mounting financial pressures for rent-stabilized owners, stagnant job growth and slow housing production have dampened optimism moving forward. With a new administration in City Hall, this panel will discuss how real estate, government and other civic leaders are working together to address these challenges that are critical for the economy and industry to reach new heights.

Speakers

Leila Bozorg Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

leila bozorg

Deputy Mayor

Housing and Planning, New York City

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Leila Bozorg

Deputy Mayor, Housing and Planning, New York City

Leila Bozorg is the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning in New York City, where she leads citywide housing and land use strategies that guide New York City’s growth and affordability agenda. She is a housing and urban policy leader with more than 15 years of experience shaping policy, land use, and housing finance strategies to deliver large-scale, equity-driven outcomes. Throughout her tenure in public service, Leila has played a central role in landmark initiatives including the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform, public housing preservation efforts leveraging billions in public and private investment, creating the City’s first comprehensive fair housing plan, and designing innovative housing finance and development programs. Her career spans senior roles at NYC Housing Preservation and Development, the City Planning Commission, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and NYC Kids RISE. She holds a Master in City Planning from MIT and a BA from Wesleyan University.n

Lisa Gomez Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

lisa gomez

Chief Executive Officer

L+M Development Partners  

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Lisa Gomez

Chief Executive Officer, L+M Development Partners  

Lisa Gomez brings more than 30 years of experience in real estate development and finance to her position as L+M Development Partners’ Chief Executive Officer, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the company and its construction and property management subsidiaries. She also leads the company’s growth strategy and has positioned L+M Development Partners as a nationally recognized affordable housing developer. n nLisa is the Chair of the Dormitory Authority of the State of NY and previously served as the Chair of NYSAFAH, an industry organization. She is a proud past chair of the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center and was a Commissioner of the New York City Planning Commission from 2004 to 2007. Lisa strives to help underrepresented people find a path in commercial real estate through both her work at L+M and her volunteer activities. She frequently appears in trade publications such as City u0026amp; State (“Trailblazers in Building u0026amp; Real Estate”) and Affordable Housing Finance (“L+M Development Looks to the Future with Big Moves in 2022”). n nShe has been with L+M for approximately 20 years in various capacities. Prior to joining L+M, Lisa held senior management positions at the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), overseeing $1 billion annually in bond financing and mortgage insurance. She also held various positions at JPMorgan Chase Bank, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Silverstein Properties, among others. n nL+M’s mission is ‘working together to build stronger communities’, and the company’s double bottom line philosophy measures success not only by financial returns but also by the positive impact made in the communities it serves. L+M and its affiliate companies are responsible for over $20 billion in development and investment, and have acquired, built or are building, or preserved over 57,000 high-quality residential units in a variety of urban markets nationwide, primarily in New York’s tristate area.

Jed Walentas Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

jed walentas

CEO

Two Trees

Ken Fisher Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

KEN FISHER

Member

Cozen O’Connor

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Ken Fisher

Member, Cozen O'Connor

Ken Fisher is a member of the law firm of Cozen O’Connor whose practice focuses on the interplay of real estate and city and state government. He frequently representsnclients in high-stakes matters, including zoning applications, litigation, investigations andntransactions. His clients include both major and emerging developers and owners, and religious and nonprofit organizations.nnKen has been recognized by The Observer as one of “The Lawyers You Call.” He is a frequent media commentator and is sought out by public and elected officials for his advice and insights.nnKen served on the New York City Council from 1991 to 2001, where he chaired committees and sponsored legislation regulating landmarks, public markets, and thentrade waste industry. His district included Brooklyn Heights, where he lives, downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg.nnHe is a fellow of the Urban Design Forum and serves on the board of directors of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, where he co-chairs its Real Estate Committee. He was founding chair of the New York City Chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters and founding chair of the board of directors of the Governors Island Alliance. Ken received the New York Law Journal Lifetime Achievement Award inn2020.

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM : State of the Union: Capital Markets, Investment Strategies & New York City’s Economic Outlook

New York City’s diverse economy is thriving, and the city continues to distinguish itself as a business hub offering endless opportunities. With the fastest growing office sector in the U.S., there is a consistent flow of new industries entering and expanding in the Big Apple. This timely economic outlook will share timely insights on the macro-economic trends and market signals defining 2026, including expert-led projections on global and domestic capital flows, emerging risks and opportunities, and where real estate stands in the mix.

Speakers

Suri Kasirer Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

suri kasirer

CEO

Kasirer

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Suri Kasirer

CEO, Kasirer

Suri Kasirer is the CEO of Kasirer, New York City’s #1 lobbying firm. She leads the firm’s strategic vision and day-to-day operations, guiding a team that helps clients navigate city and state government, build relationships with decision-makers, and shape public policy. Kasirer represents a broad range of clients across sectors – from nonprofit and real estate to health care, education, culture, and social services.nnnA born New Yorker and advocate, Suri founded Kasirer in 1997 out of a studio apartment on the Upper West Side – bringing a lifelong commitment to championing people, progress, and policy in the City. What started as a one-woman operation has grown into the #1 lobbying firm in New York City. Suri has assembled and leads a team with decades of experience and an unrivaled fluency in government at the local and state level.n nBefore founding the firm, Suri served as a special assistant to Governor Mario Cuomo. Her early experiences in public service shaped her approach to advocacy: focused, relationship-driven, and grounded in the practical realities of how decisions get made.n nSuri’s fingerprints are on the city’s largest projects and most important piece of legislation of the last two decades including One Vanderbilt, the conversion of the Plaza Hotel, the implementation of the OMNY payment system in public transportation, the development of the Cornell Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island and the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island, and landmark legislation to protect the rights of delivery workers and promote the development of housing.

Mike Doty Stylized Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

Michael doty

Senior Director, Originations, Northeast

Nuveen Green Capital

Peter Riguardi Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

peter riguardi

Chairman and President, New York Tri-State Region

JLL

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Peter Riguardi

Chairman and President, JLL

For over four decades, Peter Riguardi has been one of New York’s most influential commercial real estate executives, leading transformative projects that have defined the city’s skyline. From rebuilding Downtown after 9/11 to developing Hudson Yards, Peter has orchestrated many of New York’s largest and most complex transactions.nnAs Chairman and President, Peter co-leads JLL’s Tri-State region, overseeing 2,700 professionals across seven offices. Under his leadership, JLL has transformed from a traditional brokerage to an advisory model, quadrupling market share and revenue while becoming the market leader in the New York Metropolitan area.nnPeter’s career began at GVA Williams Real Estate in 1983, following his late father, Edward. He co-founded Colliers ABR Inc in 1994 before joining JLL in 2002. His notable transactions include major deals with Morgan Stanley (1.2M sf at 745 Seventh Avenue), BlackRock (1M sf at 50 Hudson Yards), Bank of America (1.5M sf at One Bryant Park), and Deutsche Bank (1.2M sf at One Columbus Circle).nnBeyond real estate, Peter is a partner in wine and olive oil operations in Italy, co-owns Peak Real Estate, and holds ownership in Baseball America. A dedicated philanthropist, he serves on numerous boards including REBNY’s Board of Governors and formerly Iona College, where he received an honorary doctorate.nnPeter has received REBNY’s Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award and consistently ranks among Commercial Observer’s u0022Power 100 Most Powerful Players.u0022

Dan Berman Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

Dan berman

Managing Partner, Real Estate, US

HSF Kramer

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM : Networking Break

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM : Balancing New York City’s Real Estate Inventory: Conversions, Office Occupancies, and Righting the Gap

The New York City real estate market is currently at an inflection point, with neighborhoods being redefined as leaders look to balance a shortage of Class A office space and housing. This session will discuss how zoning, conversions, and strategic repositioning are being leveraged to right areas with excess supply and to activate underutilized assets.

Speakers

Keith DeCoster Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

keith decoster

Vice President of Market Data and Policy

The Real Estate Board of New York

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Keith DeCoster

Vice President of Market Data and Policy, Real Estate Board of New York

An industry expert in real estate market analysis, Keith DeCoster is Vice President of Market Data and Policy for the Real Estate Board of New York, the City’s leading real estate trade association.n nIn his role at REBNY, Keith manages research publications that monitor the state of New York City’s real estate market, as well as custom studies focused on the challenges that the industry faces.n nCurrent areas of analysis include the health of retail corridors throughout the City, the impact of remote work on Manhattan’s central business districts and the City’s ongoing housing shortage.n nPrior to REBNY Keith directed national retail research at Newmark and market research at Savills Studley.

Adam Greene Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

adam greene

Executive Vice President, Development

RXR

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Adam Greene

Executive Vice President, Development

Adam Greene is Executive Vice President of Development at RXR and the Managing Director of 175 Park Avenue, a 3M SF foot, mixed-use, super-tall adjacent to Grand Central Terminal planned by RXR and TF Cornerstone. Additionally, Adam lead’s RXR’s adaptive-reuse platform across various office to residential conversion projects including 900 units at 5 Times Square and 800 units at 61 Broadway.nnPreviously, Adam was a Principal at MAG Partners, and prior to that, Managing Director at Lu0026amp;L MAG. At Lu0026amp;L, Adam led the redevelopment of Terminal Warehouse, a 1.2M SF historic warehouse to office conversion. In addition, Adam led the execution of the hospitality program for 425 Park Avenue.nnPrior to Lu0026amp;L MAG, Adam served as Vice President of Residential Development and Construction at Forest City Ratner Companies, managing the development of Pacific Park Brooklyn, the a 22-acre mixed-use development. His work at Pacific Park included the open space master-planning and the development of 1,200 units of housing across 535 Carlton Avenue and 550 Vanderbilt, and 38 6th Avenue and 461 Dean Street, the tallest modular residential high-rise in the world at time of construction.nnBefore joining Forest City, Adam worked as an architect at Richard Meier u0026amp; Partners on residential and commercial projects across the world, and tought first-year studio at Cornell University’s Department of Architecture.nnAdam received his Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University. Adam is a Registered Architect in New York and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Michael Hershman Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

michael hershman

CEO

Soloviev Group

Bruce Mosler Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

bruce mosler

Chairman of Global Brokerage

Cushman & Wakefield

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Bruce Mosler

Chairman of Global Brokerage, Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield

As Chairman of Global Brokerage u0026amp; the Veterans Initiative Program at Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield, Inc., Bruce Mosler advises major tenants and investors on strategic real estate matters, managing key client relationships on behalf of the firm, globally. Widely respected as one of the commercial real estate industry’s most influential and talented professionals, Mr. Mosler has leased millions of square feet worth billions of dollars throughout his career. Called “cutting-edge” and “one of the most energetic and successful” executives in the industry, Mr. Mosler has been a formative leader at Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield for over 20 years, while executing deals that have shaped the fabric of New York City.nnMr. Mosler served as President and CEO of Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield from 2005–2010, leading the firm from $800 million in sales to $2.1 billion, and diversifying the company’s revenue stream by 30 percent through expansion of the business in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to this, Mr. Mosler was President of U.S. Operations, and implemented a number of initiatives for the firm including creating national leadership roles in Industrial, Retail and Multifamily, and creating the Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield Alliance, a first-of-its-kind affiliate network of top independent real estate companies operating as a unified team with Cushman u0026amp; Wakefield.nnMr. Mosler has enjoyed prolific, long-term relationships with several public and private companies and not-for- profit organizations over the years, overseeing real estate strategies for large and small projects.

Mitch Korbey BW Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

mitch korbey

Partner; Chair, Land Use & Zoning Group

Herrick

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Mitch Korbey

Partner; Chair, Land Use u0026amp; Zoning Group, Herrick

Mitch Korbey is a partner and chair of Herrick’s Land Use u0026amp; Zoning Group. Mitch is an accomplished urban planner and land use attorney with more than 30 years of experience in private practice and government service. He is a former Commissioner of the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), a former director of the Department of City Planning’s (DCP) Brooklyn office, and a former deputy director of DCP’s Staten Island office. Mitch regularly counsels prominent developers, owners and lenders on the management of millions of square-feet of New York City real estate. In doing so, he navigates the complexities of the City’s byzantine zoning resolution – guiding clients to the most efficient intersection of their business goals and what the rules will allow. He also keeps clients abreast of political headwinds that could impact their properties or development plans.

11:00 AM – 11:30 PM: Innovating New York City’s Housing Future: Strategies for Affordability and Growth

As New York City confronts persistent pressure around affordable housing alongside a push for continued growth and talent recruitment, forward-looking solutions are critical to expanding supply, preserving existing inventory and ensuring economic vitality. Join this timely conversation to learn about the current construction pipeline, impacts of various incentive programs to promote new production, and how real estate and housing experts are working with public sector leaders and community stakeholders to develop innovative partnerships to advance affordability.

Speakers

Karen Hu Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

karen hu

Head of Development, Principal

Camber Property Group

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Karen Hu

Head of Development, Principal, Camber Property Group

Karen Hu oversees a multibillion-dollar portfolio spanning preservation, new construction and New York City Housing Authority conversions. Her recent work also includes a nearly $1 billion modernization of Linden Plaza in Brooklyn, the largest NYCHA Permanent Affordability Commitment Together conversion at Edenwald Houses in the Bronx and a 200-bed women’s intake shelter in East New York, Brooklyn. Previously, she spent seven years at Phipps Houses and also had stints at The Hudson Companies and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Her work is shaped by her experience growing up in New York City.

Bryan Kelly Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

bryan kelly

President, Development

Gotham Organization

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Bryan Kelly

President, Development, Gotham Organization

Bryan Kelly is President of Development at Gotham Organization, where he oversees acquisitions, entitlements, design, and financing across one of New York City’s most ambitious housing pipelines. Under his leadership, Gotham has expanded its development portfolio by more than 5,000 units and 5 million square feet, spanning mixed-income, affordable, senior, and institutional housing. He has closed over $2 billion in development financing, with an additional $1 billion in predevelopment capital, enabling large-scale projects that address the city’s housing shortage. Bryan has secured major public-private RFP designations, including Gotham Point and Monitor Point, and advanced more than 2,300 affordable homes through transformative initiatives such as Broome Street Development, Innovative Urban Village, and Arras. His work is defined by complex rezonings, multi-agency partnerships, and development strategies that align financial feasibility with long-term civic impact. Recognized among City &State’s Power 100 in 2023 and Trailblazers in 2025 and named Developer of the Year by Settlement Housing Fund in 2025, Bryan is widely regarded as a leader in mission-driven urban development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University’s College at Rose Hill.

Christina Rausch Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

christina rausch

Executive Vice President, Real Estate Transaction Services

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)

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Christina Rausch

Executive Vice President, Real Estate Transaction Services, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)

Christina leads NYCEDC’s Real Estate Transaction Services department, leading public-private partnerships to activate City-owned property and providing transaction advisory services to support inclusive economic growth. Prior to joining NYCEDC, Christina was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, where she advised strategic transactions including financings. Prior to Goldman Sachs, she worked in community and economic development strategy. Christina has a bachelor’s degree from NYU, a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in community development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an MBA from Duke University with a dual concentration in corporate and investment finance.

Marissa Schaffer Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

marissa schaffer

Director

MSquared

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Marissa Schaffer

Director, MSquared

Marissa is a Director at MSquared, where she supports the Company’s real estate development and investment businesses.nnShe brings over 10 years of experience in real estate transactions, spanning market-rate and commercial properties as well as affordable housing and public housing.nnPrior to joining MSquared, Marissa served as Vice President of Transactions in the Real Estate Development Department at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). During her tenure, NYCHA secured over $5.8 billion in financing for the comprehensive rehabilitation of nearly 18,000 units of public housing through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, New York City’s implementation of the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.nnPrior to NYCHA, Marissa was an associate in the real estate department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton u0026amp; Garrison LLP, where she represented owners, developers, landlords and tenants, as well as New York governmental and cultural institutions, in connection with real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, air rights transfers, and financings.nnMarissa received a B.A. in Political Science, Public Policy and Mathematics from Swarthmore College, graduating with High Honors, and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she was a Harlem Fiske Stone Scholar.

Shimon Shkury BW Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

shimon shkury

President and Founder

Ariel Property Advisors

david shamshovich Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

David shamshovich

Partner

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Promoting Economic Drivers: Supporting NYC Tourism & Critical CBDs

Tourism, retail and dining remain vital economic engines for New York and its Central Business Districts (CBDs). To stay competitive, public and private sector leaders, BID executives, and landlords are pushing the envelope with innovative strategies that engage residents and tourists alike. Don’t miss your chance to hear the leading strategies and emerging trends leading the activation of public spaces and business corridors, resulting in New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Speakers

Steven Fulop Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

steven fulop

President & Chief Executive Officer

Partnership for New York

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Steven Fulop

President & Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for New York

Steven Fulop joined the Partnership for New York City as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2026, after serving twelve years as Mayor of Jersey City.

A Marine veteran, public servant, and civic innovator, Fulop spent three terms leading one of the most significant urban revitalization stories in the country. Elected in 2013 in a landmark upset, he guided Jersey City for more than a decade with record private investment, population growth, and job creation—transforming it into an economic powerhouse for New Jersey.

Under his leadership, Jersey City set new standards in affordable housing, public safety reform, education, infrastructure, and sustainability. His administration delivered major initiatives including expansive park and open-space development, a science innovation campus in conjunction with Liberty Science Center, the restoration of the historic Loews Theatre, and eight budgets without raising municipal taxes.

A first-generation American and descendant of Holocaust survivors, Fulop’s life has been shaped by service. After the September 11th attacks, he left his job at Goldman Sachs in Lower Manhattan to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying to Iraq in 2003. That same commitment to service and accountability defined his leadership in Jersey City and continues to guide his work today.

Fulop is a graduate of Binghamton University and holds an MPA from Columbia University and an MBA from New York University.

Thomas Grech Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

thomas grech

President & CEO

Queens Chamber of Commerce

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Thomas Grech

President & CEO

Tom Grech was appointed Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce in July 2015 and, on November 1, 2017, he assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity, Tom has been a driving force in promoting economic development, supporting local businesses, and advocating for the diverse communities of Queens.

Before joining the Chamber, Tom built a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years in the printing, publishing, and manufacturing industries, holding leadership positions at RR Donnelley & Sons Company, Merrill Corporation, and SONY DADC.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom is deeply committed to civic and community engagement. He serves on numerous boards and committees, reflecting his dedication to both economic growth and community well-being. His roles include Board Member of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Corporation, and Board Member of the York College Foundation. He has also served as Co-Chair of the LaGuardia Air Train committee and is actively involved in major infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives through his work with the Sunnyside Yards Steering Committee, Willets Point Redevelopment Steering Committee, and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council. Additionally, Tom has contributed to the Amazon Community Advisory Committee and holds board positions with the King Manor Museum, Cathedral Prep Seminary, the Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the NYC Police Athletic League.
His leadership extends to statewide and regional economic development efforts as a member of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council and the NY State of Health Marketplace Advisory Committee. He also serves as Acting Chair of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency/Local Development Corporation, is a Board Member of the Business Incubator Association of New York State, and supports green spaces and community projects as a Board Member of the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Originally from Astoria, Queens, and raised in Rockville Centre, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and later completed his MBA in International Business at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. He currently resides in Malverne, NY with his wife and two children.

Slater Traaen BW1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

slater traaen

Senior Director

Mitsui Fudosan America

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Slater Traaen

Senior Director, Mitsui Fudosan America

Slater Traaen is a senior real estate executive specializing in the repositioning and active asset management of institutional-grade office properties in New York City and San Francisco. He currently oversees flagship Midtown assets including 1251 Avenue of the Americas and 527 Madison Avenue, where he has led large-scale capital programs, amenity-driven transformations, and complex leasing and re-tenanting strategies aimed at driving long-term value and market relevance. His work focuses on blending disciplined capital execution with experiential placemaking through activating public spaces, modernizing legacy buildings, and aligning real estate strategy with evolving tenant and urban demand.

Jessica Walker Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

jessica walker

President & CEO

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

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Jessica Walker

President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Jessica Walker serves as President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, acting as the primary convener, influential voice, and dedicated advocate for over 125,000 businesses across the borough. A dynamic thought leader, she is deeply committed to the prosperity of New York’s residents, businesses, and communities.

Previously, Ms. Walker was Vice President for Government Affairs at the Partnership for New York City. There, she served as a strategic advisor tasked with accelerating the city’s job recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. Earlier in her career, she was a prominent advocate for older adults. At the New York Academy of Medicine, she oversaw the successful launch of Age-friendly New York City, a public-private initiative that resulted in the Bloomberg administration adopting 59 innovative policy ideas to make the city more livable for seniors. Additionally, as a policy analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, she authored a groundbreaking report on senior social isolation that became a national priority for the AARP Foundation.

Ms. Walker’s commitment extends to several boards, including the Javits Center, United Neighborhood Houses, and Pursuit Lending. She is also an appointed member of Governor Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Council for New York City and the Women’s Forum of New York. Her achievements have earned her recognition on City & State’s power lists and as a “Notable Black Leader” by Crain’s.

A Princeton graduate and proud Harlem resident, she was born in Detroit and raised on the Navajo Nation.

Max Gross Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MODERATOR

max gross

Editor-in-Chief

Commercial Observer

12:30 PM : Event Concludes

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Host Partner

the marx realty logo trophy 3 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

marx realty

Marx looks at real estate differently. Built on a foundation of more than 100 years of expertise, Marx Realty’s award-winning approach to real estate has transformed sites into destinations throughout the country. Led by President and CEO Craig Deitelzweig, Marx is adept at creating value through a detail oriented and highly experiential approach to office & retail products. The Marx team of innovators & collaborators are highly integrated and highly seasoned professionals, who understand the changing needs of today’s tenants. Today, Marx is expanding its portfolio in New York, DC and Atlanta where it is transforming properties to its hotel-meets-office sensibility. The roots of Marx Realty go back to 1915, when the firm’s first building was purchased through Joseph E. Marx Co. The parent company of Marx Realty, Merchants’ National Properties (OTC, MNPP), was incorporated on December 3, 1928 – the same year that MNPP acquired its first seventeen properties. In 2006, MNPP acquired Marx Realty, which serves as our management, leasing and development subsidiary. Together, MNPP and Marx Realty are vertically integrated and involved in all phases of real estate management, development, and leasing for 67 properties across 17 U.S. states. Although much has changed since Marx acquired its first commercial building, one thing has not: The firm’s dedication to value creation through asset improvement and reimagining the office & retail space.

Program Partner

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REBNY

the rEAL eSTATE bOARD OF new York

Association Partners

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Sponsors

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cozen o’connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 1,000 attorneys practicing
internationally in 33 cities across North America and Europe. We are a full-service firm, and our attorneys have experience operating in all sectors of the economy. Our diverse
client list includes global Fortune 500 companies, middle-market firms poised for
growth, ambitious startups, and high-profile individuals.

Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Practice has earned its place among the nation’s top
real estate legal practices, with nearly 100 dedicated real estate attorneys across the U.S. and Canada. The team offers a full-service, multidisciplinary platform and works
with institutional and entrepreneurial clients across all areas of the real estate marketplace. The practice handles acquisitions and dispositions of all classes of commercial real estate; real estate finance; joint ventures; development projects ranging from single-purpose land development to complex multi-use redevelopments; and
commercial leasing across office, retail, industrial, and other specialty property types, as well as ground leasing.

Cushman Wakefield 3 1 1 2 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

cushman & wakefield

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FRIED FRANK

HERRICK COLOR 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

herrick

Founded in 1928, Herrick is a prominent, full-service law firm, providing comprehensive legal services to businesses and individuals around the world doing business in the United States. From its offices in New York City; Newark, New Jersey; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Herrick maintains robust real estate, corporate, finance, litigation, bankruptcy and financial restructuring capabilities, complemented by significant depth in the areas of employment, intellectual property, sports, tax law and private clients. www.herrick.com

HSFKramer Logo RGB 607a41 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

Hsf Kramer

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is one of the world’s leading global law firms, operating in the markets where our clients need us. We combine unrivaled scale and depth in disputes and transactions with a clear focus on tackling the issues that are shaping our clients’ future. We are committed to a culture of collaboration and high performance, and to embedding market-leading legal technology – empowering our people to deliver outstanding results.

JLL logo positive RGB 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

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KASIRER PRIMARY JPG 1 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

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Kasirer is New York City’s #1 government relations and lobbying firm, navigating city and state politics on behalf of private sector and nonprofit clients. Kasirer has assembled a team of 40+ strategic thinkers, bridge-builders and networking experts, helping organizations large and small succeed in NYC. Whether that means helping a client win a city procurement or develop a major affordable housing building, secure capital funding or a liquor license, Kasirer achieves results.

Meridian Capital Group Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

MERIDIAN CAPITAL GROUP

Nuveen Green Capital 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

Nuveen Green Capital

With over $5 billion originated, Nuveen Green Capital is a national leader in sustainable commercial real estate financing solutions and an affiliate of Nuveen, the $1 trillion+[1] asset manager and wholly owned subsidiary of TIAA. The company, which was founded by C-PACE industry pioneers who helped design the nation’s first successful statewide C-PACE program[2], has grown to offer a market-leading suite of accretive CRE financing products and a full-service lending platform with all underwriting, legal, and asset management functions executed in-house.
[1] Total assets under management (AUM) as of 1/1/2025
2 The United States Department of Energy: 2016 C-PACE Report lists the Connecticut C-PACE program as the first statewide C-PACE program in the U.S.

RXR 1 1 Future Of New York Forum Agenda 2026

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