Jay Badame Joins Bravo Group Three Years After Termination From AECOM Tishman

Jay Badame is back in action three years after being forced out as president of AECOM Tishman, Commercial Observer has learned.

The development executive who had a leading role in rebuilding the World Trade Center campus has started a new position as chief operating officer at architecture, engineering and construction management firm Bravo Group, where he will manage its public- and private-sector projects, according to the company.

Badame has worked on other projects like John F. Kennedy International Airport‘s new Terminals 1 and 6, as well as SL Green Realty’s One Vanderbilt prior to his termination from AECOM Tishman. During the One Vanderbilt project, he cultivated a relationship with Bravo Group President and CEO Ehab Shehata.

“With the relationships that I’ve developed over the last 30 or 40 years, I’m starting to set up meetings with myself, Ehab and private-sector clients to see how Bravo can increase its market share on the architecture and engineering side,” Badame told CO. “I think there’s a void in the space for small companies. … On some of the smaller projects it’s better if we go it alone.”

Bravo’s two subsidiaries are Velocity Architecture and Engineering Group and Bradford Construction. Together the companies have about 150 employees, which Badame plans to grow.

The two companies are mainly involved in public sector work for clients such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City School Construction Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Badame began the new role Aug. 16, overseeing 70 employees, and joined Bravo Group’s board of advisers, which also includes former New York Gov. David Paterson, according to Bravo.

“I have had the privilege of working with Jay for decades and can confidently say there is no one better suited to help Bravo usher in our next chapter of growth,” Shehata said in a statement. “He brings not only an unmatched level of expertise and experience to the role, but also deep integrity – something that is critically important to our industry.”

During his 40 years at AECOM Tishman, Badame oversaw over 400 projects across the country as president of its construction management division. But in 2023, he was abruptly fired. Badame subsequently sued the company for wrongful termination, alleging ageism as a factor as well as his outspoken belief that AECOM Tishman was overstating its earnings in quarterly reports.

The litigation is still pending.

Badame hopes to land a contract with the Port Authority managing projects for its remaining redevelopment of JFK Airport as well as bidding for contracts with Related on the development of the western portion of Hudson Yards.

Badame has testified as an expert witness in construction management lawsuits in the three years since leaving AECOM Tishman, as well as done independent consulting work.

Mark Hallum can be reached at mhallum@commercialobserver.com.