I
was drawn to NYCEDC by the same force that brought me to New York City from Ohio - a desire to contribute to something greater. Our mission at NYCEDC is to preserve a place where people from all walks of life can thrive, fueled only by their dreams and hard work.
Before joining NYCEDC, I spent 10 years on Wall Street, but it wasn't for me. I was captivated by the organization's impact when I saw our logo on project sites in western Queens, where I lived at the time. When I decided to make a career change, I applied to NYCEDC Strategic Investments and was fortunate to be hired, eventually transferring to Real Estate Transactions (RETS). Working here has been a dream come true.
In my current role, RETS crafts deals that breathe new life into underutilized properties, driving economic growth and job creation. We partner with developers to create models that assess the City's financial interest in projects, negotiate agreements, and facilitate land sales and leases. Our team collaborates closely with colleagues across NYCEDC and the City on project scoping, developer selection, and deal execution.
My experience on Wall Street prepared me for high-pressure environments and tight deadlines, while my time at NYCEDC Strategic Investments gave me a deeper understanding of the public sector. RETS has been a perfect blend of my past experiences, offering new challenges and growth opportunities.
For those just starting in this field, I'd advise focusing on developing fundamental skills that are transferable across job types. Don't be afraid to surround yourself with driven leaders and talented colleagues who push you to grow. Overcoming seemingly impossible tasks builds resilience and confidence, setting you up for success in the future.
What excites me most about working at NYCEDC is the opportunity to work on transformative projects that shape our city, alongside key decision-makers. The impact one person can have here is remarkable - I've seen firsthand how my efforts have directly influenced project outcomes. It's a unique and rewarding experience.
When not working, you might find me hiking in the Catskills or tending to my garden. Despite loving urban living, I believe that access to nature is essential for balance and restoration. The NYC metro area offers countless public parks and recreation areas, reminding us of the parallels between natural systems and city structures.
