I
n the heart of New York City, a new generation of leaders is shaping the future of real estate. Meet the 2025 Power Players in Real Estate, a diverse group of innovators and visionaries who are driving growth, development, and community transformation.
At the forefront of this movement are individuals like Lymaris Albors, CEO of Acacia Network, who is dedicated to increasing access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations. With her expertise and passion, she's leading the charge in creating sustainable communities that benefit everyone.
Another trailblazer is Lisa Bova-Hiatt, CEO of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), who is working tirelessly to preserve and transform public housing through innovative recapitalization strategies. Her commitment to community engagement and resident input has yielded better outcomes for New Yorkers.
Ben Brown, Managing Partner at Brookfield Real Estate, brings a wealth of experience in office development and management. He's overseeing the growth of one of the largest office portfolios in the world, with a focus on high-quality assets in gateway cities.
Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association (NYAA), is a lifelong New Yorker who understands the complexities of operating rental housing in NYC. His expertise lies in navigating regulations and building coalitions to drive change.
Adolfo Carrión Jr., Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, is a seasoned leader with a career focused on affordable housing and urban life. He's working to address New York City's housing crisis through innovative solutions and community engagement.
Kenneth Crystal, Partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, is a seasoned real estate lawyer who has built a reputation for getting deals done. His expertise spans commercial real estate, including sales, leasing, finance, development, and construction.
Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC), has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit community development. She's leading the charge in creating sustainable, mixed-use developments that prioritize affordable housing and community needs.
Toby Dodd, Chief Revenue Officer at Cushman & Wakefield, drives strategy, revenue growth, and client service excellence. He's managed global teams and major client accounts, delivering impactful solutions for clients across all service lines.
Thomas Durels, Executive Vice President of Real Estate at Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT), oversees all real estate activities, including leasing, property redevelopment, management, and construction. His focus on modernized buildings, topflight amenities, and sustainability has earned him a reputation as a leader in the industry.
Fred Elghanayan, President, COO, and Co-Founder of TF Cornerstone, is a Queens-raised entrepreneur who leads the construction division. He's committed to building quality, integrity, and vision into every project, even in uncertain times.
These Power Players are not just leaders; they're change-makers who are shaping the future of New York City's real estate landscape. Their dedication to community development, innovation, and sustainability is inspiring a new generation of professionals to follow in their footsteps.
