REBNY Honors Outstanding Leaders in Property Management at 24th Annual Residential Management Leadership Breakfast

New York, NY - The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City's leading real estate trade association, gathered members of the residential property management industry today for the 24th Annual Residential Management Leadership Breakfast. The event celebrated the accomplishments of residential building management professionals, including honoring six leaders for outstanding work in the field.

Held at the New York Hilton Midtown, approximately 500 gathered to honor:

• Amy Gould of Milford Management Corp. for Residential Management Executive of the Year Award.

• Bobby Maharaj of the Biltmore Plaza for Building Service Employee of the Year Award.

• Kelly Herzfeld of Ogden CAP Properties for the Residential Management Community Service Award.

• Danny E. Sifonte Sr. of the Orion Condominium for Residential Manager of the Year Award.

• Lauren Svenningsen of ORSID NEW YORK for Residential Management Rising Star of the Year Award.

• Stuart M. Saft of Holland & Knight & Mary Ann Rothman for Outstanding Contribution to the Real Estate Industry Award.

The Residential Manager, Management Executive and Rising Star honors are selected by REBNY's planning committee while the Building Service honor is selected in partnership with 32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the United States.

"We're extremely grateful to celebrate best-in-class work by our partners in property management at this annual event," said REBNY President James Whelan. "Developers, brokers, real estate investment managers and New York City's broader economy relies on the hard work, dedication and skill of property management professionals."

"A strong residential real estate industry is essential to our city's economy and essence," said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU. "It's what makes New York New York, and is a key part of our union, which represents more than 30,000 New York residential members. We congratulate all of the honorees and salute our member honorees, Bobby Maharaj and Danny E. Sifonte, Sr., for their years of exemplary service."

"Residential property management professionals exemplify the resilience and spirit of New York City, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment," said Michael Wolfe, Chair of the REBNY Residential Management Council and President of Wolfe Realty Services. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the honorees and all of my colleagues in the industry who have tirelessly worked to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of New Yorkers in their homes."

Receiving the top honor at this year's event, Amy Gould has worked in the real estate industry for more than 40 years. The Executive of the Year honor recognizes a REBNY member of superior accomplishment from the residential management industry. The criteria for candidates are outstanding professionalism in the field of property management, civic achievement, and contributions to the real estate industry.

"I am so honored to receive this recognition from my peers," said Amy Gould. "Thank you to the REBNY executive board for this award."

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ABOUT THE AWARD WINNERS
Amy Gould has dedicated more than 40 years of service to the real estate industry and to the Milstein family. Starting out as a Property Manager, Ms Gould worked tirelessly to deliver the most exacting standards of excellence with the highest level of integrity, and now serves as Milford Management's Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Legal and Compliance. Throughout her long career at Milford, Ms Gould optimized operational efficiency and enhanced property values for both boards and owners. Her commitment to excellence extended to the resident experience, ensuring that every interaction reflected the company's dedication to quality and service. In addition, Ms. Gould brings her wealth of experience and knowledge into advising co-operative and condominium boards, the Real Estate Board of New York's (REBNY) Residential Management Council.

Bobby Maharaj is the concierge/doorman at Biltmore Plaza, where he began his career 39 years ago. He enjoys welcoming new residents to the building and working hard with the team at Biltmore to provide a safe and responsive environment. A small reward comes years later when residents that have since moved come back to say what a beautiful time they had at Biltmore. In his free time Bobby enjoys home projects and bible study. He is a member of Long Island Church of Christ.

Kelly Herzfeld is Director of Property Management at Ogden CAP Properties, LLC. With over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry, 20 years with Ogden CAP, Kelly has established herself as a trusted leader in managing luxury residential properties. Her extensive knowledge of the market, combined with a genuine commitment to excellence, has allowed Kelly to build enduring relationships and earn the respect of clients and colleagues throughout her career.. She is also actively involved in fundraising efforts, supporting various causes and making a positive impact in her community, such as Cycle for Survival, WSCAH, and NY Cares.

Danny Sifonte, Sr. is Resident Manager for The Orion Condominium. A second-generation Resident Manager, Sifonte has worked in residential building management in New York City for 35 years and 19 years at The Orion Condominium, which is owned by Century Management. Sifonte, Sr. started to learn the fundamentals of the business from his father at 11 and began his residential building management career as a handyman at 19. The 32BJ Thomas Shortman Training Fund has had a major impact on Sifonte, Sr.'s career, offering learning opportunities for hands on skills he uses every day. He has been married to Berna Sifonte for 33 years and is a father of two.

Lauren Svenningsen began her career with Orsid New York in the Administrative department. Lauren has risen through the ranks of Orsid and is currently working on a portfolio of residential properties as well as mentoring and supervising a portfolio of other up-and-coming rising stars. In addition to her management responsibilities, Lauren has recently been appointed to a leadership role in Orsid's Operational Management Group, which supports and oversees the management team concerning critical compliance deadlines and other management priorities and is a member of the Orsid training team.

Stuart M. Saft is a partner and practice group leader of Holland & Knight's New York Real Estate Practice Group, a position that also includes co-chairing the firm's global Condominium Development and Conversion Team. He has extensive experience in real estate development, financing, leasing, conversion-to-condominium and cooperative ownership, exchange, syndication, sale-leaseback, timeshare, restructuring, acquisition and sale of residential, commercial and hospitality property throughout the United States. He also represents borrowers and lending institutions in mortgage lending and workouts. His responsibilities extend to advising public officials at the city, state and national level and has served as board chair of the Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums for over three decades and chaired the New York City Workforce Investment Board for more than 14 years. Moreover, he served on the Board of the National Cooperative Bank in Washington, D.C. for 12 years and was chairman of the Board for four years. He was the first recipient of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Neighborhood Achievement Award.

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ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK
The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City's leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate. REBNY conducts research on various civic matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY regularly publishes market data, policy reports, and broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. For more information, please visit www.rebny.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Santarelli
[email protected]
(212) 616-5249

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