The annual gathering of The Real Estate Board of New York serves as a convergence point for prominent developers, owners, brokers, and key public figures to foster connections, share perspectives, and acknowledge the significant impact they collectively bring to the fabric of New York City. At this event, REBNY unveils its distinguished award recipients. In 2025, REBNY takes pride in introducing a remarkable cohort of individuals leading the charge in the city’s real estate sector and civic engagement. These exceptional men and women showcase an unwavering dedication to enhancing the city, supporting its residents, communities, and overall economic vitality.
Meet this year’s astounding honorees who will be honored on January 16 at The Glasshouse, in New York City.
The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award
Presented to REBNY members who have displayed exceptional service to the real estate industry and professional accomplishments over the course of distinguished careers.
Scott Rechler is the CEO and Chairman of RXR, a fully integrated real estate company and investment manager that owns and manages over 30.5 million SF of commercial properties and over 9,800 multi-family units. RXR specializes in public-private partnerships and master developments, including the new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport and a 1,100-acre, $3 billion mixed-use development in Raleigh, North Carolina. RXR also has a multi-billion credit platform.
The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award
Presented to REBNY members who have displayed exceptional service to the real estate industry and professional accomplishments over the course of distinguished careers.
Jonathan Mechanic is chairman of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department and a member of the firm’s Governance Committee, where he counsels developers, owners, investors, REITs and lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate. Prior to joining Fried Frank as a partner, he was general counsel and a managing director of HRO International, a real estate development organization responsible for developing more than 2.5 million square feet of office space in Manhattan.
The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award
Recognizes REBNY members’ outstanding service to the community.
Michelle Adams is a distinguished leader in urban development and a driving force in New York City’s real estate community and civic landscape. Michelle currently oversees global external relations for Tishman Speyer, including government and community affairs as well as communications and philanthropy. Prior to Tishman Speyer, Michelle served as the executive director of the Association for a Better New York from 2002 until 2010.
The John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award
This award is presented to a New Yorker who has displayed exceptional accomplishments and service in the public’s interest.
Representative Ritchie Torres is a fighter from the Bronx who has spent his entire life working for the community he calls home. Ritchie represents NY-15 and is a member of the Financial Services Committee and the Select Committee on China. In 2013, at the age of twenty-five, Ritchie became New York City’s youngest elected official and the first openly L.G.B.T.Q person elected to office in the Bronx.
The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award
Recognizes individuals within the management area. Winners display outstanding professionalism in property management, civic achievement and contribution to the real estate industry.
Thomas Lloyd is Senior Managing Director of Investor Services in the New York City market for CBRE. Tom represents CBRE lines of businesses for an over $30 billion client portfolio of local and global investor owners of office, retail and industrial assets. With more than 25 years of management experience, Tom has deep expertise in working with real estate investors to maximize investors asset value.
The Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award
Honors a REBNY broker with personal and professional integrity, leadership and prominence in the brokerage community and participation in REBNY’s committees.
Nicola Heryet is a Principal at Avison Young’s New York City office, bringing over 37 years of expertise in commercial real estate. She specializes in the leasing and strategic planning of office spaces, representing both owners and occupiers across New York City. Throughout her career, Nicola has facilitated over 35 million square feet of transactions, earning long-term relationships with prestigious clients.
The Young Real Estate Professional of the Year Award
Presented by the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association to a member whose skills, integrity and ethics have contributed to his or her profession and the community.
Craig Waggner is a Managing Director in the Private Capital Investment Sales Group for Cushman & Wakefield. Craig joined Cushman & Wakefield following the acquisition of Massey Knakal Realty Services in 2014 where he had served for 16 years as a Senior Director. Craig’s accolades include receiving the Steve Spinola Award for demonstrating superior performance and dedication company wide and several CoStar Power Broker Awards.
