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One of the members-only benefits of joining the New York Building Congress is participation in the active Committees and Councils program. The Committees and Councils meet three to four times annually and feature timely and informative speakers covering a wide spectrum of relevant topics, including major development initiatives, public sector capital programs, market trends, and policy priorities. The meetings also offer a great opportunity to network with industry peers and leaders.

To join one of the Committees or Councils, fill out our online committee preference form above or download a PDF copy and submit it to Giancarlo Sapio at gsapio@buildingcongress.com.

You can also contact Vice President of Programming and Foundation, Alanna Draudt at adraudt@buildingcongress.com with any questions.

Invitation Only

Architects Leadership Council

The Council is composed of New York City’s largest architectural firms, members discuss common issues and advise the Building Congress on key design issues facing the industry and the city.

Co-Chairs

Kirsten Sibilia, Assoc. AIA, LEED

Dattner Architects

John Gering, FAIA

HLW

Invitation Only

Construction Law Committee

The Construction Law Committee focuses on topical legal issues impacting the industry. The committee is composed of in-house general counsel and senior representatives from law firms working on behalf of Building Congress member firms. Its mission is to advance legislative and intra-industry legal issues that are collectively viewed as important to the industry, share best practices and pursue policies that will be advantageous to all Building Congress members.

Co-Chairs

Charles Capetanakis, Esq.

Davidoff Hutcher & Citron

Michael S. Zetlin, Esq.

Zetlin & De Chiara

Council of Industry Women

The Council of Industry Women was designed to provide a platform to facilitate cooperation and coordination among the multiple women’s organizations operating in the design, construction and real estate community. The Council will serve as a vehicle to bring together the leadership of a wide array of firms representing women involved in all facets of New York’s building industry.

Co-Chairs

Brennan Gilbane Koch

Gilbane Building Company

Mimi Raygorodetsky

Langan

Invitation Only

Council of Presidents

The Council of Presidents includes leaders of industry organizations and associations who meet to discuss policy and broad issues affecting the industry.

Chair

Ralph Esposito

Suffolk

Council on Innovation & Best Practices

The Council on Innovation & Best Practices identifies, evaluates, and recommends Innovation and Best Practices throughout the industry with the goal of improving how New York City’s built environment is designed and constructed.

Co-Chairs

Education, Arts & Culture Committee (EAC)

The Education, Arts & Culture Committee explores design and construction activity and trends in the education, arts and culture sectors.  The Committee will also look at the role of capital investment in these sectors, their impact on New York City’s economic development, and how the Building Congress can advocate on behalf them.

Co-Chairs

Linda Chiarelli

New York University

Gus Maimis

STV

Energy & Sustainability Committee

The Energy & Sustainability Committee focuses on pressing energy issues for New York City, including the need for additional electric-generating capacity and ways to enhance energy conservation. The committee also considers the impact of regulatory procedures on economic development and opportunities for resource-conserving design and construction.

Co-Chairs

Emily Kidlow

SL Green Realty Corp.

Joseph Lauro, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

Gensler

Healthcare & Life Sciences Committee

The Healthcare & Life Sciences Committee looks at the financing, design, and development of infrastructure for one of the largest sectors of New York City’s economy. Particular attention is given to the City’s public hospital system, new and proposed projects at major healthcare and life sciences facilities, and innovative financing tools.

Co-Chairs

Jonathan Cogswell

Northwell Health

Raffaela Dunne

VHB

Public Building & Procurement Committee

The Public Building & Procurement Committee monitors the New York City School Construction Authority, New York City Department of Design and Construction, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, DASNY, and other builders of public facilities in New York City. The committee also focuses on efforts to make public procurement and construction practices more efficient and productive.

Co-Chairs

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee looks at the capital programs of the City of New York, MTA, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, New York State Department of Transportation, and other government agencies responsible for building the city’s core infrastructure. The Committee also monitors relevant legislation and policy issues.

Co-Chairs

Kevin Collins

HNTB

Omar Khan

WSP USA

Chanel Lubin

AECOM

Young Professionals Committee (YPC)

The Young Professionals Committee expands on the Building Congress’ efforts to attract, engage, retain, and develop the next generation of industry leaders. The YPC is committed to fostering up-and-coming talent and developing future industry leadership.

Co-Chairs

Michael Braun

Kasirer

Nicole Martin

HNTB

Eleftherios Pittas

Tishman Speyer

Upcoming Committee Events

The New York Building Congress has been an invaluable resource for our team to learn from local business leaders, as well as meet prospective clients, consultants, and fellow members. Its committee meetings provide engaging opportunities for us to share insights and strategies with other industry experts in a collaborative, professional setting, and we are grateful for the partnerships developed through this programming."

Cameron Dake

Director of Project Development, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.

I continue to be impressed with the level of the conversations hosted by the Building Congress and the access to the industry leaders.  These meetings also help further the Building Congress’ pivotal advocacy efforts on behalf of the building industry.

Kirsten Sibilia, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Managing Principal, Dattner Architects

I highly recommend any member to actively participate in the Committees and Councils to gain valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of our industry. Being part of these groups has not only expanded my network but also enhanced my understanding of the challenges we collectively face and opportunities available.

Raffaela Dunne

Regional Institutional Market Director, VHB

Committee and Council meetings offer a focused setting for members to learn about significant projects and trends shaping the City, and tackle important policy challenges facing the industry. Joining these groups is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals and engage in productive discussions that contribute to the betterment of the building community in the region

Andrew Hollweck

Chief Regional Officer - New York, Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.

Committee & Council FAQs

Members can join any committee that does not have a notation that says invite only.

To join a committee, complete the committee preference form and submit to Giancarlo Sapio.

Participating in a New York Building Congress committee offers numerous benefits. They allow members to build relationships with industry leaders, peers, and potential business partners. In addition, you are able to represent your organization’s interests and concerns, helping to influence the direction of industry initiatives. Committees also share information on the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. For more information about committees and councils, contact Alanna Draudt, VP Programming & Foundation.

  • Sponsor a Meeting: Breakfast or lunch is provided at the meetings. If your organization sponsors the breakfast or lunch, your logo will appear on the electronic meeting notices, the screens at the meeting, the agenda,  and on the Building Congress website. You will also receive verbal recognition during the meeting and a mention on social media.
  • Suggest agenda items: If there is a topic you would like to have discussed at an upcoming meeting or a speaker you would like to hear from, please let us know. Suggestions can be sent to Alanna Draudt at adraudt@buildingcongress.com. 

Get Involved

Please consider the following ways in which you can support the Building Congress to ensure the committees continue to be a beneficial resource.

The New York Building Congress stands as the only organization encompassing the leading firms in real estate, engineering, construction, and labor in NYC. From its origins as a social club, it transformed under visionary leaders like Jack Rudin and Peter Brennan into the most influential industry association in New York. The Building Congress has been pivotal in shaping public policies, and supporting projects that generate significant employment and development across the city.

Lou Coletti

President, Lou Coletti Strategies

Congress, we've been able to contribute to and benefit from significant public and private projects that drive New York City’s development.

Farid Cardozo

President & COO, Group PMX

The New York Building Congress (NYBC) is an exceptional organization that excels in fostering networking opportunities, enhancing New York City's infrastructure, and uplifting communities through its commercial building initiatives. Their strong relationships with business owners, builders, and government entities are instrumental in driving forward these vital projects. I highly recommend NYBC for anyone looking to make meaningful connections and contribute to the development of our amazing city's future.

Craig Mann, CFE

Manager, Eisner Advisory Group LLC