As a Building Congress member, you can join committees for networking opportunities and informative meetings featuring notable speakers covering a variety of topics such as large-scale development, public sector capital programs, and industry trends.
Committees & Councils
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
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
John Gering, FAIA
Invitation Only
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.
Michael S. Zetlin, Esq.
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
Katie Nilsen
Mimi Raygorodetsky
Invitation Only
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
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
James Dray
Robert Leon
Lucien Wilson
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
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.
Committee Event
Co-Chairs
Emily Kidlow
Joseph Lauro, AIA, LEED AP, CDT
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.
Committee Event
Co-Chairs
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
Doug Gonzalez
Michael A. Shamma, P.E.
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.
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
Upcoming Committee Events
Committee & Council FAQs
What Committees & Councils can members join?
Members can join any committee that does not have a notation that says invite only.
How do I join a committee?
To join a committee, complete the committee preference form and submit to Giancarlo Sapio.
What are the benefits of participating in a committee?
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.
How can I get more involved?
- 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.