Carlo Scissura Named President and CEO of New York Building Congress

New York Building Congress
Rubenstein Communications, Inc.

NEW YORK, November 16, 2016 – Carlo A. Scissura, a lifelong New Yorker and veteran of Brooklyn politics, business, and economic development, has been named President and CEO of the New York Building Congress.

He will succeed Richard T. Anderson, who has served as President of the New York Building Congress for the past 23 years. Mr. Scissura, who has served as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce since 2012, will take over on January 1, 2017. At that time, Mr. Anderson will assume the title of President Emeritus and continue to serve the Building Congress as a consultant.

“Succeeding Dick Anderson, who has been the face of the New York Building Congress for more than two decades, is certainly going to be a challenge, but we are certain that Carlo Scissura is the ideal person to take on this role,” said New York Building Congress Chairman Richard Cavallaro. “A veteran of both the public and private sectors, Carlo has devoted his career to spurring economic growth and development in New York City, and his home borough of Brooklyn in particular.”

Mr. Scissura said, “It is my great honor and privilege to be named President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, one of the most well-respected and influential organizations in the state. The building community is at the center of many of the successes New York has experienced, and it is a driving force behind job creation and a strong economy. As President and CEO, I will work tirelessly to meet the needs of our membership, both private and public, assist in the continued growth of the construction industry, and ensure that the Building Congress remains at the forefront of economic development, policy and legislation in New York and beyond. This organization and its members build New York – from public infrastructure to universities, hospitals and residential and commercial structures – and we will work together to guarantee that all communities benefit from and are a part of the great work of the Building Congress. I am looking forward to a great listening tour with members and partners in the building community, and putting on my ‘hard hat’ to visit some of the amazing projects that our members are involved in! My deepest thanks to Chairman Richard Cavallaro, Vice Chairman and Search Committee Chair Milo Riverso, Current President Richard Anderson, Jack Lusk and the entire Board of Directors.”

“Since 1994, I have had the distinct privilege of serving the design, construction and real estate community and the Building Congress’ members, who are 100 percent dedicated to enhancing the industry and growing New York City’s economy,” said Mr. Anderson. “It is gratifying to know that the organization is in great hands moving forward with Carlo Scissura.”

Under Mr. Scissura’s leadership, the Brooklyn Chamber’s membership has grown by more than 200 percent and is now one of New York’s largest business advocacy and economic development organizations, with over 2,100 members. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of a number of highly innovative and successful initiatives, including Explore Brooklyn, Brooklyn-Made, and Chamber on the Go, and has received substantial new funding from government agencies and private foundations to support the Chamber’s work. During this historic period of growth, the Chamber’s efforts have been widely recognized as creating national models for business development, outreach and technical assistance, and regional branding.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Mr. Scissura served both as Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. During his tenure, he focused on restructuring operations at Borough Hall and driving Brooklyn’s economic development agenda. He also served on the Boards of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, and Brooklyn Public Library.

Prior to joining the Borough President’s Office, Mr. Scissura owned a thriving solo practice law firm in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. He previously served on the staffs of State Senator Vincent Gentile and Assemblyman Peter Abbate.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. Scissura has deep roots in community service. During his five years on Community School Board 20 in Brooklyn, he reinvigorated both the Legislative and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committees and worked closely with parents and teachers.

He was appointed to the Community Education Council (CEC) for District 20 in 2004, where he served as President and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. During his time at the CEC, Mr. Scissura vigorously advocated increased community and parental involvement, strengthened the cooperation among civic leaders and schools, and continued the relationships built during his years on the school board. He was instrumental in having the School Construction Authority approve the largest capital construction plan for District 20. He also served as a member of Community Board 11.

‎Currently, Mr. Scissura is the President of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, where he has spearheaded the building of the new Italian Cultural and Community Center, and is the Master of Ceremonies for the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade. Mr. Scissura has received numerous honors and awards for his work in the community.

The selection of Mr. Scissura is the culmination of a 10-month search led by STV Group President and CEO Milo E. Riverso. The search committee also included: Richard T. Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress; Richard Cavallaro, Chairman of the New York Building Congress and President/CEO of Skanska USA Inc.; Ralph J. Esposito, President of Lend Lease (US) Construction LMB, Inc.; Sharon Greenberger, President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York; Maureen A. Henegan, Chair/CEO of Henegan Construction Co., Inc.; Gregory A. Kelly, President/CEO -U.S. of WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff; Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York; Terrence E. O’Neal, Managing Principal of Terrence O’Neal Architect, LLC; Jonathan D. Resnick, President of Jack Resnick & Sons; Lawrence P. Roman, CEO of WDF, Inc.; Frank J. Sciame, Chairman/CEO of Sciame Construction LLC; Dominick M. Servedio, Executive Chairman of STV Group, Inc.; and Michael S. Zetlin, Senior Partner of Zetlin & DeChiara LLP.

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The New York Building Congress is a membership coalition of business, labor, association, and government organizations promoting the design, construction, and real estate industry in New York City.

The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to complement the New York Building Congress through a program of targeted philanthropy, research, and educational activities.