Board Members
Hank Gutman Board Chair
Henry “Hank” Gutman is a retired Partner of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP, where he headed the Intellectual Property Practice Group from 1996 until his recent retirement. During his forty-year legal career, Hank litigated a wide range of high-profile intellectual property cases, including Lotus v. Borland, which he argued before the United States Supreme Court. Hank is a Professor at New York Law School, and a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. He serves on the Board of Brooklyn Bridge Park, helping create a world-class park on what was an abandoned waterfront. He is a trustee of the Brooklyn Public Library, where he co-chairs the Digital Innovation Committee, and a member of the Board of St. Ann’s Warehouse.
Rotimi Akinnuoye Owner, Bed-Vyne
Rotimi Akinnuoye is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist with corporate experience in biotechnology Sales and Marketing. Since immigrating from Nigeria as an adolescent he has been engaged in several business ventures, including real estate, nightlife and retail. In 2011 he and three partners created a wine and spirits retail shop, Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits Shop, located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Within 10 years, the Bed-Vyne brand has developed into a total of three businesses including two bars, Bed-Vyne Brew and Bed-Vyne Cocktail, and become a Bedford-Stuyvesant institution. Rotimi is currently the board chair of the Bed-Stuy YMCA. He is also a co-founder of M.A.D.E. Community, an incubator that seeks to discover and promote women and people of color who are entrepreneurs, creatives and tech professionals.
Leah Archibald Executive Director, Evergreen
Leah Archibald is the Executive Director of Evergreen, a membership organization supporting the growth of industrial jobs in North Brooklyn. She and her team assist over 300 businesses annually with financing, real estate, workforce development, and policy advocacy. Previously, Leah was the Marketing Manager at the Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation and Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation. She has also worked in community development for New York State Assemblyman Jim Brennan and West Hollywood Councilman Paul Koretz. Active in civic initiatives, Leah has served on Community Board 7, the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund Steering Committee, and the Newtown Creek Superfund Community Advisory Group. She sits on the boards of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development and the Urban Manufacturing Alliance.
Marco Carrion Executive Director, El Puente de Williamsburg, Inc.
Marco A. Carrión is the Executive Director of El Puente, a youth-focused human rights organization founded in 1982 with locations in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico. The organization uses education and the arts to promote racial and environmental justice. Before his current role, Marco was appointed by the New York City Mayor as Commissioner of Community Affairs, a position he held for seven years. He has also served as the Political and Legislative Director of the New York City Central Labor Council and Chief of Staff to a New York State Senator. Earlier in his career, he worked with the New York State Governor, the AFL-CIO, and the United Federation of Teachers.
Mark Chambers Architect
Mark Chambers is an environmental policy leader, advocate for social justice and licensed architect inspired by public service and lessons of collective action. He recently served as Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was previously Chief Sustainability Officer for both New York City and the District of Columbia, where he led efforts to accelerate climate policy implementation in America’s largest city and the Nation’s capital. Mark has also lent his talents to leadership in several climate focused philanthropic, policy and impact organizations.
Ofer Cohen Founder & CEO, TerraCRG
Ofer Cohen is the Founder and CEO of TerraCRG, the ‘Only Brooklyn.®’ commercial real estate firm. Ofer founded the company in 2008 with the vision of catering solely to the most exciting and robust sub-markets in the United States. Ofer’s focus on Brooklyn extends beyond business and into philanthropy and civic service. He is the Board Chair of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and serves on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, TerraCRG actively supports many local causes and Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizations.
William Cruz Senior Program Director, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
William Cruz is the Senior Program Director at the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. William has a varied and successful career in the administration and delivery of social and governmental services. His experiences include being an Area Program Coordinator for the Urban League’s Work Incentive Program, Administrative Assistant for the Community Development Agency, a New York City teacher, and a narcotic Parole Officer and Human Rights Investigator. Additionally, he has also received the Drug and Substance Abuse Services and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner’s awards for outstanding work and has been recognized by two State House Speakers for personal advocacy efforts and involvement on behalf of substance abuse treatment programs.
Lisa Davis Portfolio Manager and Head of Sustainable Construction, PGIM Real Estate
Lisa Davis is a Portfolio Manager and Head of Sustainable Construction at PGIM Real Estate. Before joining PGIM Real Estate, Lisa was the director of Investor Relations and Specialty Originations at Pembrook Capital Management, where she raised capital from institutional investors for commercial real estate investment, primarily focusing on affordable housing and community development. Additionally, Lisa spent six years at the Ford Foundation, where she made grant investments in affordable housing and community development, led the foundation’s Detroit program, and helped to start Ford’s impact investing initiative. Prior to the Ford Foundation, Lisa spent twelve years doing commercial real estate development in Boston.
Gabrielle Fialkoff Former Commissioner, New York City Parks
Gabrielle Fialkoff was the former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Gabrielle brings more than twenty-five years of experience working with the government, nonprofit, philanthropic, and business communities. In March of 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio asked Gabrielle to temporarily return to the New York City administration to serve as Senior Advisor to the Mayor for COVID-19 Relief to leverage her extensive experience with crisis management as well as relationships in the private and philanthropic sectors to aid New York City’s response efforts.
Blake Foote Workforce Development Consultant
Blake Foote has worked since 2005 with government, nonprofits, businesses, and foundations to improve workforce and economic policy in New York City. She is Chair of the CUNY School of Professional Studies Foundation Board and has served on the boards of Brooklyn Public Library, Workforce Professionals Training Institute, and Center for an Urban Future. Blake was Executive Director of the New York City Workforce Investment Board, overseeing federal funding for local workforce programs, and at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, managing large-scale hiring initiatives like Ikea, Fresh Direct, and the Fulton Fish Market relocation. She has also researched federal workforce programs at the United States Government Accountability Office and helped launch industry-specific employment initiatives. Blake began her career as a counselor and teacher for unhoused jobseekers and at-risk youth in California, Washington, DC, and South Africa.
Adam Friedman Chief Strategy Officer, Provost’s Office for Research and Strategic Partnerships
Adam Friedman is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Provost’s Office for Research and Strategic Partnerships at Pratt Institute. Previously, he was the third Executive Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development. Prior to his work at the Pratt Center, Adam was founder and chief executive officer of New York Industrial Retention Network, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to strengthening New York City’s manufacturing sector and promoting environmentally sustainable development. Additionally, Adam also acted as Deputy Director for Development for the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.
Camille Hastick Brooklyn Director, Office of the New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Camille holds the position of Brooklyn Director within the Office of the NYS Comptroller for Thomas P. DiNapoli. Camille has been employed in various industries, including over 15 years at the Bank of New York Mellon, New York City Department of Small Business Services and for a short while employed at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Programs and Services/Chief of Staff.
Kei Hayashi Founder, BJH Advisors
Kei Hayashi is the founder of BJH Advisors, a firm that provides analysis and strategies for using economic development finance tools at the local, state, and federal level. She has extensive experience advising clients on innovative financing and development strategies for real estate projects. Kei’s skills and experience are tailored to support both private and public sector clients. Prior to founding BJH, Kei was Senior Vice President at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, in addition to serving as Executive Director of the New York City Industrial Development Agency which provides tax-exempt financing and tax incentives to businesses and nonprofits. Kei was also a Vice President at Bay Area Economics and worked for the Regional Plan Association and Senator Frank Lautenberg.
Jillian Joseph Managing Director, Associate General Counsel, TIAA
Jillian Joseph serves as Managing Director and Associate General Counsel at Nuveen, the asset management arm of TIAA. In this role, Jillian supports Nuveen Real Estate – one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world with $156 billion in assets under management. Outside of TIAA, Jillian serves as a Corporate Director on the Board of Carver Federal Savings Bank, a publicly traded federally chartered stock savings bank. Prior to TIAA, Jillian spent five years as Executive Counsel for GE Capital’s Real Estate Business and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP. While at Skadden, Jillian represented Empire State Development Corporation in connection with its Atlantic Yards Project, the $4 billion mixed-use development that includes the sports arena for the Brooklyn Nets, “Barclay’s Center.”
Meredith Kane Of Counsel, Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP
Meredith Kane is Of Counsel at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP. She regularly represents developers, equity investors, institutional and entrepreneurial owners and governmental agencies in all aspects of development, finance, acquisitions and sales, equity joint ventures, restructuring, leasing and securitization of real estate. Previously, she served as a commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and was a member of the World Trade Center Memorial Center Advisory Committee.
Joseph Kohl-Riggs Principal, Hudson Companies
Joseph Kohl-Riggs is the principal of Hudson Companies, where he manages Hudson’s acquisition program, investment funds, and a portfolio of development projects. Previously, at Hudson, he was responsible for sourcing and evaluating new business opportunities. Before joining Hudson, Joseph worked for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development in the 421-a tax exemption unit and interned for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.
Joel Leitner Founding Partner, Leitner Berman
Joel Leitner has over 36 years of experience in real estate valuation, investment, analysis, and consultation. Joel’s experience includes a diversified background in the valuation of real estate on a national basis for a wide range of applications including market value appraisals, property portfolio consulting and management, investment advisory service, valuations and consulting studies for securitization-equity based and mortgage-backed transactions, purchase price allocations, liquidation sale valuations, condemnation, tax reduction, estates, and expert witness testimony for litigation. These assignments have been conducted on behalf of foreign and domestic investment firms including major industrial corporations, leading foreign and domestic financial institutions, individual investors, leading law firms, and government agencies.
Edward Mafoud Principal, Damascus Bakery
Edward Mafoud is the owner of Damascus Bakeries, a leading producer of Middle Eastern pita and lavash breads. Under his leadership, the bakery has gained recognition for its “Flat Bread Experience,” which emphasizes artisanal flavor and texture. Edward oversees the company’s operations, fostering a team of dedicated employees, known as “Warriors,” who contribute to the brand’s continued success. He has expanded Damascus Bakery’s reach across the United States and internationally, solidifying its position as a respected leader in the industry. Edward is also an active civic leader, serving as chairperson of St. Nicholas Home and a trustee for the Staten Island University Foundation Board, as well as being involved with the Salaam Club of New York.
Ronald McCain Consultant
Ronald McCain is a retired architect from the New York City Department of Buildings. Holding a Bachelor of Architecture and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute, Ronald served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He obtained his New York State Architect License in 1980 and contributed to various architectural and construction projects. Notably, he served as the Chief of Architecture Renovation Contracts at the New York City Housing Authority and held the position of Borough Commissioner and Director of the Facade Inspection and Safety Program at the New York City Department of Buildings. As an Adjunct Professor at the Metropolitan Education Center in Brooklyn, New York, Ronald shared his expertise in Urban Planning and Contractor Upgrading.
Alexander Nojovits Member, United Jewish Organization
Alexander Nojovits was born in Budapest, Hungary and moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1950. Alexander serves as a member of the United Jewish Organization since 1968 and has been on the Board of Directors of the Satmar Organization in Williamsburg since 1965. He previously served as the President of the Metropolitan Business Brokers. Further, he studied at the United Talmudical Academy in Williamsburg.
Ramon Peguero President & CEO, The Committee for Hispanic Children & Families
Ramon Peguero is the President and CEO of the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc. (HDFC). Prior to this role, he served as Executive Director of Southside United HDFC, focused on developing affordable housing, preventing tenant displacement, running a senior center and food pantry, and managing affordable housing projects. Ramon is the founder and director of an annual community Thanksgiving Dinner, founder and director of an Annual Dominican Independence Day Celebration, Board Chair of Nuestros Ninos Preschool Center, and was the first President of the Community Education Council.
Jocelynne Rainey President & CEO, Brooklyn Community Foundation
Jocelynne Rainey joined Brooklyn Community Foundation as President and CEO in December 2021. She oversees the development of strategic initiatives, innovative programs, and community-centered philanthropic services. Before joining the Foundation, Jocelynne served as CEO and President of Getting Out and Staying Out, a citywide nonprofit serving justice-involved individuals. Previously, she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC). During her eight years at BNYDC, Jocelynne increased workforce placements, increased the number of minority- and women-owned businesses that secured procurement contracts, and was an integral part of the team that created the innovative STEAM Center Department of Education High School Program.
Wendy Rowden Former President, Building for the Arts NY, Inc.
Wendy Rowden served as the President of Building for the Arts NY, Inc. (BFA). Wendy has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to joining BFA, Wendy was the President of 42nd Street Development Corporation, a 40-year-old nonprofit that champions arts investments that catalyze neighborhood development. Further, she led Jonathan Rose Companies’ Investments where she was responsible for all aspects of the firm’s investment management. Wendy is a past President of Women Executives in Real Estate (WX) and was the 2016 WX Woman of the Year. Notably, Wendy taught real estate development at Columbia Business School.
Carlo A. Scissura President and CEO, New York Building Congress
Carlo A. Scissura, Esq. is the President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, a position he has held since January 2017. The New York Building Congress is a membership association dedicated to advancing the growth and success of New York City’s construction industry. Before joining the New York Building Congress, Carlo served as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Under Carlo’s leadership, the Chamber became one of New York’s largest business advocacy and economic development organizations, and its membership grew by more than 200 percent to over 2,200 members. He previously served both as Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for nearly five years before leading the Brooklyn Chamber. Carlo is a member of the boards of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, ACE Mentorship, Salvadori Center and the Friends of the BQX.
Steven M. Sinacori Partner, Akerman Senterfitt LLP
Steven Sinacori is a partner of Akerman Senterfitt LLP. He has broad experience in both land use and transactional real estate matters. He has represented numerous clients before the Board of Standards and Appeals, the City Planning Commission, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and numerous other government agencies. Steven previously served as Counsel and Compliance Officer to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, which functions as New York City’s local land-use review and relief agency. He has also served as Director of Appointments in the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York, representing the Mayor at public events and meetings and serving as a liaison to various elected officials and communities.
Sam Stern Chairman, United Jewish Organizations
Sam Stern serves as chairman of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn’s Community Advisory. He works closely with city, state, and federal officials in the area to address the needs of the community. He is a well-known activist for the Orthodox Jewish community of Williamsburg. He served on the transition team of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, as a clergy committee member. Sam has a career in Yiddish writing. He assisted city agencies in crafting Yiddish messages appropriate for native Yiddish speakers and advocates for providing information for Yiddish speakers in the right format and dialect.
Bill D. Turner
Bill Turner spent three decades as a management consultant at McKinsey, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and A.T.Kearney, working with large financial institutions in twenty-five countries on issues of strategy, corporate governance, and operational effectiveness. He led strategy and financial services consulting practices in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, across Europe, and in Greater China. Prior to consulting, Bill led the corporate banking business for Chemical Bank, now JPMorgan Chase, in five mid-western states. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in economics and earned an Master of Business Administration in finance from Columbia. Bill has served on the boards of Aspen Public Radio and the Aspen Science Center, with stints as Chair of both.
Toni Yuille-Williams Former Director of Public Affairs, Con Edison
Toni Yuille-Williams is the former director of Public Affairs, Government Relations, for Con Edison Company of New York, Inc. Toni joined Con Edison in 1988 where she was Manager of Public Information, shortly thereafter, she was promoted to the Director of Public Affairs position with the Company. Before joining Con Edison, she was the Director of the Human Resources Administration’s first Voucher Day Care Program. Toni is or has been on the boards of the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Alliance, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Brooklyn Arts Council, Brooklyn Information and Culture, Children’s Defense Fund, New York City Technical College Foundation Board and the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. Toni was also appointed to the Mayor’s Panel on the Role of Brooklyn in the 19th Century Abolitionist Movement. Toni is currently the award-winning Executive Producer of Brooklyn Savvy Productions with two media properties, Brooklyn Savvy television show and Art Movez radio show and podcast.
