Michael Mintz
CEO of MD2 Property Group
Neil B. Garfinkel, Esq.
Founder
Managing Partner, Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Neil B. Garfinkel, Esq. leads his full-service, NY and CA-based law firm with a focus on all aspects of residential and commercial real estate, banking, and lending law. As Broker Counsel to the Real Estate Board of New York (“REBNY”) and appointed member of the New York State Real Estate Board, as well as certified instructor of real estate courses, he provides training programs across the country and created the TOOLBOX 4 SUCCESS to be an integral resource for the real estate community. Neil was recently named a Notable in Real Estate by CRAINS and a Power Lawyer by Schneps Media.
Michael J. Romer, Esq.
Founder
Managing Partner, Romer Debbas, LLP
Michael J. Romer, Esq. is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Romer Debbas, LLP. Michael represents a broad range of clients in connection with the acquisition, sale, lease, development and/or financing of commercial land residential properties. Such clients include both domestic and foreign individuals buying for residential or investment purposes as well as institutional and private equity clients. Michael is also counsel to a wide majority of lending institutions in the country that are focused on real estate finance. He is a frequent contributor to local and national media including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Real Deal and Nasdaq TV. In addition, Michael frequently lectures in NYC's major real estate brokerage firms.
Pierre E. Debbas, Esq.
Founder
Managing Partner, Romer Debbas, LLP
Pierre E. Debbas, Esq. is a partner and founding member of Romer Debbas, LLP. Pierre has extensive experience in the areas of real estate and general business law. His practice focuses on the purchase and sale of commercial and residential real estate in New York City, commercial leasing, real estate related financing matters, representation of cooperative and condominium boards, foreign investors and small businesses. Pierre is frequently quoted in a variety of national and regional publications including The New York Times, Bloomberg TV and The Wall Street Journal. He is regularly a featured lecturer at several of the city’s largest real estate brokerage firms.
Michael Aharoni
Director/Founder
Home at Last Career Institute
Home at Last Career Institute
Michael Aharoni is a certified distance education instructor (CDEI), real estate broker, and HUD-certified housing counselor, widely recognized as a leading mentor and educator within the military and first responder community. He is the founder of Home at Last, the largest nonprofit educational organization of its kind serving “Thin Line” families, and has testified before Congress, spoken at the Pentagon, and trained professionals across the real estate industry. Dedicated to empowering others, Michael focuses on helping individuals grow personally and professionally through education, mentorship, and impactful speaking engagements.
Dorothy Botsoe
Broker-Owner
Dorothy Jenson Realty, Inc.
Dorothy Jenson Realty, Inc.
Dorothy Botsoe is a real estate powerhouse with over 25 years of experience in Lower New York and the Broker-Owner of Dorothy Jensen Realty, Inc. Previously, she was President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Dorothy is a NYS certified instructor and teaches courses such as Agency, Fair Housing, Ethics, Implicit and Explicit Bias, Short Sales and Distressed properties.
Eric Brecher, Esq., CES
Executive Vice President
Chicago Deferred Exchange Company
Chicago Deferred Exchange Company
Eric Brecher is an attorney and Certified Exchange Specialist—one of approximately 125 professionals in the country with this designation. He serves as Executive Vice President of Wintrust Financial Corporation’s 1031 exchange division, Chicago Deferred Exchange Company, where he oversees complex like-kind exchange transactions. With more than 17 years of experience as a Qualified Intermediary, Eric works closely with attorneys, accountants, and real estate professionals on thousands of successful exchanges.
Melissa Cohn
Executive Vice President
Raveis Mortgage
Raveis Mortgage
A pioneer in the mortgage industry for more than 35 years, Melissa Cohn began her career with CitiMortgage before launching her own successful mortgage company, The Manhattan Mortgage Company in 1985. As one of the very first independent mortgage brokers, Ms. Cohn was able to exponentially grow her business into the #1 residential mortgage broker on the East Coast with more than $5 billion in annual volume. Her expertise and insights are regularly featured in press including Forbes, CNBC/Acorns, and Mansion Global.
Antonio del Rosario
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Brown Harris Stevens
Antonio del Rosario has been a licensed associate real estate broker and head of the Antonio del Rosario team for over 20 years. He has been involved in over 2,000 real estate transactions throughout his career totaling over $1 Billion. Antonio is also a consultant on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Heather Domi
Associate Real Estate Broker
Douglas Elliman
Heather Domi is a highly experienced and skilled real estate agent with over 22 years of expertise in the industry. She specializes in the luxury markets in Manhattan and South Florida and has a strong background within new development sales and marketing. With a proven track record of success, Heather has sold over $1.5 billion in residential real estate in New York City and has consistently been ranked in the top 1% nationally by the Wall Street Journal/Real Trends and within the top 30 in NYC.
Michael R. Feldman, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas, LLP
Michael R. Feldman, Esq. is a partner at Romer Debbas LLP and manager of the firm’s residential real estate department. Michael concentrates his practice on representing buyers, sellers and lending institutions in residential and commercial real estate transactions. He is involved in all aspects of the firm’s transactional real estate practice and is well versed in the areas of contract negotiation and due diligence. Michael is a frequent presenter on various topics involving New York residential real estate. Since 2017, Michael has been named in the Rising Stars section of Super Lawyers. Rising Stars lists the top 2.5% of lawyers under the age of 40 in their practice area.
Seth Feldman, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas, LLP
Romer Debbas, LLP
Seth I. Feldman, Esq. is a Partner in the firm and Manager of the Co-op/Condo Governance Department. Seth represents a wide variety of Co-op and Condo Boards throughout New York City as well as countless buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. Seth also represents commercial landlords and tenants in the negotiation of commercial leases. Clients, brokers, property managers, and lenders alike know Seth to be responsive, thorough, and amiable.
Josh Garfinkel, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Josh Garfinkel, Esq. is currently an associate in AGMB’s real estate practice, where he represents purchasers, sellers and lenders in real estate transactions. Since high school, Josh has interned at AGMB and, while attending law school at night, Josh worked as a Team Lead in AGMB’s Pay-Off Department and worked in AGMB’s Trusts and Estates and Entertainment divisions.
Alan Goodkin
Managing Director
Ackman-Ziff
Alan Goodkin joined Ackman-Ziff in 2000 and serves as a Managing Director. Alan has originated, structured and closed over $8 billion in debt and equity transactions on a variety of asset types including retail, office, hotel, multifamily and land. In 2016, Alan won the Real Estate Board of New York’s Most Ingenious Deal of the Year award in the finance category for the $66.5 million, 100% of cost, construction loan for the development of a 160,000 square foot medical office and parking facility in East New York, Brooklyn. In 2005, his financing of the conversion of the Watergate Hotel was awarded the “Best Real Estate Deal Award for Financing” by the Washington Business Journal.
Kael Goodman
President
Marketproof
Marketproof
Kael Goodman is an entrepreneur with a history of using technology and data to bridge the offline and online worlds. In 2009, Kael founded BlankSlate, a media and technology company monetizing a network of web properties, which led to his eventual acquisition of niche Brooklyn real estate site Brownstoner. Brownstoner, along with the monetization software BlankSlate had built, was acquired by Schneps Communications in 2017. Shortly after the sale of Brownstoner, Kael’s latest venture, Marketproof, was born.
Larry Haber, Esq.
Partner
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Larry Haber, Esq. is the managing partner of the Commercial Real Estate Department of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP. Larry takes great pride in providing his clients with the power to make knowledgeable decisions concerning their business and individual needs. Combining decades of commercial real estate ownership with a professional background in law, accounting, commercial brokerage, property management, construction, planning and development, Larry and his team can be the difference in helping their clients navigate the challenging times that may lie ahead in their lives or business.
Scott Harris
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Founder of Magnetic Real Estate
Founder of Magnetic Real Estate
Since 2003, Scott Harris and the Harris Residential Team, which he founded and leads, has been involved in the marketing and sales of more than $750 million of New York City residential property. In 2015, Scott was recognized as the number 30 broker in New York City and among the top 250 in the nation, in sales volume, by the WSJ/Real Trends Top 1000 list. He is recognized on an annual basis among the top 10 agents within his firm, Brown Harris Stevens. Scott is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York. He has achieved the certification as a New York Residential Specialist, and Certified Negotiation Expert. Both designations are reflective of his dedication to excellence.
Heather Huff
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Bohemia Realty Group
Bohemia Realty Group
Heather Huff is a licensed real estate salesperson and continuing education instructor with an emphasis on Fair Housing consulting. Heather uses social media platforms and marketing to connect with new clients and industry professionals in a fun and refreshing way that builds her personal brand. Alongside her performing work in the theater world, she has also worked in event management and event production for many years and hosts a travel show and travel Instagram profile.
Tony Jao
Home Lending Officer
Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank
Tony Jao is a home lending officer for Citizens Bank (NMLS# 7536). For over 20 years he has specialized in residential purchases for the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets. Tony frequently teaches continuing education classes for real estate agents locally and has also written articles on lending in condos and co-ops for publications related to the local real estate market.
Tara King-Brown
Licensed Associated Real Estate Broker
The Corcoran Group
The Corcoran Group
Tara King-Brown brings over 17 years of experience selling luxury real estate and has built her reputation as an ambitious, knowledgeable, and integrity-driven agent who delivers exceptional results for her clients. She has sold over $750M in her career and is distinguished within the Top 20 Small Team by Volume in Manhattan & Top 30 in New York State according to the RealTrends 2022 rankings. Tara is an established New Development expert and sell-out specialist. She has represented many top developers in marquee projects throughout New York City.
Deanna Kory
Associate Real Estate Broker
The Corcoran Group
The Corcoran Group
Deanna Kory is one of Manhattan’s top-performing real estate agents, consistently ranking among the top three brokers in sales volume at The Corcoran Group with nearly four decades of experience. Alongside her team, she has closed over $2 billion in residential sales in the past decade, earning a reputation for exceptional market knowledge, strategic marketing, and a predominantly referral-based clientele. Known for her expertise across all asset types—from luxury Fifth Avenue and Central Park West properties to downtown lofts and new developments—she is also a sought-after media voice featured in The New York Times, The Real Deal, and major television outlets.
Michael L. Landsman
Co-Managing Partner
Holm & O'Hara, LLP
Michael L. Landsman, Esq. is the Co-Managing Partner of Holm & O'Hara LLP and author of Key Strategies for Real Estate Investors. His practice centers on real estate transactions, estate planning/administration, and the dynamic intersection between the two. Michael's real estate practice includes complex transactions including commercial transfers, IRC 1031 like-kind exchanges, and the acquisition and sale of NNN leased and multifamily investment properties. His trusts and estates practice is focused on representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and strategic counseling in estate planning including management of estate administration to ensure compliance with federal and state tax laws.
Georgia Lombardo-Barton
President
Barton Management
Georgia Lombardo-Barton, has been in residential building management and construction for over fifteen years. Her experiences include construction management of new condo conversions/developments for notable NYC developers Rockrose Development and RFR Davis. Prior to forming Barton Management LLC, she joined Morton Glick of Morton Andrews, Ltd as a partner. Ms. Barton was previously associated with Lawrence Properties for several years. As its group leader, her team was awarded the prestigious NYARM recognition for best management in 1999. She has a BBA Degree in Finance from Baruch College. She is also a licensed R.E. broker.
Nick Malfitano
Sales Director
TitleVest
As a Sales Executive for TitleVest, Nick is acutely involved in the growth components of the title insurance business. With clients across the real estate spectrum, Nick leverages his 10 years in commercial and residential real estate to provide value to lawyers, institutional owners and residential agents alike. With a propensity for developing strategic relationships, connecting intelligent and innovative people and solutions is the nucleus of Nick’s business and a core value to his industry associations. Technology and cutting edge advancements will continue to excite the business of real estate, however, its Nick’s belief that great people, with these tools in-hand, will move the industry forward.
Gary L. Malin
Chief Operating Officer
The Corcoran Group
The Corcoran Group
With more than two decades of real estate experience, Gary Malin is one of the industry’s most prominent and well-respected executives. As Chief Operating Officer of The Corcoran Group, Gary is actively engaged in the day-to-day operations of New York City’s leading brokerage firm. He ensures company departments function at the highest level while seeking innovative solutions to conducting business smarter and more efficiently. Gary leads Corcoran senior sales executives in the recruiting and nurturing of top talent - and builds alliances with key real estate entities and professionals.
Paul Massey
Chief Executive Officer
B6 Real Estate Advisors
B6 Real Estate Advisors
Massey began his career at CBRE and later co-founded Massey Knakal Realty Services. As CEO, Massey managed the development of the firm’s strategic initiatives, which led to being ranked NY’s #1 investment sales company for 14 years. Massey Knakal was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield in 2014, leading Paul to serve as the President, NY Investment Sales.
In 2017, Massey ran as a Mayoral Candidate for NYC, focusing on education, housing, and homelessness. In July 2018, Paul and his partners Neil Heilberg and Michael Wlody, launched B6 Real Estate Advisors (Building By Building, Block By Block). The investment sales and capital advisory firm specializes in the middle-market and employs a Territory Network model which ensures sub-market expertise for its agents along with an owner-aligned philosophy and technology forward platform.
Eric McLendon
CEO
Clear National Title
Clear National Title
Eric McLendon established Clear National Title to raise the bar on title service. His experience as a contractor, investor, developer, and an award-winning sales agent for one of New York’s largest brokerage firms was the catalyst for his vision, and his success. Eric has emerged as an accomplished leader and recognizable figure both in real estate and across a multitude of professional networks. A proud minority business owner with inspiring entrepreneurial roots, he brings capability, ingenuity and reassurance to the most complex real estate transactions.
James Nelson
Principal, Head of Tri-State Investment Sales
Avison Young
Avison Young
James Nelson is Principal and Head of Avison Young’s Tri-State Investment Sales group where he leads a group of three dozen professionals in the sale of multi-family, office, development and retail properties.
In 2018, the Tri-State Investment Sales group closed 16 sales valued at $394 million, resulting in Avison Young naming James one of its Top Sales Professionals for the year.
James has built a unique sales platform at Avison Young consisting of a unified, client first, sales group that is broken out by asset class, rather than territory, and where brokers share information and commissions in order to provide the best client experience. The group is currently marketing 50+ active listings valued at over $1.5 billion.
Sarah Orlinsky-Maitland
Managing Director, Agent Strategy
Compass
Compass
A natural trouble-shooter, Sarah fosters a positive environment with a hands-on approach and a will to find a solution to every problem. Stemming from her background as tour manager of Broadway shows for over a decade, Sarah wears a behind the scenes hat, promoting, supporting, and motivating the agents who work with her in all facets of their professional lives.
Sarah is deeply involved with the Real Estate Board of New York. Her work with the New York Residential Specialist program as an Executive Committee member has gained her respect throughout the brokerage community.
A native New Yorker, a mother of two, a half marathon runner and a world traveler, Sarah is also trilingual in English, French, and Spanish. She attended Boston University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology and is always seeking more learning opportunities.
Vince Rocco
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Brown Harris Stevens
Brown Harris Stevens
Vince Rocco is a trusted New York City real estate advisor known for his integrity, hands-on approach, and commitment to guiding clients through every stage of the transaction process. With deep expertise across Manhattan and Brooklyn, he is highly regarded for his success in new development sales and marketing, having led the sellout of several prominent condominium projects. Vince is a recognized industry voice, featured on HGTV and in major publications, and hosts two popular real estate podcasts while also teaching continuing education at the New York Real Estate Institute.
Noah Rosenblatt
Founder & Chief Executive Office
Urban Digs
Urban Digs
Noah Rosenblatt is the founder and CEO of Urban Digs which is an industry leader in data insights and technology for professional real estate agents in the New York City residential real estate markets.
Sarah Saltzberg
Principal Licensed Real Estate Broker
Bohemia Realty Group
Bohemia Realty Group
Sarah Saltzberg is co-owner of Bohemia Realty Group, a boutique and independently owned real estate firm of 100+ agents that services the NYC area. Sarah accidentally got into real estate when she was raising money for a show she helped create, which became the Tony-award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In addition to Spelling Bee, Sarah’s creative credits include: additional material author on Broadway’s Gettin’ The Band Back Together, creator/actor of off-Broadway's Don't Quit Your Night Job; co-writer of off-Broadway's Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage. Sarah sits on the board of directors at REBNY, is the co-chair of REBNY's Fair Housing Committee, and is the 2022 recipient of the Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award which recognizes a REBNY member's outstanding service to the community.
Michael Santora
Principal
SB+C Architecture, D.P.C.
SB+C Architecture, D.P.C.
Luciane Serifovic
CEO & Founder
Luxian International Realty
Luxian International Realty
Luciane Serifovic is a luxury real estate powerhouse, thought leader, and founder of Luxian International Realty which is the first Luxury Virtual Real Estate company servicing HNWI and Sports & Entertainment clients worldwide.
Eighteen years ago, Luciane walked into a real estate office in Manhattan and convinced the manager to give “a young woman from Brazil who spoke little English and knew little about New York City,” a chance. Since then, she has sold and managed multi-millions of dollars of high end New York real estate, coached hundreds of agents, and appeared in many speaking and media engagements.
Eighteen years ago, Luciane walked into a real estate office in Manhattan and convinced the manager to give “a young woman from Brazil who spoke little English and knew little about New York City,” a chance. Since then, she has sold and managed multi-millions of dollars of high end New York real estate, coached hundreds of agents, and appeared in many speaking and media engagements.
Samantha Sheeber, Esq.
Managing Partner
Starr Associates, LLP
Samantha Sheeber is the managing partner at Starr Associates LLP. Ms. Sheeber practices in the development and offering plan group. She specializes in the registration of offering plans for both new construction condominiums and conversions of existing rental properties, including, mixed-use, residential and commercial properties. Ms. Sheeber works closely with New York’s leading developers to provide counsel and advice from the earliest stages of the development process through the final stages of creating the project from acquisition and construction through contract drafting, negotiation and closing of individual units. She is well versed in navigating the complex registration requirements of the New York State Department of Law, for both in state and out of state projects. Ms. Sheeber has been recognized in the real estate community (by developers and brokers as well as other attorneys) as a top deal maker in the creation of condominiums and the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements. Use this area to describe the image or provide supporting information.
Cathy Taub
Senior Global Real Estate Advisor, Associate Broker
Sotheby's International Realty
Cathy Taub is a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker with over $2 billion in career sales and a 2017 Wall Street Journal/Real Trends ranking of #42 in the country by Sales Volume, #2 in the Sotheby’s International Realty Manhattan Brokerage, and top 25 in Sotheby's International Realty nationwide. Cathy works with sellers to list properties throughout Manhattan and represents buyers in their search for primary homes, pieds-a-terre, and investment properties and has vast experience selling cooperatives, condominiums, and townhouses. Cathy is proud to be one of the two Founding Chairpersons of the New York Residential Agent Continuum (NYRAC), an organization established in 2018 by and for residential real estate agents. NYRAC is focused on enhancing the consumer experience and elevating the status of the residential brokerage profession in New York City by encouraging innovation, transparency, ethics, advocacy, influence, best practices, education, collegiality, and professional networking.
Orest Tomaselli
President Project Review
Condotek
Orest Tomaselli is the President Project Review at Condotek. With more than 25 years in the industry he leads a team of experts providing compliance solutions to the condo and co-op industry which includes builders, developers, property managers, HOA’s, national lenders and government agencies. Services at his firms include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA and Portfolio Condo-Co-op compliance lending approval, Lender Project Collateral Review, Commercial Mortgage Lending Compliance, Agency Compliant Condominium and Cooperative Reserve Studies and FEMA Flood Map Removal. Orest has provided training and guidance to national and local lenders, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, National Real Estate organizations, The Mortgage Bankers Association, State Bar Associations and Government Agencies in Reserve Study Compliance and Condominium and Cooperative lending compliance.
Brian Tormey
President
TitleVest
TitleVest
As President for TitleVest, Brian is involved in strategic planning, execution and oversight of operational projects, business development, and technology creation and deployment. He handles client inquiries, and provides expertise for complex transactions such as commercial defeasance, multi-site/multi-state portfolios, air rights projects and other commercial matters.
With over fifteen years of experience in residential and commercial transactional real estate and title insurance, Brian has familiarity with every position within a title insurance company, including extensive experience performing title examinations. He has leveraged this knowledge to help develop the cutting-edge technology and business practices behind the critically-acclaimed TitleVest proprietary systems.
Scott van der Marck
Senior Managing Director
Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank
Scott van der Marck has over 30 years of experience as an advisor to both companies and private clients in the real estate and financial services sectors.
Scott is a Senior Managing Director at First Republic Bank, focused on residential and commercial real estate lending, fully integrated to include specialty finance and wealth management services for businesses, family offices, nonprofits and foundations.
Prior to First Republic, Scott was at Wells Fargo & Co where led the build out of Wells Fargo’s Non-Warrantable Portfolio Platform, establishing specialized end loan financing partnerships for new construction projects with leading private equity sponsors and developers. Scott personally funded over $2.5 billion in total production while at Wells Fargo and led the firm’s total production and new development league tables for almost a decade.
Scott is a Senior Managing Director at First Republic Bank, focused on residential and commercial real estate lending, fully integrated to include specialty finance and wealth management services for businesses, family offices, nonprofits and foundations.
Prior to First Republic, Scott was at Wells Fargo & Co where led the build out of Wells Fargo’s Non-Warrantable Portfolio Platform, establishing specialized end loan financing partnerships for new construction projects with leading private equity sponsors and developers. Scott personally funded over $2.5 billion in total production while at Wells Fargo and led the firm’s total production and new development league tables for almost a decade.
Michael Vargas
President and CEO
Vanderbilt Appraisal Company LLC
Mr. Vargas has over 25 years of diversified real estate experience with a focus on the appraisal of real estate in the NY-NJ-CT metropolitan area. In particular, Mr. Vargas is recognized as one of the most experienced professionals in the appraisal of New York metro area cooperative and condominium housing; and luxury, mansion, complex type residential real estate. Since forming Vanderbilt Appraisal Company in 2003, Mr. Vargas has been engaged to perform appraisal services for some of the area’s most valuable, prestigious, high dollar value residential properties in Manhattan and the Outer-Boroughs; Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region; the Catskills region; Long Island and the Hamptons; and suburban New Jersey spanning from Bergen County to the Jersey Shore.
James Wenk
Vice Chairman & Director
Savills North America
Savills North America
Jim Wenk is a vice chairman and director for Savills North America, based in New York. He and his team joined Savills in January 2021 as a preeminent tenant/occupier-focused advisory group with a track record of working with some of the most recognized global brands. They specialize in locating, analyzing, negotiating and structuring complex headquarters office lease transactions. They optimize real estate portfolios through workplace consulting, and, when applicable, negotiate and secure state and municipal incentives.
Michael C. Xylas, Esq.
Partner
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Michael C. Xylas, Esq. is a Partner in AGMB’s Real Estate and Banking Practices Group, focusing on transactional real estate and mortgage loan settlements for both residential and commercial matters. He represents individuals, developers, and major lending institutions in acquisitions, sales, and complex financing transactions, bringing decades of experience in real estate, banking, and lender-side representation. A graduate of Syracuse University and Fordham Law, he has also lectured for leading industry organizations and is a recognized voice in real estate, frequently quoted in publications such as U.S. News & World Report and Bankrate.
Christian Zebicoff, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas, LLP
Romer Debbas, LLP
Christian Zebicoff, Esq has been practicing law for over 25 years, after graduating from Fordham University School of Law and Boston College. His practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, elder law and real estate matters. He also has substantial experience representing commercial and not for profit entities.
His clients are typically individuals, families and small businesses. He assists his clients with the preparation of their wills and trusts and advises them on more complex tax planning techniques. Christian has guided his clients through the often difficult process of administering these trusts and estates with personal care and service. He also assists elderly clients and their families with long term care and Medicaid planning issues. During his career, he has been involved in litigating many Surrogates Court matters, including contested probate, accounting and miscellaneous proceedings in all counties.
Talia McKinney
Licensed Real Estate Agent
SERHANT.
SERHANT.
Talia McKinney is a top-producing agent at SERHANT. with over a decade of experience and nine years working alongside Ryan Serhant. She leads one of NYC’s premier real estate teams, representing buyers, sellers, and developers from $250K co-ops to $31.5M penthouses. Featured in The Real Deal and Robb Report, Talia is also a sought-after speaker and coach known for her authenticity, expertise, and results.
Tyler Mount
CEO
Henry Street Creative
Henry Street Creative
Tyler Mount is a leading expert in personal branding and corporate marketing, having advised nearly 1,000 clients across 14 countries. As founder of Henry Street Creative, he’s developed brands for Ryan Serhant, Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, NBC, and 1 Hotel. Featured in The New York Times and Forbes, Tyler empowers professionals to take control of their brand and build lasting success.
Louise Phillips-Forbes
Associate Broker
Brown Harris Stevens
Brown Harris Stevens
Louise Phillips-Forbes is one of Manhattan’s leading power brokers, with over three decades in NYC real estate and more than $5.5 billion in career sales, consistently ranked among the industry’s top agents by REBNY, REAL Trends, and multiple major publications. Known for her deep market expertise and trusted guidance, she leads one of Brown Harris Stevens’ top teams and is a sought-after voice on luxury sales, development, and the New York market.
Kayla Lee
Associate Broker
SERHANT.
SERHANT.
Kayla Lee is a top-performing real estate professional with nearly a decade of experience and over $750 million in sales, consistently ranking in the Top 1.5% of brokers nationwide by RealTrends. Known for her market insight, financial acumen, and strategic negotiation skills, she delivers sophisticated guidance while actively giving back through her philanthropic work and service on the AREAA board.
Nicholas Athanail
Associate Broker
The Corcoran Group
Nick Athanail, a seasoned Manhattan broker with Corcoran since 2002, leverages extensive experience in real estate and transactional law to navigate complex property transactions. A longtime investor and community leader, he specializes in strategic market analysis and co-op and condo sales.
Gustavo Rusconi
Executive Vice President
PPC Property Services, LLC
PPC Property Services, LLC
Gustavo Rusconi, Executive VP of PPC Property Services, brings 30 years of expertise in multi-family and mixed-use property management, development, and asset oversight. He specializes in development, asset and property management, project management, acquisitions, turn-around strategies, contract negotiation, business development, and consulting.
Kehinde Anjorin
Real Estate Advisor
SERHANT.
SERHANT.
Kehinde Anjorin brings a unique perspective to New York City luxury real estate, drawing on her background in the health and wellness industry to deliver a thoughtful, client-centered approach. She is known for her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and belief that buying or selling a home is a meaningful life experience, not just a transaction. As a NYC resident with deep neighborhood knowledge, Kehinde guides clients seamlessly through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to help them find their ideal home.
Maggie Wu
Real Estate Advisor
The W Team, Compass
The W Team, Compass
Maggie Wu is the founder of The W Team, one of New York City’s leading luxury real estate groups, and ranks in the top 0.1% of agents nationally with over $800 million in career sales. Born in Hong Kong and a graduate of New York University, she brings a global perspective and deep expertise in the NYC market, with a reputation for precision, discretion, and exceptional client service. Under her leadership, The W Team has earned widespread recognition in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Inman, and The Real Deal, reflecting her influence across the luxury real estate landscape.
Bernadette Brennan
Executive Director
SERHANT. Commercial
SERHANT. Commercial
Bernadette Brennan is the Executive Director of SERHANT. Commercial, bringing over 20 years of experience across commercial and residential real estate and leading a division that has redefined brokerage through her List & Assist platform, which has secured over $1.7 billion in listings. Known for her strategic insight and deep legal and transactional expertise, she advises clients on complex deals including development sites, investment sales, 1031 exchanges, and redevelopment opportunities while fostering a culture of precision and collaboration within her team. Before real estate, she worked in the music industry managing producers for top recording artists, and today she is recognized as a leading voice in New York City commercial real estate, featured by outlets such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and The Real Deal.
Sarah Tadros Awad, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas LLP
Romer Debbas LLP
Sarah Tadros Awad, Esq. is a Partner at Romer Debbas LLP in the firm’s residential real estate department, where she advises buyers, sellers, and lending institutions on complex transactions throughout New York City and the Hamptons. She is highly experienced in due diligence, contract negotiation, and closings, and has played a key role in some of the market’s most notable deals, including transactions ranked among Manhattan’s top 10 and the Hamptons’ largest sale in 2024. In addition to her transactional and corporate work, Sarah is an active speaker and mentor, co-founding the firm’s Women in Real Estate Group and earning recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers for her professional achievements.
Matt Breitenbach
Real Estate Broker
Compass
Compass
Matt Breitenbach is a leading Hamptons luxury real estate advisor with more than 15 years of experience and over $3 billion in real estate sales. His distinguished clientele includes NBA stars, hedge fund executives, prominent athletes, CEOs, builders, developers, and investors, with landmark transactions ranging from an $85 million off-market oceanfront property once owned by Calvin Klein to record-setting sales in Sag Harbor and Mecox Bay. Known for his white-glove service, client-first approach, and innovative digital marketing strategies, Matt combines deep local expertise with a collaborative, deal-making mindset to help clients navigate the Hamptons market. Beyond real estate, he is a devoted husband and father and an influential voice in the Hamptons community through his Breitenbach Advisory Team and BAT Disrupt Podcast.
Robert M. Connelly, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas LLP
Romer Debbas LLP
Robert M. Connelly, Esq. is a Partner in Romer Debbas LLP’s Real Estate Department and Manager of the firm’s East End real estate and zoning practice, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, land use, and municipal law. A Hofstra University School of Law graduate, Robert began his career as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney before serving as an Assistant Town Attorney for East Hampton and later as Counsel in a leading Long Island law firm’s Land Use and Municipal Department. In 2023, he was appointed East Hampton Town Attorney, where he handled contract negotiations, municipal litigation, land use matters, and government affairs, while also founding Connelly Law PLLC. Today, Robert represents buyers, sellers, developers, investors, and business owners throughout the East End and beyond, providing strategic counsel on real estate transactions, zoning, permitting, land use approvals, contract negotiations, and municipal law.
Bess Freedman
CEO
Brown Harris Stevens
Brown Harris Stevens
Bess Freedman is Chief Executive Officer of Brown Harris Stevens, overseeing 39 offices and more than 2,300 agents across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida. Since becoming CEO in 2018, she has drawn on her legal background and commitment to serving others to drive the company’s growth and champion meaningful change across the real estate industry. Before entering real estate, Bess practiced law as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland, and as an attorney with Legal Aid in New York City, advocating for underserved youth. A respected industry and community leader, Bess serves on the Boards of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and has been recognized for her humanitarian work, including receiving REBNY’s Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award in 2021.
Marissa Ghesquiere
Regional Executive Vice President
Sotheby's International Realty
Sotheby's International Realty
Marissa Ghesquiere is a native New Yorker and Regional Executive Vice President at Sotheby’s International Realty, leading the East Side Manhattan Brokerage and supporting operations across Manhattan, the Hamptons, Cape Cod, and Palm Beach. With nearly two decades of legal expertise and 18 years in real estate, she is a trusted advisor known for her collaborative leadership and sharp negotiation skills. She is an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York and co-chairs its Residential Brokerage Ethics Committee.
Jonathan Helfer, Esq.
Partner
Romer Debbas LLP
Romer Debbas LLP
Jonathan Helfer, Esq. is a Partner at Romer Debbas LLP and co-manages the firm’s Residential Real Estate Department. He has overseen thousands of transactions ranging from basic to highly complex residential and commercial deals. Widely respected in the real estate community, Jonathan frequently speaks at brokerage offices and continuing education programs.
Tina Larsson
Co-Founder
The Folson Group
The Folson Group
Tina Larsson is the co-founder & owner of The Folson Group, a business consultant for NYC coop & condo boards, helping their owners increase their property values.
Manek Mathur
Real Estate Associate
Sotheby's International Group
Sotheby's International Group
Born in Mumbai and educated at Trinity College, former world #1 squash champion Manek Mathur has quickly become one of New York’s rising real estate talents. Since launching his career in 2021, he’s sold over $30 million in property, earning recognition for his sharp market insight and strategic approach. Drawing on years of professional athletic discipline and leadership as head pro at the Racquet & Tennis Club, Manek brings focus, precision, and clear communication to every transaction. Known for his client-first mindset and ability to navigate complex deals, he’s built a growing business grounded in trust, expertise, and exceptional results.
Stephen Palmese
Managing Partner
Integritas Capital
Integritas Capital
Stephen P. Palmese is Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Integritas Capital, a vertically integrated private equity firm focused on commercial real estate private equity and private credit strategies. Since 2004, he has helped lead the firm’s development and investment activities, with Integritas Capital serving as the direct developer of more than $1 billion in real estate transactions and lead investor in more than $1.5 billion in projects. His experience spans ground-up development, direct and preferred equity investments, acquisitions of non-performing loans, and the origination of whole loans and mezzanine financing. In 2010, Stephen founded Legacy Equity Ventures, an early-stage venture investment vehicle that has made more than 20 direct investments.
Michael Mintz
CEO
MD Squared Property Group
MD Squared Property Group
Michael Mintz is the founder and CEO of MD Squared Property Group (MD2). He has a decade of experience in managing properties, implementing property restructuring plans, and syndicating real estate deals.