BOMA/NY's new officers and board kick off 2012

The newly elected officers of BOMA/NY took office effective January 1, and have kicked off the new year with an administration geared to bringing in new blood, younger members and grooming the next generation of BOMA/NY. Heading the slate are president Louis Mantia of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., moving up from the vice president's position; vice president Thomas Hill, RPA of Boston Properties, who previously served as treasurer; treasurer James Kleeman, RPA of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, moving up from secretary and secretary Ronald Zeccardi of Cogswell Realty LLC, who was an active member of the board of directors before he was elected an officer. President Mantia's story is pure New York - rising through the operational ranks to become a building manager and then, after 9/11, when his talent and leadership were recognized by the corporate office, recruited by headquarters to take on portfolio management, corporate responsibilities and client service. It's a story many of BOMA/NY's leaders have shared, but generational shifts are writing new chapters for that story - more women are being promoted from administrative roles and both sexes are entering property management with business backgrounds. To meet the needs of this new generation, Mantia and his team have made their "number one goal to increase membership. Part of that would be to establish a 'youth movement,'" he continues. "We are looking to develop programs to attract new blood. Our associate membership category is well-suited for this - it's the ideal way to develop your career, meet senior members of the field and expand your professional opportunities." Mantia adds that it is also essential to attract younger people to the field of property management itself - pointing to it as a career path that provides advancement, a variety of challenges and areas of expertise, and a good living. BOMA/NY will also be promoting its well-funded scholarship program, he emphasized. "We can cover any employee of a BOMA/NY member firm if they want to pursue a BOMI designation and their company does not underwrite the cost." And there is an added benefit, he said. "A BOMI designation is a mark of accomplishment and expertise...it's a vital part of the career path we offer. You'll also rub shoulders with colleagues from other buildings; many people form life-long friendships in the process." Joining the new administration in 2012 will be these new members of the board of directors, listed by their terms of service: January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014: Raymond Benemerito, FMA/SMA of SL Green Realty Corp.; Ralph Di Ruggiero, Paramount Group, Inc., Frank Farella, MSRE/RPA/CPM/FMA/SMA, RFR Realty LLC; Robert Riggs, L&L Holding Company, LLC and Arthur J. McGinley, The Lightstone Group. January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012: Kevin Hoey, Cassidy Turley New York, Inc., and 2012-2013, Bart McDade, Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.