CIBS honors outstanding achievements in commercial, industrial and retail real estate community
President’s Award recipient Peter Curry; CIBS president Ralph Benzakein; Associate Award recipient Andrea Tsoukalas Curto;
CIBS board member Paul Leone; CIBS vice president Melissa Naeder; and Rising Star Jonathan Blake.
East Meadow, NY At the annual meeting & holiday party, the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS) recognized leading professionals who have made significant contributions to the region’s commercial real estate community. The celebration brought together members, colleagues, and friends to honor excellence, emerging leadership, and outstanding service.
CIBS president Ralph Benzakein said “It’s always inspiring to celebrate the members who elevate our profession through their leadership, expertise, and commitment to community. This year’s honorees represent the very best of CIBS and the future of commercial real estate on Long Island.”
The evening’s highest honor, the President’s Award, was presented to Peter Curry of Farrell Fritz, for decades-long service as general counsel and advisor to CIBS. His efforts have helped shape the organization’s professionalism, mentorship, and reputation throughout the region. Curry’s work as a specialty commercial real estate attorney has focused on bond financings, lease transactions, and large-scale economic development across New York.
The associate of the Year Award was presented to Andrea Tsoukalas Curto, in recognition of her outstanding professionalism, dedication, and support of CIBS initiatives. Tsoukalas Curto has also been an active contributor to CIBS W, helping advance its mission of expanding leadership, networking, and professional development opportunities for women in commercial real estate. Her efforts have had a meaningful impact on both the organization and the broader commercial real estate community.
CIBS also honored three rising young professionals with the 2025 Rising Star Awards, presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise and uphold the highest standards of the commercial real estate industry across key sectors:
• Office Real Estate Rising Star: Brian Weigold of JLL
• Retail Real Estate Rising Star: Angel Cordero of TSCG, the Shopping Center Group
• Industrial Real Estate Rising Star: Jonathan Blake of CBRE.