2024 Power Players in Real Estate

Scott Rechler is the chief executive officer and chairman of RXR, an innovative investor, developer, and place-maker committed to applying a customer and community-centered approach to all aspects of its business. Since its founding, RXR has raised over $10 billion of private equity through a series of funds and separate account vehicles and built an over 500-person, fully-integrated team of professionals with expertise in operations, construction and development, investment management, and more.

NYC Council Member Kevin Riley, 12th District, chairs the Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee and co-chairs the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, the Council’s largest caucus. Prioritizing equal opportunity, Riley leverages Council oversight to empower communities of color. Last session, the Council approved 40 land use applications, making way for 12,000 new housing units – over 63% designated affordable. Riley’s efforts address housing crises, creating pathways for affordable housing and homeownership, and fostering positive change in marginalized communities.

Brenda Rosen joined Breaking Ground in 1999, where she helped establish a model of sustainable supportive housing, and has served as president and CEO since 2011. Brenda is board chair of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, on the boards of Homeless Services United and The Thinkubator, and an advisory member of the New York Housing Conference. She received her B.A. from Hunter College and holds a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Is there a project you are excited to work on or see completed in 2024?
Sutphin Senior Housing and Clinic, now under construction in Jamaica. It’s Breaking Ground’s first permanent residence in Queens, and we’re excited to be doing an all-electric Passive House design that brings sustainability to the forefront. This will be a gorgeous place to call home for 173 low-income and formerly homeless seniors, co-located with a Federally Qualified Health Center by our partners at Community Healthcare Network.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
When we open a new building and our tenants get the keys to their apartment for the first time. Many have experienced homelessness for years or even decades and there tends to be a range of emotions, from great beaming smiles to breaking down in tears having believed this day would never come. We are privileged to be a part of the journeys of some of the most resilient New Yorkers.

What qualities do you believe make up a successful real estate professional?
Persistence, vision, openness, resourcefulness, flexibility, a good sense of humor, and a very thick skin

Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly district, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. In her tenure, Rosenthal has established herself as a leading advocate on affordable housing, domestic violence, consumer protection, government reform, environmental issues and animal cruelty. Assembly member Rosenthal received a B.A. in history from the University of Rochester. She is a life-long resident of the Upper West Side.

Neil joined Rudin in 2012 and is the company’s president and chief investment officer. He focuses on new investments and acquisitions, capital markets, business development and strategic activities, financial asset management, and helps oversee Rudin Ventures. Prior to Rudin, Neil served as co-head of real estate private equity coverage in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank. Neil serves on the boards of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and New 42.

As co-CEO of Rudin, Michael focuses on commercial office, new developments, capital markets, sustainability and technology, business strategy and helps to lead Rudin Ventures. Michael is a member of REBNY’s Technology Committee, The Real Estate Roundtable’s SPAC, WiredScore and NYU Furman Center’s Advisory Boards, CREtech’s Leadership Board and ULI. Michael serves on the boards of the Rudin Family foundations, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.

Samantha joined Rudin in 2007 and currently serves as co-CEO. She oversees Rudin’s expansive multifamily portfolio and the design, marketing, and HR functions. Samantha leads Rudin’s DEIA and corporate social responsibility efforts. She serves on the boards of the Rudin Family foundations, the Roundabout Theatre Company, Subject Matter and the Association for a Better New York, where she is chair of ABNY Women.

Since his special election in 2016, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. has been a champion for affordable housing, approving more than 10,000 units of new 100% affordable housing and 2,000 units through preservation efforts. Driving more than $350 million in capital investments to his district, Council Member Salamanca has fought for job creation and has committed to providing children in the Bronx with access to a quality education.

Pierina Sanchez represents the 14th District, where she was born and raised. She grew up watching her elders sell oranges, drive taxis, clean buildings, to ensure her generation had a fighting chance at higher education and opportunity. From the community board to the White House, and from work in advocacy organizations to the mayor’s office – Pierina has been a fighter for immigrant families, racial justice, affordable housing, good jobs and meaningful investments in our children, families and seniors.