Rubenstein Communications, Inc.
Contact: Bud Perrone (212) 843-8068
Justina Lombardo (212) 843-8343
NEW YORK, February 3, 2016 – The New York Building Foundation, the philanthropic research, and education arm of the New York Building Congress, announced the addition of six esteemed executives to its Board of Governors.
The six new members, who were elected to the Board of Governors during the New York Building Congress Annual Membership Meeting on January 11, are: Joseph R. Amato, P.E., of Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP; Christopher J. Curry of The Howard Hughes Corporation; George H. Ladyman Jr. of JLL; William McKenzie of Abatement Unlimited, Inc.; Edward V. Piccinich of SL Green Realty Corporation; and Angelo Silveri of Silverite Construction Company, Inc.
“These new appointments to the Board of Governors represent the breadth of the design, construction and real estate industry and embody the building community’s rich history of civic engagement,” said John M. Dionisio, Chairman of the New York Building Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of AECOM. “We are proud to welcome each of these dedicated professionals to the Board and welcome their contributions to the betterment of this industry and our City.”
Formed in 1998, the New York Building Foundation complements the New York Building Congress through a program of targeted philanthropy, research, and educational activities. Its mission is to enhance the overall well-being of the industry in the City. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised and distributed millions of dollars for activities that include: grants for educational programs aimed at developing interest in the industry among elementary and high school students; scholarships for students of all ages to pursue careers in the building professions and trades; programs to encourage clean, safe worksites; and research on issues impacting both the building industry and the City’s economic future.
The new members are joining the Board of Governors during an active period for the Building Foundation. Over the past year, the Foundation has contributed substantial support for a wide range of industry-related education and training programs and has provided grants and scholarships through its partnership with such organizations as the ACE Mentorship Program, Salvadori Center, The Cooper Union, NYU Schack, Manhattan College, and Non-Traditional Employment for Women.
In addition, the Foundation has lent vital support to the New York Building Congress Task Force on Innovation and Best Practices, including its recently concluded Construction Shed Design Competition, which sought innovative and attractive alternatives to the confining and often forbidding structures that currently cover nearly 200 miles of sidewalks around building sites throughout the five boroughs.
The four winning entries, Side+Ways+Shed by Francis Cauffman; ScaffoldWing by Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, P.C.; G-Shed by Gensler; and UrbanArbor by PBDW Architects and Anastos Engineering Associates, were honored at the Foundation’s Theatre Benefit on January 13.
Also honored at the Theatre Benefit, a fundraising event to support ongoing Building Foundation initiatives, was the Manhattan College Summer Engineering Awareness Program. For more than 30 years, the Program has introduced high school students to potential careers in engineering and helped minority and female students gather information about SAT preparation, scholarships, and financial aid. Since 2011, the New York Building Foundation has supported the Program, with grants totaling more than $57,000.
“Everyone involved with the Building Foundation is proud of our recent accomplishments and with the growing strength of our ongoing industry partnerships. Thanks to the support of our existing and new Board members, we are expecting even greater things in 2016,” added Mr. Dionisio.
***
The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to complement the New York Building Congress through a program of targeted philanthropy, research, and educational activities.
