BOMA's new officers build on best of past and future

BOMA/NY's election results for new officers for the 2010 year were announced at the October 8th BOMA/NY Annual Conference and Trade Show, and when all the votes were tallied, the new slate of officers was voted in "by acclamation." The new administration builds on the strength of the previous team of officers that served our association the past two years, and introduces a newcomer to the leadership. New board members were also elected. All serve as volunteers, with officers serving terms with a maximum of two years. director's terms are limited to three years. Taking office as the association's president will be Brookfield Properties' Edward Fallon, RPA, who moves up the ranks from vice president, as Angelo Grima steps down as president. (Grima will continue to contribute his insight to the board of directors as a former president.) Taking over the vice presidential spot is Louis Mantia of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., whose term as Treasurer will now be held by Boston Properties' Thomas Hill, RPA. As Hill relinquishes his former position as secretary, James Kleeman, RPA of Related Management Company, LP, will fill the bill. Though he has been a member of the board of directors for the past two years, Kleeman is a newcomer to the officer team, and is most well-known to the BOMA/NY membership as last year's Pinnacle-award winning Outstanding Local Member of the Year. Generation BOMA/NY Expect to see the new administration continue the successful strategies and programs of the past with a strong emphasis on recruiting the next generation of BOMA/NY from people that are new to the industry, says Fallon, including those "just getting out of school." Fallon plans on reaching out to universities, colleges and high schools to introduce the profession to a new generation that may not be aware of the satisfaction and rewards of a career in commercial real estate. He and his administration will be devoting more time to bolstering the Student Membership category that was recently launched by BOMA/NY, and working on ways to mentor new talent, just as he was mentored years ago when he first entered an engine room as a helper. "We want to hear the younger voices and get their input - it's vital not only to our future, but to the present. We must make sure that we are addressing the needs of all our members and our profession," he said. BOMA/NY's increased focus on advocacy will be sharpened yet again under a Fallon administration with a special emphasis on local issues encompassing policy- and decision-makers at City Hall and critical partners like the NYPD and FDNY. BOMA/NY will "open the dialogue further" by including groups like the Department of Health and fellow trade and professional associations. BOMA/NY will also strive to be more visible on labor issues as well. When Fallon and his team take office in January, he said, "The most important thing we can do is listen to you, our members. We want to hear your new ideas; we want your input and suggestions—the surest way to make BOMA/NY a true partner in every member's success."