Manhattan, NY The CoreNet Global New York City Chapter (CoreNet NYC) has named the winners of the annual 2024 Corporate Real Estate Awards for Excellence. These outstanding individuals and projects were celebrated at the second annual REmmy’s Gala event held on September 26 at Casa Cipriani. The gala brought together more than 600 esteemed professionals from the corporate real estate industry, making the gathering one of the largest real estate events of the year.
Awards were presented in five distinct categories, recognizing excellence and influence within the corporate real estate sector: Projects of the Year, Service Provider of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year, and the group’s newest award, Deal of the Year, which celebrates excellence in real estate transactions.
The judging panels for each category consisted of two to three judges, including experts from both the CoreNet NYC Chapter and other CoreNet Chapters around the world. The awards were presented by former REmmy winners: Philip Pitruzzello, 2023’s CRE Executive Award recipient (presenting CRE of the Year); Mike Martino, 2023’s Young Leader of the Year and Business Development Manager at CBRE (presenting Young Leader of the Year); Katie Nillsen, 2023’s Service Provider of the Year and vice president, development & strategy at E-J Electric (presenting Service Provider of the Year); and Alison Kwiatkowski, 2019’s Young Leader of the Year and SVP, global workplace experience, Warner Music Group (presenting Deals of the Year).
Larry Charlip, vice president, corporate real estate facilities management at Warner Music Group and chair of CoreNet’s NY chapter said: “As a chapter, our members are involved in every stage of the corporate real estate and workplace industry, and tonight, we’re excited to honor various members for their contributions.”
Last year, the New York City Chapter combined the annual dinner and chapter awards to create the phenomenal REmmys Awards Gala, and this evening is the result of the Committee’s hard work in continuing that tradition.”
CoreNet NYC proudly congratulates the 2024 Corporate Real Estate Awards for Excellence winners:
Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year: Jamie Fuertas, managing director and head of corporate services, Apollo Global Management
Jaime has been an active CoreNet member since its founding in 2001, following the merger of NACORE and IDRC. He earned his MCR in 2004 as part of the first graduating class and has held various leadership roles within the NYC chapter, including treasurer. Currently, Jaime serves on the DEI committee, participates in the mentorship program, and is co-chair of the 2025 ERS conference in NYC. Beyond CoreNet, he is involved with IFMA and the Explorers, where he sponsors programs that educate inner-city high school students about corporate finance and business.
As the leader of Apollo’s Global Corporate Real Estate and Workplace Experience team, Jaime oversees real estate, facilities management, hospitality services, and security. Over the past six years, he has expanded Apollo’s global footprint by 200% and transformed its work environment with a sustainable and hospitality-focused approach.
Service Provider of the Year: Debra Cole, principal, global Client relations director, HLW
Debra Cole is a long term CoreNet member who serves as CoreNet Special Events Committee Chair, and was an integral part of starting what is now the Women’s Leadership Committee and previously served as the Committee’s Chair.
As global head of client relations at HLW, Debra leads business development efforts, managing global relationships and consistently expanding the firm’s client base. Debra is also actively involved in organizations like CREW NY, IFMA, SHARE, and Special Olympics, where she emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Her extensive involvement in the real estate and design community has made her a trusted leader, driving success for both HLW and her clients.
Young Leader of the Year: Jack Macejka, vice president of national accounts, The Advance Group
Jack played a key role in establishing the CoreNet NYC podcast, The Big Apple’s CoRe, where he served as co-executive producer. Recently elected chair of the CoreNet Young Leaders committee, he continues to collaborate with committees to promote initiatives and organize joint events. Jack also completed a prestigious Young Leader training with the global OMA (Office Moving Alliance), and is an active BDPro and Big Brother mentor.
Deal of the Year: Avison Young
Avison Young’s sale of 43-49 Bleecker St., led by James Nelson and Brandon Polakoff, had a notable impact on the real estate industry and the community. By navigating SoHo-NoHo’s new rezoning laws, they secured a $35 million sale. Their strategic adaptability and market insight reinforced Avison Young’s leadership in real estate. Despite COVID-19 setbacks, the team’s pivot to targeting residential developers attracted nearly 25 offers, setting a precedent for complex transactions while preserving the neighborhood’s historic character.
Project of the Year – Under 25,000 s/f: Well&, Durst
Project of the Year – 25,000 – 45,000 s/f: Chinese-American Planning Council
Project of the Year – 100,000 – 299,000 s/f: HSBC
Project of the Year– Over 300,000 s/f: Google at St. John’s Terminal
More information on the selection process for Project of the Year will be released at the ‘Who Wins Awards and Why’ session in spring 2025.
CoreNet Global New York City Chapter’s mission is to advance innovation and professional development for the corporate real estate sector, and to serve as a thought leader and forum for current industry issues. The organization’s more than 1,000 members represent corporate end-users and service providers from New York’s largest publicly held companies at the forefront of real estate planning, development and innovation, including Fortune 500 companies generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. For more information about the CoreNet Global New York City Chapter, visit http://newyorkcity.corenetglobal.org.
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