Litwin named honorary chairman by REBNY Board

After a unanimous vote at their recent meeting, The Real Estate Board of New York's (REBNY) Board of Governors has named esteemed industry veteran, Leonard Litwin, president and CEO of Glenwood Management, as REBNY's first-ever lifetime honorary chairman. Litwin has been a member of REBNY since 1980. He was elected to the Board of Governors in 1985 and has served as secretary since 1991. Litwin was the recipient of one of REBNY's most revered distinctions in 2009, the Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award, which is presented to a REBNY member for a lifetime of exceptional accomplishment in the profession and for invaluable contributions to New York's civic welfare. "Our Board of Governors wanted to honor Lenny Litwin for his countless contributions to the city, to the industry, and to REBNY through the years, and felt it only fitting that he be the first recipient to be named lifetime honorary chairman," said Mary Ann Tighe, REBNY chairman. "The honor is only a small token of REBNY's appreciation for Mr. Litwin's extraordinary lifetime achievements. The work that he has done for his colleagues and for the city will remain a prime example of excellence and professionalism in the real estate industry for years to come," said Tighe. Litwin has been involved in residential development and management for over 50 years and has remained one of the most active owner-builders of luxury high-rise buildings in Manhattan. One of Litwin's buildings, Liberty Plaza at 10 Liberty Street, was given special recognition on the NYS and Federal Registers of Historic Places as an example of what should be built in historic districts. The building is also an example of Litwin's dedication to New York City as it was the first new building to rise after 9/11 at a time when many developers were hesitant to build downtown. Litwin's breadth of accomplishments stretches well beyond the real estate industry as he is actively involved in many worthy philanthropic endeavors. Litwin co-founded The Litwin Zucker Alzheimer's Research Center at North Shore LIJ and substantially supports Alzheimer's disease research and cancer research at several hospitals as well as initiatives to find treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He has established The Litwin Foundation to ensure that these endeavors last well beyond his lifetime. "REBNY congratulates Mr. Litwin as one of the most admired real estate executives for his memorable achievements in the industry throughout the years," said Steven Spinola, REBNY president. "There are few in the industry who can claim as many accomplishments. Lenny Litwin's long history of professional successes and civic achievements have earned him this most-deserved distinction." The Real Estate Board of New York is the city's leading real estate trade association with more than 12,000 members. REBNY represents major commercial and residential property owners and builders, brokers and managers, banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, contractors and other individuals and institutions professionally interested in the city's real estate. REBNY is involved in crucial municipal matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes and legislation. In addition, REBNY publishes reports providing indicators of market prices for both the residential and commercial sectors.