New York Building Congress honors building leaders at annual Industry Recognition Gala

Manhattan, NY On Thursday, December 4^th, The New York Building Congress convened members of the city’s design, construction, healthcare, transportation and real estate communities for its annual Industry Recognition Gala, celebrating leaders whose work is shaping the future of New York’s built environment. Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the event reception and emphasized the industry’s essential role in shaping New York’s future. Rick Cotton, the outgoing executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was honored for his impact on the region, and used his remarks to highlight the power of collaboration in construction and infrastructure, underscoring its ability to transform cities for the better.

Hosted at the New York Hilton Midtown, the gala was led by New York Building Congress president and CEO Carlo Scissura, Esq; chair Gregory Kelly, president and CEO of STV; Gala co-chairs Paula Kirby, managing director, Plaxall Inc.; and Joseph Mizzi, president and COO of Sciame Construction.The event’s Diamond Sponsors were BRAVO, Inc., Iovino Enterprises, and Turner Construction Company.

“Our annual gala is a reminder of the incredible momentum driving New York’s built environment and the dedicated professionals who make that progress possible,” said Scissura. “This year, our industry has confronted extraordinary challenges with creativity, resilience, and collaboration, from accelerating capital projects to expanding opportunities across the workforce. As we look to 2026, we remain committed to building a stronger, more connected New York, and we’re grateful to the leaders and partners who continue to champion that mission every day.”

More than 900 attendees from across the public and private sectors joined the New York Building Congress for an evening of recognition and celebration. In addition to the reception, dinner and program, the Gala featured a Young Professionals after-party for the next generation of leaders driving innovation across New York’s building and construction industry. 

“At the New York Building Congress, we know nothing big is built alone – the private industry brings the speed and skill to deliver the public realm,” said Greg Kelly, president and CEO of STV in his remarks. “It’s partnerships that turn plans into places that our communities need. Partnership isn’t magic – it takes discipline, trust and delivering. The work ahead is big, but so is our team. When I think of the Building Congress, I’m struck by its power and its impact – we have built something very special, bringing the best people and the brightest teams together.”

The Gala’s Guests of Honor included group senior vice president of facilities & real estate for New York-Presbyterian Hospital Joseph Ienuso; founder of Iovino Enterprises Thomas Iovino; President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Regina Myer to accept the George A. Fox Public Service Award; and Gateway Development Commission to receive the Building the Future Award, accepted by New York commissioner and co-chair Alicia Glen on behalf of CEO Thomas Prendergast.

Joseph Ienuso, group senior vice president of facilities & real estate for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was honored for his exceptional stewardship of the institution’s built environment and critical operations. Responsible for more than 16 million square feet of hospital, residential, and commercial facilities, Joseph’s leadership in facility development, engineering, capital planning, renovation, and construction has been instrumental in advancing NewYork-Presbyterian’s infrastructure and supporting its mission of world-class patient care.

Thomas Iovino was honored for more than four decades of visionary leadership and transformative impact in the construction and infrastructure industry. A successful entrepreneur, he is the Founder and CEO of Iovino Enterprises, the parent company of MLJ Contracting, J-Track, TC Electric, and Welkin Mechanical – firms that play a vital role in civil, track, signal, and mechanical projects across the New York metropolitan region.

The New York Building Congress presented the Building the Future Award to the Gateway Development Commission, a public authority and government sponsored authority tasked with delivering the Gateway Program, a comprehensive rail investment program that will modernize rail travel and create new capacity for the most congested section of the Northeast Corridor. The Hudson Tunnel Project, the Commission’s focus, is the most urgent transit infrastructure project in the nation and has been for decades. It will secure the future of rail service along the Northeast Corridor, ensuring that New York, New Jersey, and the entire region remain economically competitive and globally connected. This safe, modern tunnel into Penn Station is essential to keeping millions of people connected to jobs, education, and each other.

Former First Deputy NYC Mayor and current president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation Maria Torres-Springer presented the prestigious George A. Fox Public Service Award to Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, for her dedication to the constant improvement of the New York City area. Myer has been a transformative force in Brooklyn’s growth, from overseeing the 2004 Downtown Brooklyn Rezoning, which spurred tens of thousands of new housing units, major cultural and academic space, and a 51% increase in local jobs, to leading DBP’s efforts to secure critical funding, improve the public realm, and expand open space. Her earlier leadership of Brooklyn Bridge Park delivered one of the country’s most celebrated waterfront parks, and her tenure at both Hudson Yards Development Corporation and the NYC Department of City Planning shaped some of the city’s most significant redevelopment initiatives. Her career reflects a lasting commitment to building vibrant, connected, and resilient communities.

Established in 2002, the George A. Fox Public Service Award honors the extraordinary legacy of George A. Fox, P.E., an inspiration to our entire industry through his vision and unsurpassed construction expertise. This award in his name celebrates his exceptional commitment to New York City, the education of its youth and overall public service.