NY Building Congress celebrates 105th anniversary honoring industry leaders at awards luncheon

Manhattan, NY The New York Building Congress recently hosted its 105^th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon, celebrating the individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to New York’s building and construction industry. Carlo Scissura, Esq., president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, hosted the event at the New York Hilton Midtown.

At the luncheon, John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk, received the Jack and Lewis Rudin Award for Service to New York City in recognition of his leadership in the construction industry and longstanding civic and philanthropic contributions. Under Fish’s leadership, Suffolk has grown into one of the nation’s leading and most innovative privately held builders, generating $10 billion in annual revenue and earning recognition as one of the country’s top contractors.

Lou Grassi, CEO of Grassi Advisory Group, was recognized as Guest of Honor for his decades of leadership within the accounting and advisory industry and his dedication to supporting businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities throughout the region. Mr. Grassi founded Grassi more than 45 years ago and has led the firm’s evolution into one of the nation’s leading independent advisory, tax, and accounting firms.

The Building Congress also recognized emerging leaders Lauren Kwon of Turner Construction, Taylor Spetta of Metergy Solutions, and Jack Wong of the Batska Network for their demonstrated leadership and contributions to the future of the industry. The trio co-chairs the organization’s Young Professionals Committee.

The NYC borough-based Jails Program, led by the New York City Department of Design and Construction and project teams across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, received the Building the Future Award. The transformative initiative is replacing the Rikers Island complex with a modern, borough-based system designed to support justice, safety, and community well-being. The program represents one of the most ambitious capital construction efforts in New York City history and reflects a collaborative approach to large-scale public infrastructure delivery.

“For 105 years, the Building Congress has championed the policies, partnerships, and people that strengthen New York’s built environment,” said Scissura. “This year’s honorees exemplify the innovation, leadership, and commitment that continue to move our industry forward. From transformative infrastructure projects to emerging talent shaping the next generation of leaders, today’s awardees reflect the very best of New York’s construction community.”

“The individuals and organizations recognized today have made an extraordinary impact on our industry and our city,” said Cheryl McKissack Daniel, chair of the Board of McKissack & McKissack and chair of the Building Congress. “Their vision, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire progress across every corner of the built environment, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements during this milestone anniversary year.”

Mara Johnston, managing principal and partner at Keystone Global and Michael Viggiano, executive vice president at Skanska USA Civil, served as co-chairs of the luncheon.