Melville, NY The Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS) has released the list of executive board members for 2023 – 2024. For the first time in the association’s history, two members have been selected to serve as co-presidents;  two-time past president and Cushman &  Wakefield executive managing director David Pennetta of Cold Spring Habor and Avision Young’s managing director and principal Ted Stratigos of Huntington Bay.

“2023 looks to be an incredibly exciting year,” said Pennetta. “CIBS represents the best and brightest of the Long Island brokerage community. As regional advocates for business, economics and quality of life on Long Island a core focus of our efforts will be to support Long Island’s economic growth and prosperity. With a number of transformative projects on the horizon, it is crucial that professional organizations like CIBS support and advocate for our region’s future.”

Additionally, CIBS announced the following executive officers:

• Vice president: Ralph Benzakein, SIOR, LEED AP, of West Islip, is senior executive vice president at Cresa Long Island

• Treasurer: Melissa Naeder of Melville, is senior director at Cushman & Wakefield

• Secretary: Leo Farrell of Saint James, is managing principal at NAI Long Island

• Strategic officer: Gary Schacker of Huntington, is principal of United Realty.

“This past year has shown the resiliency of CIBS and its members as we continue to navigate our way out of the pandemic and its lasting effects on our industry,” said Stratigos. “Throughout 2022 CIBS hosted myriad of industry seminars and networking events. We are eager to build on the success of these events with the continued support and hard work of our board and our members.”