At CEO (Boardroom Media) we track over 1,000,000 startups and over 5,000,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top New York based CEO’ operating in the Property Management space. If you think a CEO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on [email protected].
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Robert Reffkin
Co-Founder and CEO of Compass
Robert Reffkin is the Founder and CEO at Compass. Prior to Compass Robert worked at Goldman Sachs as Chief of Staff to the President & COO following five years working in the firm’s private equity arm. Prior to Goldman Sachs, he worked at Lazard and McKinsey & Company. In 2005, he was appointed as a White House Fellow to serve as special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury. Robert is also the Founder of New York Needs You. He received a B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University. Outside of work, he recently completed 50 marathons, one in each state, to raise $1 million for nonprofits.
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About Compass: Compass is a real estate technology company that provides an online platform for buying, renting, and selling real estate assets.

Jonathan Wasserstrum
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of SquareFoot
Jonathan graduated from Columbia Business School in May 2012. Prior to business school, Jonathan worked in the International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle where he advised foreign and domestic clients on more than $3 billion worth of transactions globally.
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About MetaProp, MetaProp, SquareFoot: SquareFoot is a marketplace that helps companies find office spaces.
Jonathan Z. Cohen
Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of Acres Commercial Realty
Jonathan Z. Cohen has been Chief Executive Officer of Resource America, Inc. since 2004, President since 2003, and a Director since 2002. Previous roles include Chief Operating Officer from 2002 to 2004, Executive Vice President from 2001 to 2003 and Senior Vice President from 1999 to 2001. He is also the Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of Resource Capital Corp. (NYSE: RSO) since its formation in 2005. He has been Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atlas Energy, L.P. (NYSE: ATLS) since February 2011. Jonathan served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Atlas Pipeline Holdings, L.P. from January 2006 until February 2011 and has served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors since 2006. Jonathan was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atlas Energy, Inc. from September 2000 until February 2011 and Chairman of the Board of the Executive Committee of Atlas Energy, Inc. from October 2009 until February 2011. Jonathan is a trustee of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens and a Director of Lincoln Center Theater. Jonathan received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. He also received a Juris Doctor from American University School of Law.
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About Acres Commercial Realty, Resource America: Acres Commercial Realty is a REIT that offers transitional commercial real estate loans and commercial real estate credit investments.

Marcela Sapone
CEO & Co-Founder of Hello Alfred
In 2014, the founders of Hello Alfred won the TechCrunch Disrupt SF pitch competition–becoming the first all-female founder team to do so–after wowing judges with its vision of an on-demand concierge service that connects customers with a professionally trained home manager to complete workaday household errands like cleaning, laundry, and pet care.
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About Hello Alfred: Alfred is the largest and most advanced residential management platform.
Jonathan B. Handler
Founder and CEO of YINC
Jonathan B. Handler is the founder & CEO at YINC.
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About YINC: YINC leverages Blockchain technology to transform the service-to-hire industry for consumers & real estate mgmt companies.
Larry De Shon
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Avis Budget Group
Larry D. De Shon is chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Avis Budget Group, Inc., a leading global provider of vehicle rental services. Prior to this position, he served as president and chief operating officer. Mr. De Shon was previously president, International, Avis Budget Group. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the Company’s Avis, Budget, Zipcar, Payless, Maggiore and Apex businesses in Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Mr. De Shon joined Avis Budget Group in 2006 and has previously overseen the Company’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as president, EMEA and operations in the United States as executive vice president, domestic operations. Before joining Avis Budget Group, Mr. De Shon was senior vice president of airport operations at United Airlines, Inc. As the head of United’s worldwide airport operations, he oversaw ground operations, logistics, safety, security, customer processing and service, product development and internal communications, leading an organization of 23,000 employees in 29 countries. He began his 28-year career with the airline carrier as a customer service representative and advanced to hold numerous positions of increasing responsibility during his tenure. He received bachelor degrees in both communications and sociology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
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About Avis, Avis, Avis Budget Group: Avis Budget Group offers professionals and individuals with vehicle rental and sharing services.
Omri Stern
Co-Founder & CEO of Jones
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About Jones: Jones offers independent contractors a Pay-As-You-Go solution to end the hassle of liability insurance.
Jay Goldklang
Founder and CEO of Great Jones
Jay Goldklang is the founder & CEO of Great Jones, a venture-backed startup aiming to deliver superior technology and service to residential property owners and their residents. Before founding Great Jones, Jay served as VP of Product Management at 1stdibs, the world’s leading online marketplace for high-end antique and modern furniture, fine art, jewelry and fashion. There, Jay and his team built the business model and many of the tools and operational practices to help scale 1stdibs’ online sales from zero to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Prior to his role at 1stdibs, Jay worked at Seamless, Bain & Company, and Gold Standard Collectibles, a vintage sports memorabilia business he founded. He graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and received an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar.
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About Great Jones: Great Jones is building the modern operating platform for the residential rental asset class.

Susannah Vila
Co-Founder, CEO of Caretaker
Susannah Vila is the Co-Founder and CEO of Caretaker.
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About Caretaker: Caretaker builds property management automation software for small and medium sized landlords and property managers.
Daniel Detoni
CEO of Propzie
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About Propzie: TENNTS is a PropTech company concentrating on rentals and hospitality.

Mark Hamister
CEO & Chairman of Hamister Group
Mark Hamister, Chairman and CEO, is a proven leader with a clear vision for the future of his company. His attitude and drive define success. Keeping his eye on the long term future, he is determined to always excel at customer service and is anchored in a solid value structure. His commitment to research leads to a healthy recognition of when it is time to divest select product or service areas of the company. He is known for being humble enough to admit mistakes and is dedicated to community service with distinction. Mark believes that the foundation of effective leadership is an absolute commitment to values, a clear vision for all of his co-workers, and a careful strategic plan to guide the direction of the company in a changing world with ever changing customer expectations. He founded his first assisted living company, named 8678 Lake Street, Inc., in 1977. From the very beginning, he focused on great service and high rewards for all constituencies. This company later evolved into National Health Care Affiliates, Inc. (NHCA), which was sold in 1996 returning a significantly above average return for its investors. Mark is also an extremely active member of the community in the Buffalo-Niagara Region, serving as a member and/or officer of multiple Boards and Civic organizations such as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, State University of New York at Buffalo Foundation (Trustee), Miami Transplant Institute and the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation. Examples of Mark’s former board participation include: Empire State Development Corporation, to which he was appointed Director by Governor Pataki and confirmed by the New York State Senate , Independent Health Association, a large regional health insurance company, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (former Chairman), Buffalo Seminary, a private all girl high school (former Chairman), Shea’s Buffalo Center for the Performing Arts (former Chairman), Committee for Tomorrow, Buffalo State College President’s Advisory Council, The Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board (Chairman), the Buffalo-Niagara Region Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Chairman) and The Police Foundation (Chairman). Mark’s distinctions and awards include: Buffalo Business First Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), Jack Kemp Leadership Award (2012), Erie County Republican Committee Abraham Lincoln Award (2001), Buffalo Niagara Partnership Chairman’s Award (2000), Kenmore West Corridor of Honor (2000), Business Backs the Bills (1999), Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Laureate (1999), the Signature Award (1999), the Arts Council Special Honoree Award (1997), Ebony and Ivory Award (1996) and Entrepreneur of the Year for New York State (1992).
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About Hamister Group: Hamister Group is a sponsor of privately-held, real estate funds which invest in middle-market hotels and senior housing facilities.
Ramin Kamfar
Chairman, President & CEO of Bluerock Residential Growth REIT
Ramin Kamfar serves as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer and President at Bluerock Real Estate. Mr. Ramin Kamfar has served as the Chairman of the Board since August 2008, and also served as our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Executive Officer of our former advisor from August 2008 to February 2013. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bluerock since its inception in October 2002, where he has overseen the acquisition and development of approximately 7,500 apartment units, and over 2.5 million square feet of office space. In addition, Ramin Kamfar has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as a Trustee of Total Income (plus) Real Estate Fund, a closed-end interval fund organized by Bluerock, since 2012. Mr. Ramin Kamfar has 25 years of experience in various aspects of real estate, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investing, investment banking, and public and private financings. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Ramin Kamfar worked as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers Inc., New York, New York, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. In 1993 Mr. Kamfar left Lehman to focus on private equity transactions. From 1993 to 2002, Mr. Ramin Kamfar executed a growth/consolidation strategy to build a startup into a leading public company in the ‘fast casual’ market now known as Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAGL) with approximately 800 locations and $400 million in gross revenues. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Kamfar also served as an active investor, advisor and member of the Board of Directors of Vsource, Inc., a technology company subsequently sold to Symphony House (KL: SYMPHNY), a leading business process outsourcing company focused on the Fortune 500 and Global 500. Ramin Kamfar received an M.B.A. degree with distinction in Finance in 1988 from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a B.S. degree with distinction in Finance in 1985 from the University of Maryland located in College Park, Maryland.
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About Bluerock Residential Growth REIT: Bluerock Residential Growth REIT is a is a publicly-traded real estate investment trust.
Brad Hargreaves
Founder & CEO of Common Living
Brad is the founder and CEO of Common. Common is dedicated to making housing better by providing flexible, community-minded shared homes. Previously,he co-founded General Assembly, a global education institution with campuses in more than 15 cities worldwide. As part of the General Assembly founding team, Brad led the growth of the company’s education business from its launch in 2011 into a global institution with over a dozen campuses. Most recently, he was a Venture Partner at Maveron, General Assembly’s lead investor. Brad has been named to Vanity Fair’s “The Next Establishment”, Inc Magazine’s “30 Under 30”, and Business Insider’s “Silicon Alley 100”.
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About Common Living, GoCrossCampus: Common Living is a community-driven residential company that brings community, convenience, and flexibility to housing.
Maor Cohen
Founder & CEO of Pickspace
Israeli, Entrepreneur, Mentor, Doer. My passion is technology, Real Estate, and people. I had the opportunity and the luck to combine them together into one company (Pickspace Plus) and to an amazing solution for property managers and tenants that I am very proud of. I am an entrepreneur by heart. Until 2008 I served as a combat soldier in an elite commando unit. As a student, I founded the International Entrepreneurship Students Community (IESC) where I was active as President for two years. Completed my Law and another degree in Business Management & Marketing. a year after I have completed my master’s in Law & Finance. + Bar exam. In 2019 I have launched Pickspace Inc in the USA with an amazing property management software for property management companies. Hope to meet you up the road! Maor
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About Pickspace: Pickspace – An automated online property management software – which increases productivity, tenant satisfaction, and profitability by 20%
Or Goldschmidt
CEO and Founder of Roomrs
Or Goldschmidt is the Founder and CEO of Roomrs, a housing solution for young adults trying to navigate life in the city. As an avid traveler and entrepreneur with an extensive background in real estate, Or realized there was a huge demand for a community based management company which offers simple, flexible, hassle free living arrangements to make everyone feel at home for as long as they need. Or bootstrapped Roomrs from one apartment to 15 within 8 months of starting the company in April of 2017.
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About Roomrs: Roomrs is a hospitality company that designs thoughtful, furnished spaces for flexible timelines.

Barry Gosin
Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Knight Frank (NKF)
BA, Indiana University. Since 1979, Chief Executive Officer, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, USA. Member of the Board: NYC Partnership; FEGS. Trustee: Pace University.
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About Newmark Knight Frank (NKF): Newmark Knight Frank is a full-service commercial real estate services business that offers a full suite of services.
Ivan Kaufman
Chairman and CEO of Arbor Realty Trust
Ivan Kaufman is the Chairman and CEO of Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR), a commercial real estate finance company that became publicly traded in April 2004. Arbor Realty Trust is a leading provider of debt financing for multifamily and other commercial real estate properties. Arbor is a Fannie Mae DUS® lender, Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer and an FHA Multifamily loan provider. Arbor Commercial Mortgage is also the external manager of Arbor Realty Trust and is a ranked servicer and special servicer by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. Ivan Kaufman has extensive experience operating real estate finance companies. In 1983, he founded Arbor National Holdings, Inc. and its premier lending subsidiary Arbor Mortgage, Inc. Arbor Mortgage became the leading provider of residential mortgage loans in the tri-state region. Under Mr. Kaufman’s direction, Arbor Mortgage became a public company and grew to 25 branches in eight states before it was sold to Bank America Corporation in 1995. Mr. Kaufman sold Arbor National Holdings but retained the commercial side of the business, creating the platform for Arbor Commercial Mortgage and eventually, Arbor Realty Trust. Mr. Kaufman oversees all aspects of Arbor’s lending operation. He has carved a unique niche in the financing of commercial real estate, combining the best of traditional mortgage lending with the innovation of an investment bank, leveraging his expertise in mortgage origination, servicing and structuring complex mortgage-backed securities. Mr. Kaufman currently serves as the Chair of the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission for the Tenth Judicial District of New York, an appointed position that oversees the screening process for candidates seeking elective judicial office. He has served on the National and Regional Advisory Boards of Fannie Mae and on the Board of Directors of the Empire State Mortgage Bankers Association. He was previously named regional “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Inc. Magazine for his outstanding achievements in financial services. Mr. Kaufman also served as a regional spokesperson for Global ReLeaf, a program of the American Forestry Association. This position led to his appointment as delegate of the International Arid Lands Consortium. Mr. Kaufman has guest lectured at Harvard University’s Real Estate Business Club and is a featured presenter at Columbia University and Wharton Business School. Mr. Kaufman is a dedicated community leader, serving as founder and president of the North Shore Hebrew Academy High School. He led the conceptualization, fundraising, development and construction of the state-of-the-art, 11-acre academy, now regarded as one of the premier college preparatory schools in the Northeast. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Trustees of The Birthright Israel Foundation. Mr. Kaufman earned a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and a B.A. in Business Administration from Boston University.
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About Arbor Realty Trust, Arbor Residential Mortgage, ArborCrowd: Arbor offers customized bridge and permanent financing solutions.
Alexander Suma
CEO and Founder of IBIS Power
Alexander is a business leader, inventor and futurist with a passion for design, technology and clean energy. He prepared his career with five academic degrees in architecture and engineering followed by business school and leadership training which he combines today with over 10 years of experience in the cleantech startup and scaleup world. With his team, he developed breakthrough cleantech innovations that are the missing pieces of the puzzle for urban sustainability and smart cities by combining hybrid energy, architectural integration and attractive financial returns. Moreover, Alexander is first author of 4 patent families, won 29 International prestigious awards for his innovations, 8 personal awards, and is delivering 500% revenue growth in 2021 in his role as CEO of IBIS Power.
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About IBIS Power: PowerNEST provides 6x more rooftop energy integrating wind and solar for medium to high-rise buildings.
Edward J. Pettinella
President and CEO of Home Properties
Mr. Edward J. Pettinella is President, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Home Properties Inc., since January 1, 2004. He is also a Director. He joined the Company in 2001 as an Executive Vice President and Director. From 1997 until February 2001, Mr. Pettinella served as President of Charter One Bank of New York and Executive Vice President of Charter One Financial, Inc. From 1980 through 1997, Mr. Pettinella served in several managerial capacities for Rochester Community Savings Bank, Rochester, NY, including the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Pettinella serves on the Board of Directors of Manning & Napier, Inc. (NYSE:MN), where he serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. He is also a Board member of Rochester Business Alliance, National Multi Housing Council and Syracuse University, as well as a member of ULI and NAREIT. Mr. Pettinella is a graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo and holds a Masters in Business Administration degree in Finance from Syracuse University.
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About Home Properties: Home Properties cares about our residents and we want you to be happy in your new home. Read about Our Pledge to You
Brian Murray
Founder & CEO of Washington Street Properties
Brian Murray acquired his first investment property in 2007. Without raising any outside capital, Brian bootstrapped his way from newbie investor to founder and CEO of Washington Street Properties, a commercial real estate investment and property management company that has been ranked on the Inc. 500|5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies for five years in a row. In 2015 Brian Murray was recognized with a Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in the Real Estate Industry. Brian Murray is author of the bestselling and award-winning book Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate, which sold more than 20,000 copies in its first year of publication and garnered positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, Foreword Reviews, and BlueInk Review. The book was chosen as the Gold Award Winner at the 2018 Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Awards. It was also named a Gold Award Winner by the Nonfiction Authors Association, a Finalist for the Best Book Awards in Business: Personal Finance/Investing, and Finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Finance/Investment. In addition to his endeavors in writing and real estate, Brian Murray has worked as a teacher, technology executive, management consultant, and engineer. His media appearances include interviews on CNN, PBS, and CBS MarketWatch. Brian has been quoted by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and dozens of other major newspapers around the world. He holds degrees from Syracuse University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
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About Washington Street Properties: Washington Street Properties is an apartment and commercial real estate operator.
William Keck
CEO and Founder of RoomActually
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About RoomActually: RoomActually is a student housing marketplace
Alessandra Poeti-Marentini
Chief Executive Officer of Casaplus Group
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About Casaplus Group: Casaplus is a leading global property management, real estate and energy company connecting consumers and businesses around the world.
Yair Levy
CEO – Commercial Real Estate Strategy and Brokerage of Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy
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About Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy: Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy is a consulting firm that offers commercial real estate strategy, advisory and brokerage services.
Yair Levy
CEO – Commercial Real Estate Strategy and Brokerage of Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy
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About Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy: Yair Levy Real Estate Strategy is a consulting firm that offers commercial real estate strategy, advisory and brokerage services.