EXCLUSIVE: BOMA NY Names New Executive Director For First Time In 33 Years

After more than three decades, the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater New York has a new executive director, Bisnow has learned.

Lori Raphael, who most recently served as senior vice president of strategic partnerships at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, will take over as BOMA NY’s executive director. She replaces the outgoing president, Bobbi McGowan, who has held the position for the past 33 years.

“As a city resident with Brooklyn roots, nothing makes me happier than the opportunity to advocate for and support programming that creates a better City to live in, work in and visit,” Raphael said in an emailed statement.

Raphael’s career spans multiple government agencies, including the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District. She spent several years at the New York City Economic Development Corp., where she developed marketing strategies for 3M SF of commercial space at Brooklyn Army Terminal.

While McGowan focused on increasing the trade association’s membership and improved the member educational programs, Raphael said she will have an additional focus on ensuring members are up to date on regulatory obligations, building codes and best practices. Raphael also plans to enhance BOMA NY’s relationships with key industry partners and the state’s legislature.

”I am confident that BOMA New York, its stellar staff and new Executive Director will build on our successes and guide the board and members through our new long-range plan,” McGowan said via an emailed statement provided to Bisnow. 

Raphael’s appointment has also been endorsed by BOMA executives including New York Life Investors Senior Director Sharon Hart and Empire State Realty Trust Vice President for Property Management of the Empire State Building Diane Fields.

“[Lori] has the unique blend of asset management, member services, and government affairs experience to guide BOMA New York and work collaboratively with all stakeholders,” Newmark Senior Vice President for Property Management Matt Duthie said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Lori to BOMA New York.”