The real estate movers and shakers networked before the awards ceremony. Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The Herald’s Real Estate Achievement +Leadership Awards at the Heritage Club on Jan. 28 celebrated professionals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the region’s real estate landscape. Kelly Killoren Bensimon, founder, owner and broker specialist of Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman was honored for her impact on real estate leadership. A former model and reality television personality, Bensimon has successfully transitioned into a successful real estate career. Her keynote speech reflected on her path into the industry. After her mother became ill, Bensimon said she sold her family home by herself — a moment that inspired her to shift from television to real estate. Today, she focuses on client relationships and enhancing the value of the properties she represents. I became licensed because I needed to protect my family — and today, that instinct drives everything I do,” she said. Steven Krieger, chief executive officer of B2K Development, was named Real Estate Visionary of the Year, while Jan Burman, chairman of B2K Development, received the Legacy in Real Estate award. The Rising Stars category recognized emerging professionals. Honorees included James La Dolce, vice president and branch manager at Flushing Bank, and Ashley Infantino, a licensed real estate salesperson with DeSimone Real Estate Agency. Awards for construction, development and engineering recognized Rob Mannino, chief operating officer of The Kulka Group, who received the Commercial and Residential Construction Management award. “It is such a pleasure to go to work every day and be surrounded by those people,” Mannino said, crediting his team’s growth over the past two years. He also expressed gratitude to partner Devin Kulka, chief executive officer of The Kulka Group, and his father, citing their guidance and leadership. Joseph Picataggi Jr., principal of Terra Construction Group, received the Development and Construction award, while Matthew K. Aylward, a partner at R&M Engineering, was recognized for excellence in engineering. Michael S. Ackerman, managing partner of Ackerman Law, took home the Excellence in Real Estate Law, PLLC. Keith P. Brown, a partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP, received recognition in the Legal category, and Robert M. Connelly of Romer Debbas, LLP, earned the Excellence in Real Estate Law award. “We are proud to honor Long Island’s most accomplished real estate professionals — individuals whose vision, dedication and innovation continue to shape the towns where we live, work and raise our families,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications for 26 years. The Father/Son Duo award was presented to John and Dylan Vitale, president and vice president of Vitale Properties, recognizing multigenerational leadership. The Next Gen Brokerage category recognized Luca Di Ciero, founder and CEO of NYSpace Finders, and Giuseppe Gregorio, an associate broker with the firm. Gregorio, who began his real estate career 12 years ago, said he was drawn to the industry’s evolving challenges. he Power Team honor was awarded to Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia, licensed real estate salespersons with Douglas Elliman. Ambrosecchia highlighted the impact of her work on clients. “I just like helping people,” she said, “to change more lives.” Additional awards recognized leadership across the industry. Shaan Khan, president of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® and broker-owner of RK Realty Group, received the Real Estate Excellence award. Denise Savino-Erichsen, president and CEO of Automatic Industries, was honored in the Technology category. In the commercial sector, Jonathan M. Stern, chief growth officer of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, was recognized in celebration of the firm’s centennial anniversary. Michael Tucker, associate broker at DGNY Commercial, received the Commercial Brokerage award. Joel Lipsky, chief executive officer of Lipsky Construction, received the Construction Management award. Tom Attivissimo, CEO and principal of Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island LLC, was named Top Industrial and Investment Sales and Leasing Counselor of the Year. Shalom Maidenbaum, founder and owner of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group LLC, received the Property Tax Reduction award. Additional residential awards were presented to Nicholas Sforza of Manhasset Realty Group and Marisa Filardo of Douglas Elliman, both recognized for Real Estate Excellence. Filardo, a mother of two, serves clients across Long Island and Queens. The Team Leadership award went to Rachel King, a licensed associate real estate broker and team leader of The King Team at SERHANT. For photos, go to RichnerLive.com/realawards/2026-photos/ For more on RichnerLive events visit RichnerLive.com.
Keynote speaker Kelly Killoren Bensimon from Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman.
Source: Massapequa Post
