GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD
Bridget Cunningham, Vice President, Property Management
Vornado Office Management, LLC
1. How did you first get involved with BOMA New York and how long have you been a member?
I have been a member since 2003 and I initially got involved when I became an Assistant Property Manager at Vornado Realty Trust. I began taking BOMA New York courses such as the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Buildings Part 1 & 2, to better understand the building systems and how they operate. The classes were very helpful and gave me a good understanding of the basics, as well as strengthened my use of engineering and contracting lingo – which helped me to speak knowledgably with professionals across the industry.
2. What is your favorite BOMA New York event? Why?
My favorite BOMA New York event is the Annual Membership Event coming up this September. It’s a great way to close out the summer by socializing with people you haven’t seen for a while and a great opportunity to meet new inspiring professionals in the industry. The spectacular city views from the 230 Fifth Avenue Rooftop are always breathtaking.
3. What are some of the opportunities of being a member of the BOMA New York Board of Directors?
Until the beginning of this year, I was the board liaison for the Preparedness Committee. Currently, I am on the Association Policy Committee with Jim Kleeman, our former president. The Association Policy Committee reviews and updates the bylaws of BOMA New York. It’s interesting because it gets different people from various disciplines within the industry together. Everyone is looking at the same thing, but from different vantage points, so it’s a great way to bounce ideas off each other and to come up with the best and most inclusive solutions for challenges we all face.
4. Are you part of any BOMA New York Committees? If so, how do you think they’ve changed over the years?
The Preparedness Committee, which is what I have been mostly involved in, sets the standard and created a model for the association nationally and internationally. We’ve witnessed even more growth within the Preparedness Committee this year, as involvement from law enforcement and property management professionals increase and bring an array of perspectives that continue to expand the committee.
5. Are there any BOMA New York initiatives or programs that have added to your role as a Property Manager at Vornado Realty Trust?
Most definitely, the classes have equipped me with knowledge I didn’t previously have. The Lunch and Learns have also been helpful and I’ve even sent my staff to them. When I might not have the full detailed knowledge of a particular topic, my staff can take advantage and learn about something I wouldn’t be able to teach them about. The Lunch and Learns are a great environment because of the smaller group size, you can get a good understanding and you have time to ask questions and network.
6. What events are you looking forward to and why?
The Holiday Luncheon is always a fun event because we give out the Civic Betterment Award and Scholarships, which is always great to see. And of course, the Pinnacle Awards is our big event every February, which I look forward to attending each year.
7. Do you feel that being a BOMA New York member provides you with certain benefits or opportunities?
As a Board Member, I get to see issues that are ahead of us, that I would otherwise not be aware of, such as the legislative updates or committee reports. I’m able to prepare for and learn about these upcoming changes and challenges.
8. What piece of advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a BOMA New York member?
Definitely join, there’s a lot of benefits to it. Go to as many seminars and events as you can, so that you can learn from the knowledge base of our industry. There are a lot of talented and bright people who have been doing this for a long time and have a lot of knowledge and wisdom that they are more than happy to share.
