Press Release: Building & Realty Institute Celebrates 80 Years with Landmark Gala Honoring Industry and Community Leaders
May 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Armonk, NY — The Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley (BRI) will celebrate a major milestone with its 80th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 21, 2026, bringing together leaders from across the real estate and construction industries for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration. The theme for the event is “Building the Future.”
Held at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club, the event will honor two distinguished individuals whose work has left a lasting impact on the region: Martin Ginsburg, Founder of Ginsburg Development Companies, and Cynthia B. Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP).
A past BRI President and member since the 1970s, Martin Ginsburg has spent more than six decades shaping communities throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley. As founder of Ginsburg Development Companies, his portfolio of award-winning residential and mixed-use developments has redefined how people live, work, and connect—bringing innovative design, sustainability, and a community-first approach to projects across the region. His work has played a pivotal role in advancing smart growth and expanding housing opportunities in some of the area’s most dynamic markets.
“As a member of the BRI for decades, I have seen the organization grow into the effective advocacy group it has become today, advocating for policies that favorably impact both the development community and the public,” said Martin Ginsburg. “I am very honored to be recognized by BRI on the occasion of their 80th Anniversary.”
Knox will be recognized for her leadership in addressing housing insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations across the Hudson Valley. As CEO of CHHOP, she has expanded the organization’s impact beyond emergency services to advance long-term housing stability, increasing revenue by more than 225 percent and staffing by 280 percent while launching programs like the RISE initiative for domestic violence survivors. She has also helped position CHHOP as a key regional partner in tackling housing challenges, including its role on the steering committee of Welcome Home Westchester, while continuing to address food insecurity through innovative models such as its “farm-to-pantry” approach.
“CHHOP’s core mission—to feed and house those in our community who struggle with food and housing insecurity—has been supported by the BRI for many years,” said Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP. “The work of BRI to advocate for industry, support responsible development, and create resources such as Welcome Home Westchester are instrumental in addressing the housing shortage in Westchester County. Tim Foley’s outstanding leadership and collaboration has been such a gift to me personally, and this acknowledgement of CHHOP through BRI’s 80th Anniversary Gala reflects BRI’s deep commitment to the community. I am grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
“Reaching our 80th anniversary is both a milestone and a reminder of the lasting impact this organization has had on our region,” said Lisa DeRosa, Chairwoman of the Gala Executive Committee and past President of the BRI. “This Gala is not only a celebration of our history, but of the people who continue to move our industry and our communities forward.”
The evening will be hosted by Regina DeCicco, a Westchester native comedian and television personality. The program will also feature recognition of BRI members across the building, real estate, and construction industries, reflecting on 80 years of advancing housing and economic development throughout the Hudson Valley.
“What a remarkable opportunity to reflect on everything the Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley has accomplished over the past 80 years,” said Michael Murphy, President of the BRI. “Few organizations have shaped our region in such a meaningful and lasting way. There truly is nothing quite like the BRI in the Hudson Valley, and that is something well worth celebrating.”
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Location: Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club
Time:
• 5:00 PM – Cocktail Reception
• 6:00 PM – Dinner and Program
For more information or to register, please visit www.buildersinstitute.org/80thgala or contact opens in a new windowinfo@buildersinstitute.orgcreate new email.