The Real Estate Board of New York on Tuesday officially named John Banks as the group’s next president.
Banks, vice president of government relations at Consolidated Edison, was said to be the front-runner for the position after Steven Spinola retires in 2015. He is expected to take the role of president-elect on March 2.
The board of governors for REBNY began searching for a candidate in June. James Whelan, a senior vice president of public affairs at REBNY, and Ramon Martinez, deputy chief of staff to City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, were also considered for the job, as previously reported.
“It is an honor to follow in Steve’s tremendous footsteps and build upon his accomplishments,” Banks said in a statement. “I am grateful to Con Edison which encouraged and supported my team’s efforts to engage with and be a positive force in the communities we serve.”
Banks joined Con Ed in 2002 after serving as chief of staff for the City Council. — Mark Maurer