Back story

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I grew up in New York City, raised in a building that my grandfather and great-uncles developed and built. Building was in my blood. I remember dinner table talk being about the remarkable projects my father was involved with both as a developer and builder: Madison Square Garden, the World Trade Center, EPCOT, and scores of others. I guess that whetted my appetite for the business.

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I joined the family business in 1989 as a project manager in the construction division, becoming President in 1994 and Chairman and CEO in 1999. During my tenure, we grew Tishman Construction into one of the nation's largest private construction companies with annual volume exceeding 4 billion dollars per year. Some of the projects I am most proud of include MGM City Center in Las Vegas and One World Trade Center, as well as own our own Westin Times Square, EWalk, and the Reserve at the Swan in Orlando.  The construction of One World Trade and the other replacement building at the World Trade Center site were the most bittersweet projects of my career as my father built the original WTC and was devastated that it ended in such tragedy.

By 2010, Tishman Construction had outgrown our private platform. We decided to sell the company to publicly held AECOM. This allowed us in focus on the core real estate business.  At that time, we also created Tishman Capital Partners (TCP), a registered investment advisor and capital allocator.

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As a native New Yorker, I am proud to have advised numerous governors on their urban renewal plans. I was part of the team that created the vision for the Tappan Zee Bridge, I oversaw the redevelopment plans for the World Trade Center, and I was the Chairman of the States Airport Master Planning Commission that  created the master plan for the new LaGuardia and Kennedy terminals.

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Being able to give and serve others is the most fulfilling part of my life. I came to philanthropy in a very simple way. In 1895, a poor immigrant family arrived in Manhattan with virtually nothing. The fact that a great-grandson of that family can look back at such a rich history of accomplishments is a testament to the opportunity that this great country has given us. In turn, it is so gratifying to be able to give others an opportunity to accomplish their dreams.