Board of Directors of New York Convention Center Operating Corporation to Convene on Wednesday, March 27

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Executive Staff


Alan Steel

Chief Executive Officer

Alan Steel - Chief Executive Officer
Alan Steel - Chief Executive Officer

Alan Steel

Chief Executive Officer

Alan Steel is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, in addition to serving as a board member with UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Under Mr. Steel 's leadership, the Javits Center recently completed an historic expansion project that added more than 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, including more exhibition and meeting room space, a rooftop pavilion and a one-acre rooftop farm. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Steel played a pivotal role in New York’s response and recovery, overseeing the design, construction and operation of the nation’s largest field hospital and vaccination center. Upon his appointment in 2012, Mr. Steel led the completion of a comprehensive renovation and operational overhaul at the Javits Center that included significant investments in energy efficiency, security and technology. As a result, the convention center has emerged as a nationwide model of sustainability, partnering with research institutions and community groups to study and reinforce the building’s positive impact on the local environment. Prior to the Javits Center, Mr. Steel spent more than 30 years as an event management executive. He is the former President of George Little Management (GLM), a major producer of trade shows in the United States and Canada and was active in developing domestic and international markets for the company. Before joining GLM in 1982, Mr. Steel worked for more than 15 years with the British government in several trade-related positions at the Department of Trade and Industry in London, the British Consulate in Chicago and the British Trade Development Office in New York. Mr. Steel has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including recognition from the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE), New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Sing for Hope and New Yorkers for Parks. An avid environmentalist, Mr. Steel currently serves as chairperson of NYC & Company’s Sustainability Committee, as well as on the Board of Directors for New York City Audubon and New Yorkers for Parks and the Board of Trustees for The Climate Museum.

Bradley Siciliano

President

Bradley Siciliano - President
Bradley Siciliano - President

Bradley Siciliano

President

Bradley Siciliano was appointed President of the Javits Center in April of 2022, having previously served as both Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. Mr. Siciliano is responsible for overseeing the development, design, operation and improvement of all systems that create and deliver the services provided by the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, including all financial, facilities and infrastructure, human resources, labor and sales and marketing operations. Prior to joining the Javits Center in 2014, Mr. Siciliano served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to Sharp Electronics. Mr. Siciliano has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and received his Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law, where he served on the Law Review.

Kenneth Dixon

Senior Vice President
Security and Safety Solutions

Kenneth Dixon - Senior Vice President
Kenneth Dixon - Senior Vice President

Kenneth Dixon

Senior Vice President
Security and Safety Solutions

Kenneth Dixon oversees security and safety operations at the Javits Center, working closely with event management and employees to ensure a safe environment for millions of visitors. With the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and software throughout the six-block campus, Mr. Dixon has led an overhaul of security systems and protocols that have enhanced public safety, reduced lost items and strengthened relationships with local law enforcement. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Dixon served as the Vice President and Head of Security for Sotheby’s, Inc. and was responsible for the security of $2 billion of art, jewelry and other valuable products. Mr. Dixon also served as Director of U.S. Operations for Brink’s, Inc., where he managed a complex network of import, export and domestic transportation of valuables on a global scale. Not only did he oversee the security, transport, storage and logistics for the movement of commodities, but he also designed several Brink’s facilities across the country. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Mr. Dixon oversaw the 72-hour removal of 1,100 metric tons of silver and 200 metric tons of other precious metals from beneath the ruins of 4 World Trade Center in a salvage mission for Scotia Bank. Kenneth received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Economics from Pace University and has completed numerous American Management Association courses in human resources, advanced financial analysis, corporate investigations and employee behavioral studies. He is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Association for Threat Assessment Professionals(ATAP), Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC), Jeweler’s Security Alliance (JSA), American Museum Association (AMA), NYPD Shield, JFK Cargo Association and a former gilded scholar member of the Gerson Lehrman Consulting Group.

Timothy Gaburungyi

Senior Vice President
Chief Information Officer

Timothy Gaburungyi - Senior Vice President
Timothy Gaburungyi - Senior Vice President

Timothy Gaburungyi

Senior Vice President
Chief Information Officer

Timothy Gaburungyi oversees technology operations at the Javits Center, including the management of all campus-wide technology systems that serve as the digital backbone for the iconic convention center. As the leader of the Technology Solutions team, Mr. Gaburungyi also is responsible for implementing cybersecurity protocols and driving IT strategy to improve the customer experience for thousands of companies each year. Since joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation in 2013, Mr. Gaburungyi has been instrumental in the vast improvement of the Javits Center’s digital capability, the development and delivery of client-focused technology solutions and enhanced customer support. Under his leadership, the IT function has been transformed into a valuable business operation that has unlocked unique opportunities for event organizers and exhibitors throughout the industry. To safeguard the venue's continued ability to deliver service offerings enabled by new and emerging technology, Mr. Gaburungyi has managed two complete infrastructure refresh projects and the extension of advanced technology into the expanded building. Prior to joining the Javits Center, Mr. Gaburungyi served as the Director of Global Property Technology for Starwood Hotels and Resorts (now part of Marriott Hotels) where he managed several multi-million-dollar technology deployment projects across Starwood’s divisions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Mr. Gaburungyi is a PMI-certified Project Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.

Doreen Guerin

Senior Vice President
Sales and Marketing

Doreen Guerin - Senior Vice President
Doreen Guerin - Senior Vice President

Doreen Guerin

Senior Vice President
Sales and Marketing

Doreen Guerin serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, overseeing the booking and event-related operations for more than 170 events at the Javits Center each year. With more than 20 years of experience in the events industry, Doreen manages experienced teams who work with event planners to coordinate and construct exhibits for nearly 40,000 exhibitors a year, including Sales and Marketing, Event Solutions, Exhibitor Solutions, Event Set-Up, Environmental Solutions, Security and Safety Solutions and Centerplate, the facility’s exclusive caterer. Under Doreen’s leadership, the Javits Center underwent a top-to-bottom renovation while maintaining day-to-day operations as the busiest convention center in the United States, and these infrastructure upgrades paved the way for an ongoing expansion project that is scheduled for completion in 2021. Before joining the Javits Center, Doreen served as an accomplished show manager, responsible for doubling the size of the North American International Toy Fair, now one of the largest trade show events at the Javits Center.

Christine McMahon

Senior Vice President
Labor Relations and Show Operations

Christine McMahon - Senior Vice President
Christine McMahon - Senior Vice President

Christine McMahon

Senior Vice President
Labor Relations and Show Operations

Christine McMahon oversees Human Resources and Labor Solutions at the Javits Center, coordinating the scheduling and assignments for thousands of workers who construct some of the largest events in the United States. Christine manages the hiring of skilled labor for each trade show and special event, a critical component of operations at the Javits Center. Since joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, she has implemented a new workforce management system designed to increase productivity and accountability among all employees. Prior to her current role, Christine served as Vice President of Human Resources/Integration Officer for Tops Friendly Markets and Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations for the Penn Traffic Company, two major supermarket operations in the Northeast. Christine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Management and Economics from State University of New York Empire State College.

Kenneth Sanchez

Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President
Facilities Management

Kenneth Sanchez - Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President
Kenneth Sanchez - Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President

Kenneth Sanchez

Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President
Facilities Management

Kenneth Sanchez manages facility operations at the Javits Center, a 2.1 million square-foot property that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Sanchez oversees all construction projects designed to maintain and improve the building's operations, including daily engineering activities, sustainability improvements and customer-facing equipment. Before joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Sanchez served as Director of Engineering and Sustainability Champion, as well as an Owner Representative in Project Management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. He also has served as Director of Operations and Facilities Management for SMG-Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management and Director of Engineering for Wyndham Worldwide. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Turabo in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and a Masters degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.

Mark S. Sims

Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

Mark S. Sims - Senior Vice President
Mark S. Sims - Senior Vice President

Mark S. Sims

Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

Mark Sims serves as the Javits Center’s Chief Financial Officer, and he is responsible for the day-to-day planning, implementing, managing and controlling of all finance-related activities of the convention center. This includes the development of financial and operational strategies, metrics tied to these strategies and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets. He also is directly responsible for accounting, finance, procurement, financial statement development, forecasting, job costing, risk management, cash management, management information systems and electrical solutions. For more than nine years, Mr. Sims served as Chief Information Officer, leading a technological transformation at the Javits Center with a series of significant infrastructure improvements that allowed the facility to emerge as a leader among convention centers nationwide. Among several improvement projects, Mr. Sims managed the installation of a state-of-the-art technology system that provides bandwidth and wireless coverage for 140,000 users at any one time. Before joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Sims served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for Mitsui Foods, a publicly traded food and ingredient import/export company, and Vice President of Finance for U.S. Operations for Temco Service Industries, a publicly traded facility management company. Mr. Sims holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from Salisbury State University.

Shane Beardsley

Vice President
Guest Experiences

Shane Beardsley - Vice President
Shane Beardsley - Vice President

Shane Beardsley

Vice President
Guest Experiences

Shane Beardsley serves as the Vice President of Guest Experiences, overseeing the implementation of comprehensive and strategic programs designed to further enhance the customer experience throughout the Javits Center. In his role, Mr. Beardsley leads catering operations provided by Cultivated, an innovative collaboration among Levy, CxRA and the Javits Center, which has become a signature feature of the expanded convention center. With more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations in the New York region, Mr. Beardsley is redefining customer engagement with the creation of new projects and services at the Javits Center that will continue to set the event industry standard. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Beardsley served as Director of Operations at the South Street Seaport and Rooftop at Pier 17 for the Howard Hughes Corporation and Senior Director of Operations and Events at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management from the State University of New York College at Cortland and a Master of Science Degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor.

Sonia Low

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Sonia Low - Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Sonia Low - Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Sonia Low

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Sonia Low serves as Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer at the Javits Center and oversees all legal and government affairs, including corporate governance and ethics, litigation management, commercial transactions and government regulatory requirements. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Sonia served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc., a publicly-traded, global hospitality company and creator of the international restaurant brand STK® and upscale, high-energy restaurants and lounges with turn-key food and beverage services for hotels and other high-end locations internationally. Prior to joining The ONE Group, she was the first General Counsel and in-house lawyer of the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., and was responsible for all legal affairs of a large nonprofit organization serving the Chinese-American, immigrant and low-income communities of New York City. Sonia also spent a large part of her legal career at a major international law firm where she specialized in capital markets, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Prior to entering private practice, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Ronald L. Ellis in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Sonia has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Barnard College, Columbia University and received her Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School, where she served on the International Law Review.

Board of Directors

Lee H. Perlman, Chair

Lee H. Perlman has been designated as Chair of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation. Mr. Perlman is a born-and-raised New Yorker who serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer for the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). Before GNYHA sold its for-profit companies, Mr. Perlman managed its portfolio that included subsidiaries engaging in nearly $10 billion in commerce annually through group purchasing, management outsourcing, and health care consulting. Mr. Perlman also founded the GNYHA Summer Enrichment Program, which has placed more than 350 diverse student candidates into summer internships at hospitals and nursing homes. He is Chairman of New York’s organ procurement organization LiveOnNY, Treasurer of the Entertainment Community Fund (previously known as the Actor’s Fund), Vice Chair and Compliance Officer of the American Theatre Wing, a Board member of the Ronald McDonald House New York, and Treasurer of the social services agency Commonpoint Queens. Mr. Perlman is a proud Binghamton University graduate and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Sloan Program at Cornell University.

Quenia Abreu

Quenia Abreu serves as the President and CEO New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC), the first such organization in New York State that she helped to create, along with other businesswoman and community leaders. Today, the NYWCC counts more than 7,000 members and has provided technical assistance and training to more than 20,000 entrepreneurs, assisted with the creation of 10,000+ new businesses and aided entrepreneurs in accessing $45 million in capital and $65 million in procurement contracts. It also has helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs apply for Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification through its M/WBE Center and Women’s Microenterprise Institute. A highly respected advocate for equal opportunity for women and minority entrepreneurs, Ms. Abreu works closely with elected officials, business and community leaders to ensure the growth and success of small businesses in the City and State. In collaboration with elected officials and community leaders, she helped pass Local Law 129, now M/WBE Local Law 1, and Article 15-A which mandate M/WBE participation in City and State projects. Abreu is a member of the M/WBE Advisory Boards for Mayor Bill de Blasio, the NYC School Construction Authority and the Department of Education and serves on a New York State board guiding the State’s reopening strategy. Ms. Abreu has received numerous awards, including the Business Leader Award for creating opportunities for immigrants to become economically empowered individuals given by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. In July 2021, she was awarded Crain’s New York Business’ first ever Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award in the Civic Diversity Heroes Category. Ms. Abreu holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing and International Trade and is a graduate of the Executive Education Program at the Chicago Graduate School of Business.

Hugh L. Carey II

Hugh L. Carey II serves as a public-sector restructuring and bankruptcy consultant for Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services, LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in advising financially troubled companies. He previously served as a trader at Samuel A. Ramirez & Co. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, NY, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Joseph Chan

Joseph Chan serves as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Property Management at the YMCA of Greater New York and has more than two decades of experience in community and economic development. Prior to the YMCA of Greater New York, Mr. Chan served for five years as Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Public/Private Partnerships at Empire State Development (ESD), New York State’s chief economic development agency. During his tenure, he oversaw the agency’s large-scale public/private development projects and priorities. From 2006 to 2011, Mr. Chan was the founding president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, a nonprofit local development corporation. Under his leadership, the company promoted and advanced the growth of downtown Brooklyn, New York City’s third largest central business district. Previously, he served for four years as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development in the New York City’s Mayor Office during the Bloomberg administration. He also has held leadership positions in the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Local Development Corporation of East New York. In 2008, Mr. Chan was named one of Crain’s New York Business’ "40 Under 40." The following year, he received the NYU Wagner School of Public Service Torch Award for Distinguished Young Alumni.

Fred Dixon

Fred Dixon serves as the President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, New York City’s official destination marketing organization. With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industries, Mr. Dixon oversees a global sales, marketing and promotional network, including 17 representative offices on five continents, designed to maximize travel, tourism convention and meeting opportunities throughout the City, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world. Mr. Dixon serves on the Executive Committee of the United States Travel Association, as well as the United States Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for Tourism Cares. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history.

Christine Ferer

Christy Ferer founded Vidicom a multi-media agency creating branded content and connecting consumers and brands through digital video communities. Its subsidiary, Citybuzz, is a travel channel that is broadcast on the web, in taxis, elevators and in NYC hotels. Ferer began her career as an Emmy award- winning political news reporter and as a lifestyle contributor for the network morning news shows. She also served as a special assistant to Mayor Bloomberg on the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site after the 9-11 attacks. Ferer served as a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for five year. She has served on boards of The World Trade Center Performing Arts Center and American Corporate Partners. She currently serves on the boards of American Corporate Partners, the 92nd Street Y and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan. In 2010 she was awarded the French Legion of Honor.

Ronald Goldstock

Ronald Goldstock is Of Counsel with the Chicago-based law firm, Pugh, Jones and Johnson, P.C. He provides Independent Private-Sector Inspector General (IPSIG), expert witness and investigative services for corporate, union and individual clients. For 10 years, Mr. Goldstock served as the New York State Commissioner of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and previously served for 13 years as Director of the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. He also has served as Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor, Director of the Cornell Institute on Organized Crime and Chief of the Rackets Bureau in the New York County District Attorney's office. He is a Past Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section, Past Chairs of the ABA Criminal Justice Standards Committee, the Investigative Function of the Prosecutor Task Force, the Fair Trial Free Press Task Force and is currently Chair of the Monitors Task Force. Mr. Goldstock is on the faculties of New York University, Cornell University and Columbia Law School and has recently served three Northern Ireland Secretaries of State as adviser on matters relating to international organized crime.

Richard N. Gottfried

Richard N. Gottfried served as a Member of the New York State Assembly for 52 years, elected in 1970 while still in law school. He retired in December 2022, making him the longest-serving member of the Legislature in New York State history. He was a Democrat representing a Manhattan district including Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown, and part of the Upper West Side. In 1979, he was the Assembly sponsor of the legislation creating the New York Convention Center Development Corporation and the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation and was also the author of the law creating Hudson River Park. Since 1987, he had chaired the New York State Assembly Committee on Health and worked to protect funding for Medicaid, community health centers, school health clinics, and other safety net providers, and creating and expanding public health insurance programs in New York, including Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan. He sponsored the N.Y. Health Act to create a universal “improved Medicare for all” single-payer health plan for New York. He was a leading proponent of patient autonomy and reproductive freedom and was the sponsor of the law to allow medical use of marijuana in New York and the HIV Testing and Confidentiality Law. His other legislative work included promoting primary and preventive care; the Health Care Proxy Law; the Family Health Care Decisions Act; and expanding and strengthening the professional stature of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives. He introduced the first Assembly bill to recognize same-sex marriage and sponsored the bill to protect transgender rights under the state Human Rights Law. Mr. Gottfried is a graduate of Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences and Columbia Law School. He is a member of the New York Civil Liberties Union, the Art Students League and the China Institute.

Steven C. Koppel

Steven C. Koppel serves as a partner at the law firm, Sidley Austin LLP, where he specializes in all aspects of real estate private equity and real estate finance, including a national practice in community development law. With more than 25 years of experience, he represents institutional equity investors throughout the United States and in Europe in the acquisition, development and financing of office buildings, hotels, multifamily housing, public storage facilities, shopping malls and condominium projects. Mr. Koppel sits on the Board of Directors of The Doe Fund, the advisory board of the Rabbinical School at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the International Advisory Board for the Peres Center for Peace and also serves as a Board Member at Congregation Bnai Jeshurun. He is a graduate of Columbia University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School.

Gary Lavine

Gary J. Lavine is counsel to Bousquet Holstein PLLC on administrative law. Previously, Mr. Lavine was senior vice president & chief legal officer of Niagara Mohawk Holdings, Inc. and senior vice president, legal & corporate relations of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. He served in the U.S. Department of Energy as Deputy General Counsel for Environment & Nuclear Programs managing a portfolio including Assistant General Counsel for International & National Security Programs, Assistant General Counsel for Environment, and Assistant General Counsel for Civilian Nuclear Programs. Mr. Lavine served in a number of staff positions with the New York State Legislature, including Legislative Counsel to the Minority Leader of the Assembly, Counsel to the Senate Committee on Insurance, Executive Director of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities & Commissions, and Assistant to the Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Reapportionment.

Andrew M. Murstein

Andrew M. Murstein is a founder, Board Member, and President of Medallion Financial Corp., a publicly traded investment Company (NASDAQ:TAXI). His family is also the largest shareholder. Medallion's predecessor company was started in 1937 and has invested over $5 billion since its I.P.O. in 1996. Mr. Murstein and Medallion Financial Corp. have been featured in articles in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, American Banker, U.S. Banker, Forbes and many others. Mr. Murstein received a B.A. graduating cum laude from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from New York University.

Brian O'Dwyer

Brian O’Dwyer serves Of Counsel to O’Dwyer & Bernstien, LLP, a law firm founded by his late father, Paul, where he specializes in immigration rights, personal injury, labor relations and general commercial litigation. As a strong advocate for immigrants’ rights, Mr. O’Dwyer founded the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the largest Irish immigrant center in the United States, and has served as chairman and counselor to the Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, which provides advocacy and services to the Mexican community. Mr. O’Dwyer is a graduate of The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish-American literature. He earned his Masters of Arts degree in Spanish-Language literature from Middlebury College in Madrid and received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University and a Masters in Law from The George Washington University.

Joseph E. Spinnato

Joseph E. Spinnato is President and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc., which represents over 200 hotels, employs over 30,000 people and generates billions of dollars in revenues for the City. He served as Fire Commissioner of New York City during the Koch administration, as First Assistant to the Special Prosecutor for Nursing Homes, and First Assistant to the District Attorney at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors of City Harvest, the Cardinal’s Committee for Charity, Board of Directors of Just One Break, Inc., Board of Directors of the Big Apple Greeters, Inc., and the Board of Trustees of St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in Manhattan. A quintessential New Yorker, Mr. Spinnato was born in Queens and attended public schools there until he entered LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, NY. He graduated from St. John’s University and received his law degree from the University of Miami Law School in Coral Gables, Florida.

Lee H. Perlman, Chair


Lee H. Perlman has been designated as Chair of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation. Mr. Perlman is a born-and-raised New Yorker who serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer for the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). Before GNYHA sold its for-profit companies, Mr. Perlman managed its portfolio that included subsidiaries engaging in nearly $10 billion in commerce annually through group purchasing, management outsourcing, and health care consulting. Mr. Perlman also founded the GNYHA Summer Enrichment Program, which has placed more than 350 diverse student candidates into summer internships at hospitals and nursing homes. He is Chairman of New York’s organ procurement organization LiveOnNY, Treasurer of the Entertainment Community Fund (previously known as the Actor’s Fund), Vice Chair and Compliance Officer of the American Theatre Wing, a Board member of the Ronald McDonald House New York, and Treasurer of the social services agency Commonpoint Queens. Mr. Perlman is a proud Binghamton University graduate and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Sloan Program at Cornell University.

The men and women of the Javits Center are committed to providing the highest level of services to our exhibitors and attendees, and to do so while maintaining an equally high standard of conduct. The following Code expresses our values and core beliefs; while we cannot address every situation that might arise, these are the principles that should govern our behavior. The Center’s has adopted and distributed a number of more detailed employee conduct policies, which elaborate on many of the principles set forth below. We encourage you to consult those policies for more detailed guidance in specific areas.

  1. Our customers and the public are entitled to honest and professional services, to accurate information about those services, and to prompt and courteous responses to all requests.
  2. We will avoid any conduct or financial activity that creates, or appears to create, a conflict of interest.
  3. We will protect the property of the Center, refrain from using the Center’s facilities for an unauthorized purpose, and we will maintain the confidentiality of the Center’s, and our customers’, proprietary information.
  4. We will not accept any thing of value from any person or company doing business with the Center nor will we use our connection with the Center to secure special privileges for ourselves or for others.
  5. We will strictly obey all state restrictions on seeking or discussing employment opportunities with those who do business with the Center, and the state restrictions that govern our employment activities after we leave our employment with the Center.
  6. We will enter into contracts and purchases exclusively on the basis of price, quality, service and ability to meet the Center’s needs.
  7. We will treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect and fairness, maintain a safe and productive working environment, and not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with our professional responsibilities.
  8. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, encouraging professional development, and helping co-workers and employees under our supervision to achieve their legitimate goals within the organization.

 

 

The purchasing manager or their designee is responsible for the disposal of all obsolete, surplus and scrap equipment.

Periodically, the Purchasing Manager will request from each department a list of unneeded equipment.  The most efficient means of disposing of a particular department’s surplus equipment is to transfer it to another department where needed; this avoids the expenditure of new equipment.  Items can also be effectively disposed of by using it as a trade-in on the purchase of new equipment.  If the foregoing has been exhausted, the Purchasing Manager should arrange to sell obsolete and surplus equipment at public sale or transfer the asset through the NYS Office of General Services.  Such sales are widely advertised in order to inform prospective buyers.  Donation of the equipment to a charitable organization is also a recommended option.

Equipment can be scrapped, however, before an item is declared scrap, the Purchasing Manager should determine if it can not be reconditioned or reused, sold or donated.  There are two forms that must be completed and authorized to complete this process.  They are the Property Disposal Authorization Form (PDA) and the Property Disposal Disposition Form (PDD).

The requesting department submits an approved PDA form to the Purchasing Manager listing the items to be disposed of.  The Purchasing Manager prepares a PDD form and arrange for the equipment to be destroyed.  This act is to be witnessed (signature) by a Javits Security Officer and the Fix Asset Accountant.  However, before an asset can be sold, traded or scrapped the Purchasing Manager must obtain the approval of the CCOC V.P. of Finance.

 

 

New York Convention Center Operating Corporation Enabling Statute, visible via the Public Authorities Law PDF. Click Here to view.

 

 

2021:

 

MEASUREMENT

2021  PERFORMANCE[1]

1

Estimated total economic impact[2]

NYC:  $1,046 Billion

NYS:  $1,087 Billion

2

Estimated attendance levels

348,010[3]

3

Occupancy level, as compared to industry norms

__% versus __% Industry Average[4]

4

Estimated Hotel Room Nights

170,616

5

Number of conventions/tradeshows

Trade Shows/Conventions: 34

Consumer Shows:  4

Special Events:  17

6

Jobs Supported

6,491

7

Operating profit/loss[5]

$15,642,732[6]

8

Total Payroll Hours

731,888

9

Net square footage utilized for events[7]

1,265,730

10

Gross Square Footage

6,962,895

[1]As a result of the continuing pandemic in 2021, the sources for performance measurements identified in items 1, 3, 4 and 6 herin were not available for 2021. Consequently, for 2021 these measurements were calculated based upon ratios of the 2019 performance measurement numbers compared against the total payroll hours.

[2]For 2021 Performance, total economic impact combines Sales Impact and Income Impact.

[3]This number is determined by show management pre-show projections.

[4]The occupancy level, as compared to industry norms percentages are not readily available as of date due to the continuing pandemic.

[5]For Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2022.

[6]The revenue was materially driven by the reimbursement of costs incurred related to the temporary medical facility and vaccination center.

[7]Does not include Special Events.

 

Corporate Governance Reporting Policy

The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (the “Javits Center” or “Center”) is committed to high standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In line with this commitment, and the Center’s commitment to open communication, this Corporate Governance Reporting Policy provides an avenue for employees, officers, directors and other third parties to communicate their questions and concerns about suspected or known instances of wrongdoing, and reassurance that they will be protected from retaliation for filing a report.

 

Wrongdoing, for the purposes of this policy, does not include conduct covered by the Javits Center’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy which should be reported to the Center’s Director of Human Resources at 212-216-2597, or conduct covered by the Javits Center Workplace Violence Prevention Program which should be reported to the Senior VP of Security & Safety Solutions at 212-216-2379. As of: 2/27/24

“Wrongdoing”, includes but is not limited to any alleged:

    • Corruption
    • Fraud
    • Criminal Activity
    • Conflict of interest
    • Accounting, Internal Control or Audit Irregularities
    • Intentional Reporting of False or Misleading Information
    • Any violation of the Javits Center’s Code of Conduct
    • Any violation of any applicable law or regulation.

 

Any person having information about possible wrongdoing occurring at or affecting the Javits Center is encouraged to report those concerns to the Javits Center (“Report”). The Javits Center has an Ethics Hotline administered by an independent third party where a report can be made in either English (844-450-0005) or Spanish (800-216-1288). Reports may also be filed through the independent third party via the internet at https://report.syntrio.com/javitscenter or emailed to reports@lighthouse-services.com. The Ethics Hotline is accessible 24 hours a day and provides a secure way for individuals to report concerns.

 

In addition to the Ethics Hotline, Reports may be filed with:

 

Reports may be filed anonymously. However, we strongly encourage individuals filing Reports to provide their name and contact information, to better enable the Center to properly investigate allegations contained in any Report. It is also important to include as much factual detail as possible, including names of individuals involved, dates and places of relevant events, as well as sources of potential supporting materials such as e-mails, invoices or other documentation. By providing sufficient detail the Center has a better ability to fully and accurately investigate Reports.

 

Employees should be aware that under the Public Authorities Accountability Act of 2005, the knowing failure by an employee to report corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest and abuse of office may result in dismissal or other appropriate sanction.

 

Reports filed with the Ethics Hotline will be logged, given a unique reference number and will be promptly investigated. Individuals filing Reports with the Ethics Hotline will be provided the unique reference number and may follow up for a status of their Report.

 

It is critical for individuals to know that they will not suffer any adverse consequences for making a Report pursuant to this the policy or cooperating in any investigation in connection with such Report. Consequently, no Javits Center representative shall retaliate against any individual for filing a good faith Report or cooperating in an investigation, whether through threat, coercion, or abuse of authority; and, no Javits Representative shall interfere with the right of any individual by any improper means aimed at deterring disclosure of potential wrongdoing. Any attempts at retaliation or interference are strictly prohibited. Any act of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to the General Counsel at 212-216-2122.

If requested to do so, the Javits Center will endeavor to protect the identity of any individual making a Report or cooperating in any investigation. However, under certain circumstances the Center may be required to disclose a Reporter’s or cooperating witness’s identity.

Any individual filing a Report under this policy is expected to do so upon a good faith basis. Their suspicions or concerns need not, in fact, be true, but must have a reasonable basis. Any individual who knowingly files a Report which contains false allegations shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 

This Corporate Governance Reporting Policy is not intended to limit, diminish or impair any other rights or remedies that an individual may have under the law with respect to disclosing potential wrongdoing free from retaliation or adverse personnel action.

    • Specifically, this Corporate Governance Reporting Policy does not limit any rights or remedies that an individual may have under the laws of the State of New York, including but not limited to Civil Service Law § 75-b, Labor Law § 740, State Finance Law § 191 (commonly known as the “False Claims Act”), and Executive Law § 55(1).
    • With respect to any rights or remedies that an individual may have pursuant to Civil Service Law § 75-b or Labor Law § 740, any employee who wishes to preserve such rights shall prior to disclosing information to a government body outside the Javits Center, have made a good faith effort to provide the Javits Center the information to be disclosed and shall provide the Javits Center or its designee a reasonable time to take appropriate action unless there is imminent and serious danger to public health or safety. (See Civil Service Law § 75-b[2][b]; Labor Law § 740[3]).

 

Javits Center By-Laws


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