Con Edison exec in lead for Spinola’s REBNY spot

Also reportedly on short list: board's senior VP and Mark-Viverito deputy chief of staff

From left: John Banks and Steven Spinola
From left: John Banks and Steven Spinola

John Banks, vice president of government relations at Consolidated Edison, is the front-runner to take over as the Real Estate Board of New York president after Steven Spinola exits in late 2015.

The board of governors for REBNY, which is one of the state’s biggest lobbying groups, has been searching for a candidate since June. That’s when Spinola announced his retirement.

Other contenders for the spot include 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, Crain’s reported.

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Banks joined Con Ed in 2002 after serving as chief of staff for the City Council.

Real estate insiders told The Real Deal in June that the new REBNY president will likely be someone skilled in politicking with government officials. Banks fits that bill. [Crain’s]Mark Maurer