Eileen Spinola, the wife of outgoing Real Estate Board of New York President Steven Spinola and a key behind-the-scenes influencer at the city’s most powerful trade group, is leaving the organization.
“About a year ago, my husband and I made the difficult decision to retire,” Ms. Spinola said in a statement. “Time stands still for no one and although I am leaving a dream job I will now have the time to pursue dreams deferred.”
Ms. Spinola was responsible for REBNY’s education programs and was an important player in the growth of its residential division, as well being the chief organizer of many of the group’s social events.
On Feb. 17, Joe Barbaccia will replace her as head of REBNY’s residential and commercial brokerage divisions, according to a release from the trade group. “I’ve learned so much over the years at REBNY,” Barbaccia said. “I look forward with enthusiasm to take on this great opportunity.”
Steven Spinola is slated to step down as president of REBNY by the middle of this year in favor of John Banks, a longtime lobbyist for Con Edison. — Hiten Samtani