About Chapter
The Long Island Chapter was formed shortly after NYSCAR started in 1995, originally LIBOR’s Commercial Investment Division (CID) called the Long Island Commercial Network served as the NYSCAR Long Island Chapter.
In 2005 the organizations split into separate entities and the Chapter was re-organized as the Metro- Long Island Chapter of NYSCAR. In 2018 the Chapter changed to its current name the New York City / Long Island Chapter of NYSCAR.
The Chapter provides local events, education, legislative updates and networking opportunities.
Officers 2022/2023
Ira Zucker, GREEN, CIREC
President NYSCAR-NYC/LI
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
SIGNAL REALTY BROKERS, INC.
With a consistent record of closing complex real estate transactions, Ira enjoys a reputation of unsurpassed performance and dedication. He skillfully navigates the volatile nuances of New York’s buying and selling cycles in the competitive world of Commercial Real Estate.
Prior to entering the real estate field, he served in the information technology field for many years as a consultant and project manager. He specialized in mergers and systems consolidation for some of the largest banks in the world. As a result, he easily handles all the various details necessary to manage complex transactions from inception to close. He has also been instrumental in planning the information systems used in real estate and coaching people with their use.
Ira’s dedication to continuing education and mentoring programs has resulted in many impressive industry appointments. He is a graduate of the six-month Top Dog training program. He is a member of the New York State Board of Realtors and the Long Island Board of Realtors.
He was a three-year president of the Long Island Commercial Network (renamed Commercial Network of LIBOR) where he was awarded LICN Realtor of the Year in 2010, LICN Member of the Year in 2013 and CN LIBOR Member of the Year in 2017. He now serves on its board, where he is head of the Technology Committee.
He has been a member of Business Network International (BNI) and served in 2009 as Secretary/Treasurer and in 2010 as President.
Capitalizing on his love of technology and his commitment to community and the environment, Ira is a Certified GREEN Realtor.
Tony Musto
Vice President NYSCAR-NYC/LI
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
CROSSTOWN REALTY INC.
Founded in 1989, the Crosstown Companies provide expert guidance and transactional expertise for commercial real estate owners and investors. In addition to brokerage, the Crosstown family of companies specialize in turnkey management and maintenance services for owners of all types of property; industrial, commercial and residential, including co-ops and condominiums.
Mr. Musto earned his BS degree in accounting from Brooklyn College in 1977, and minored in speech.
He started his commercial real estate career in 1977 as an industrial broker. He later owned and managed dozens of his own commercial properties. Anthony soon realized there was a tremendous opportunity to expand his business and began offering critical property management services to his clients throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Throughout his career, Mr. Musto’s has received numerous awards for his distinguished service and achievements in the Commercial Real Estate industry and beyond. Some of these honors include the Hackett Award for Speech, given by the New York City Administration and Realtor of the Year by the Brooklyn Board of Realtors.
Mr. Musto has been a Licensed New York State Real Estate Broker since 1977. He is an active member of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors, the Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers, the Flatbush Board of Realtors, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
His tireless dedication to the commercial real estate industry distinguishes him as a consummate professional in his chosen career, and in life.
Nancy Vedrine
Secretary NYSCAR-NYC/LI
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
NATIONAL BROKERAGE
A Brooklyn native, Nancy is a Licensed Commercial Investment and Real Estate Certified Specialist (CIREC) with National Brokerage in Brooklyn, NY. Nancy brings her over 10+ years of experience as a nonprofit development professional, specifically in areas of marketing, fundraising and program management, to her next chapter as a Real Estate professional.
She began her nonprofit career while attending George Mason University in Virginia as an intern for the NAACP National Voter Fund. After graduating with a B.A. in Business Communications, she went to work for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. During that time, she also helped organize the 2004 March for Women’s Rights in Washington, DC. Before returning to NY, she consulted as an Event Manager for the Hispanic Council on International Relations (HCIR).
After returning to NY she attended New York University, and her love and appreciation of the city’s intangible benefits was rekindled: its unmatched weather, culture and diversity. Prior to joining National Brokerage, Nancy was a Director of Operations at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.
The National Brokerage team excels in navigating the complicated terrain of co-op boards, condos, 1031 Exchanges, investment analysis, acquisition and more. To build on her knowledge and expertise in Real Estate service she has received her Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) Designation, Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification.
Nancy is currently a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP®) and the National Urban Leagues Young Professionals (NULYP) NY chapter.
She has long admired New York City’s architectural history and is thrilled with having the privilege and responsibility of being a realtor in her hometown.
Now back in Brooklyn, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, her yorkie Apple and entertaining with friends.
Michael C. O’Brien, III, SIOR
Treasurer NYSCAR-NYC/LI
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
M.C. O’BRIEN INC.
Michael C. O’Brien, III, SIOR, is the President of M.C. O’Brien Commercial Realty, LLC. He is part of a third generation involved in real estate brokerage and management, spanning over 100 years. Michael is a member of the Brooklyn Board of Realtors and the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. O’Brien has been recognized, many times, for his continued achievements in industrial sales and leasing over his 30+ years in real estate. He always strives to ensure fair and equitable market transactions. Mike is well known in the industry and is always willing to take the necessary steps toward making a deal. Annually, Michael facilitates the movement of hundreds of thousands of square feet in and around Brooklyn. His clients range from Fortune 100s to boutique businesses.
Mr. O’Brien achieved the professional designation of Specialist in Industrial and Office Real Estate (SIOR) in 1993. SIOR is viewed by many as the consummate commercial real estate designation. Members have to demonstrate a minimum amount of aggregate transaction volume, adhere to strict educational requirements, and must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. In 2000-2001, Michael was President of the New York City Downstate Chapter of the Society of Industrial & Office Realtors.
Mr. O’Brien continues to represent buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. He has deep knowledge of the marketplace and of the economic development programs associated with each and every property in his territory.
Mr. O’Brien lives in Floral Park, NY with his wife of over 32 years, Connie, they are the proud parents of three children, Mary, Michael, and James Patrick.
Directors 2022/2023
Harvey Kolin, CCIM
Past President
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
CORPORATE COMMERCIAL REALTY, LLC
Harvey is a dedicated commercial real estate professional with more than twenty-five years in the field of commercial and industrial property sales. His expertise in lease negotiation, property acquisition, site selection, and property development has consistently distinguished him among his New York Metropolitan Area clients and real estate professionals alike.
Harvey is committed to delivering extraordinary service throughout the real estate transaction cycle using relevant and timely demographics, which include traffic flow, competitive market pricing information, investment analysis data & studies, market analysis, financial analysis, gap analysis, and user decision analysis.
Harvey has earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, held in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. CCIM professionals are members of an elite corps of worldwide experts who serve as an invaluable resource to commercial real estate owners, investors, and users. Only six percent of the estimated 150,000 U.S. commercial real estate practitioners have achieved the CCIM designation, one of the most coveted and respected designations in the Commercial Real Estate industry today.
Patrick A. Curtis
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
REALTY ONE GROUP FIRST
Patrick has spent over thirty years arranging deals for major multi-national corporations. He has been a trusted representative for many state, regional and national government organizations throughout the world. Today, Patrick’s owns and operates two real estate companies; One Realty Services Inc. and Suffolk Realty Group, allowing him to focus on serving the needs of local businesses on Long Island and the tri-state region.
In addition to Patrick’s brokerage businesses, he is a Director for Suffolk Builders, Inc., and a Managing Member of AMI Capital LLC. As an accomplished business owner and broker, Patrick has also held licenses as a Title Agent and Mortgage Banker with several companies throughout his career. Patrick holds Board positions at the Commercial Network of LIBOR, (formerly LICN), Long Island’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and Atlantic Cove Marina in East Moriches.
Patrick is known for his profound dedication to Long Island’s Commercial Real Estate community; sharing his knowledge and expertise to assist others in the industry. He is regarded as an established expert in Suffolk County land development, design and project management. He has conceived and built successful projects throughout the County.
Patrick is a resident of the Village of Bayport, where he resides with his wife and numerous pets.
Howell Silverman, CIREC, CREI, ITI
LICENSED RE ASSOCIATE BROKER
REALTY ONE GROUP FIRST
Howell is a Commercial Real Estate Associate Broker in the New York and Long Island real estate markets. As part of a national brand, Realty One Group has offices throughout the United States with a continually growing number of agents and partners globally. That means, when you collaborate with me, my marketing activity has a local presence and a global reach.
Howell and his team can provide you with all the resources and information you need to buy or sell commercial, residential or investment property anywhere. I can also help you with buying or selling a business. His strengths are in marketing and sales.
When you are selling commercial property, a business, or home, Howell uses the latest real estate, social media, electronic tools, and databases to ensure you get the widest domestic and international exposure imaginable. Howell is confident and can offer you the skills, knowledge and tools most other agents cannot
When you are buying, Howell has deep resources in both personal relationships with top companies and their agents, as well as being an expert in electronic systems.
Contact Howell so he can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in your geography or area of interest.
Howell looks forward to assisting you with all your real estate needs.
Past Presidents
Jack Britvan, SIOR
Immediate Past President
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
SIGNAL REALTY BROKERS, INC.
Jack Britvan, SIOR, is the President of Commercial Realty Services of Long Island. He is a former President and Vice President of the New York City / Long Island Chapter of NYSCAR (New York State Commercial Association of Realtors), and a Founding Board Member of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS), and the Former President of The Down State New York Chapter of SIOR.
Jack began his real estate career in 1977 as President and Owner of Commercial Realty Services of Long Island, Inc., in Jericho, New York. Jack is past President (2004/2005) of the (SIOR) and in 2005 received an award from SIOR for Community Service for being a catalyst in creating Nassau County’s smoking ban which has spread throughout the United States.
He is a founding board member of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS) and had been a Board Member for the first 20 years of CIBS’s establishment. In January 2011 Jack retired as Secretary to the CIBS Executive Board of Directors. In 2010 Jack was honored by CIBS, receiving their Distinguished Leadership Award. From 2006-2017, Jack was re-elected Vice President of the Metro NY Chapter of NYSCAR, (New York State Commercial Association of Realtors) Metro New York Chapter of New York State’s Commercial Association of Realtors.
Jack has taught the New York Real Estate Broker’s course at LIU/C.W. Post College and has been a lecturer and panelist to various organizations. Jack actively participates in several community-based and national charities, spending 24 years volunteering with the American Cancer Society, serving on the Long Island Board of Directors, the Division’s Executive Committee, and Development Committee. Some of Jack’s other civic appointments include the Executive Advisory Board of CAPS (Child Abuse Prevention Services), and the WLIW Public Television Advisory Council, the Board of Project Heal, the Theresa Foundation, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (NAMI).
Paul G. W. Fetscher, CCIM, CRX, CLS
Past President
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
GREAT AMERICAN BROKERAGE, INC.
Paul and his New York-based firm specialize in sales of businesses of Restaurants and Retail.
He was recognized as a top retail producer nationwide for Cushman and Wakefield Real Estate. Since founding Great American in 1980, he has been responsible for more restaurants throughout the Greater New York metropolitan area than any other broker.
Paul holds the title of CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Manager) as designated by the National Association of Realtors. He is a CRX (Certified Retail Property Executive) and a CLS (Certified Leasing Specialist) as designated by the International Council of Shopping Centers, where he has been a member since 1974.
Paul’s real estate experience has reached far beyond Greater New York ranging literally from Maine to Florida; New York to California; and includes Hawaii, Alaska, London, Dubai, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Thailand.
He has been a featured speaker at ICSC’s National and Regional conventions; MUFSO LI Business News, Retail Space News and Toastmasters International. He has also served as a lecturer at New York University, Columbia University and The Wharton School.
Paul is the past President of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors (NYSCAR) and past President of the New York Metro CCIM Chapter, Realtor of the Year in 2015. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Commercial Network. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of CN LIBOR and GLIRC.
Paul attended The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina with a major in Civil Engineering, with minors in Mathematics, Business and Psychology. He is also a member of MENSA.
Edward Smith, JR. CREI, ITI, CIC, GREEN, MICP, CNS
CIREC Program Developer
Past President & Director Emeritus
LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
SMITH COMMERCIAL
Ed has over 45 years’ of experience in Commercial and Investment Real Estate Brokerage, Leasing, Sales, and Management. For many years he headed his own brokerage firm on Long Island, handing transactions throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. Later he went on to serve as a Real Estate consultant to the trade and spent eleven years as a Regional Director for Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT before retiring to private practice.
Over the last 19 years, Ed has personally trained over 13,500 agents on how to excel in the competitive field of commercial and investment real estate brokerage. To date, he has written over a dozen continuing education manuals and regularly teaches for various Real Estate Boards, private companies, and as an Adjunct Professor at Westchester Community College. Independent of his educational manuals, he has written and published ten other books.
Ed’s dedicated practice of commercial real estate is evident in his extensive industry associations and appointments. He is a former Director of both The Real Estate Practitioners Institute at Long Island University and The Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS). He is a Director and past President of NYSCAR, both NY State and Metro chapters, the Long Island Commercial Network, and LIBOR.
Check out some of the upcoming events from the NYSCAR New York City/Long Island Chapter.