FirstService Residential, a residential property management company in New York, announced that Senior Vice President Stephanie Cardello has been selected by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) as the recipient of its 2026 Residential Management Executive of the Year award.
This honor recognizes exceptional leadership and achievement within New York City’s residential property management industry. The award is presented annually as part of REBNY’s Residential Management Leadership Awards program, which celebrates professionals whose contributions have helped elevate standards of excellence across the industry, and recipients are selected by REBNY’s Residential Management Planning Committee.
Since joining FirstService Residential New York in 2010, Cardello has played a pivotal role in shaping operational excellence across the organization’s portfolio. Over the course of her 16-year career with the company, she has become one of the industry’s most respected leaders, driving initiatives that strengthen service delivery, regulatory compliance, associate development and client success.
Today, Cardello oversees several critical operational functions, including compliance, transitions, client success, operational training, business analytics and strategic projects. Her leadership has helped create the systems, programs and best practices that support thousands of residents, hundreds of client communities and the property management professionals who serve them every day.
Throughout her tenure, Cardello has championed operational innovation and education. She has helped develop training programs covering emerging local laws, tax abatement programs, building safety requirements and compliance obligations, ensuring that FirstService Residential associates and clients remain informed and prepared in a constantly evolving operating environment.
“Stephanie exemplifies the very best of our industry,” said Marc Kotler, president of FirstService Residential New York. “Her leadership has had a profound impact not only on our organization, but on the residential communities we serve throughout New York City. She is a trusted advisor, an innovative problem-solver and a tireless advocate for operational excellence. She is a true professional. This recognition from REBNY is a reflection of her extraordinary contributions over the past sixteen years, and we could not be more proud.”
Cardello’s influence extends far beyond operational leadership. Known for her collaborative approach, deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to clients and associates, she has become a mentor to countless property management professionals throughout New York City.
“To be recognized by REBNY and my industry peers is an incredible honor,” said Cardello. “I am fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team at FirstService Residential and collaborate with dedicated board members, building owners and industry partners every day. This award is a reflection of the collective commitment our organization brings to serving New York City’s residential communities.”
The 2026 Residential Management Executive of the Year award will be presented at REBNY’s 26th Annual Residential Management Leadership Awards event, one of the industry’s premier gatherings dedicated to recognizing excellence in residential property management.
To learn more about FirstService Residential, visit their website.
