Reesa Abraham
STATEN ISLAND,NY
Summary
Strategic senior leader and project manager specializing in construction management and regulatory compliance. Leads large-scale projects, enhances workplace safety, and streamlines operations for improved efficiency. Drives cross-functional teams and manages substantial budgets to deliver projects on time and within scope. Transforms distressed properties into valuable community assets while fostering partnerships that promote growth and sustainability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Development
Invest Newark
Newark, NJ
11.2022 - Current
- Oversaw property rehabilitation and redevelopment for single-family and multi-family properties, conducted feasibility analyses, and ensured regulatory and program compliance to enhance community housing options.
- Oversaw the rehabilitation process from construction to closing, coordinated inspections, facilitated repairs, and secured certifications and closing documents.
- Led cross-functional collaboration with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to align project objectives, maintain timelines, and ensure adherence to zoning laws and building codes.
- Managed budgets exceeding $8 million, tracked project progress, and generated comprehensive status reports to support informed decision-making for stakeholders.
- Implemented standardized protocols and workflows, optimizing efficiency across project management, contractor oversight, and compliance processes.
- Supervise two maintenance teams responsible for 80+ Newark Land Bank properties, ensuring proper upkeep, addressing maintenance needs, and enhancing community conditions.
- Evaluated grant applications, managed fund disbursements, and monitored construction progress to drive economic development initiatives, including the Newark Retail Revitalization Initiative.
Independent Consultant
Various Organizations
Staten Island, NY
06.2020 - 11.2022
- Managed real estate portfolio of 12 properties for Greenview LLC, including a 49-unit residential building, and directed construction of two residential homes in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
- Delivered consulting services in real estate development, portfolio management, new construction, facility management, and project execution to enhance project outcomes.
- Oversaw residential rehabilitation projects for Invest Newark’s real estate team under Move-In Ready and Section 8 programs, ensuring compliance and project quality.
- Partnered with KIPP NYC to develop a Facility Management Manual outlining real estate and facilities team operations, hiring structures, and strategic documentation.
- Played a key role in developing the Gant-Gilbert Arts Collective, a 27-unit residential and artist workspace in Newark, NJ.
Associate Director of Real Estate & Facilities
Uncommon Schools
New York, NY
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Managed real estate development and project execution for 26 schools across New York Region, leading pre-development activities and ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Oversaw $10 million+ budgets, developing cost estimates and facilitating project approvals to ensure timely project delivery.
- Led construction management and compliance efforts, conducting building audits and integrating findings into capital plans to enhance project quality.
- Secured time and cost savings through strategic partnerships, optimizing vendor relationships and operational efficiencies.
- Established a comprehensive project tracking system, enhancing progress monitoring and senior leadership reporting.
Project Administrator
J. Safra Real Estate
New York, NY
11.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed a $21 million construction project for an international real estate firm with over $1 billion in investments.
- Orchestrated project lifecycle management through stakeholder meetings, contractor coordination, and progress reporting to ensure project alignment and success.
- Monitored project timelines and facilitated communication between management, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure milestones were met.
- Oversaw project invoicing and procurement, maintaining budget control and enhancing cost efficiency.
Program and Operations Director
Girl Scout Council of Greater New York
New York, NY
10.2001 - 10.2009
- Directed large-scale programs serving over 1,500 participants, including a flagship college and career preparatory program, achieving a 90% college acceptance rate for participants.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing logistics, staff, and participant engagement while optimizing resource allocation within a non-profit environment.
- Managed program budgets and forecasts, aligning financial resources with goals and ensuring adherence to budget constraints.
- Led and trained teams of 25 staff and 15 volunteers, promoting collaboration and accountability to drive program success.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs and efficient operational systems, enhancing team coordination and service delivery.
- Partnered with high-profile sponsors like Bank of America and Merrill Lynch to secure scholarships and career opportunities for participants.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NYSkills
- Construction oversight
- Budget oversight
- Project execution
- Risk management
- Quality control
- Stakeholder management
- Contract negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Process improvement
- Performance optimization
- Reporting and data analysis
- Strategic leadership
Technology And Software Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Mondays
- Trello
- Smartsheet
- On-Site
- Sage Intacct
Timeline
Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Development
Invest Newark
11.2022 - Current
Independent Consultant
Various Organizations
06.2020 - 11.2022
Associate Director of Real Estate & Facilities
Uncommon Schools
01.2018 - 06.2020
Project Administrator
J. Safra Real Estate
11.2015 - 01.2018
Program and Operations Director
Girl Scout Council of Greater New York
10.2001 - 10.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
College of Staten Island