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Who We Are

The Story

Rooted in a culture of excellence and a commitment to community, Pala Real Estate stands as a beacon of growth and progress in the heart of Brooklyn. What began with the entrepreneurial spirit of a dedicated team has flourished into a leading real estate enterprise, distinguished by top industry talent and a robust partnership approach. The name ‘Pala’, symbolizing a ‘shovel’, represents our foundation in doing the groundwork essential to building a legacy of trust and superior service. This ethos drives us to be exceptional partners to our investors and meticulous stewards for our clients, managing with an unwavering dedication to quality and community. Our path forward is built on this solid ground, as we continue to elevate living and investing in New York City’s dynamic real estate landscape.

Leadership

The Team

David Cohen

Principal

David Cohen co-founded Pala Real Estate applying meticulous attention to the development and management of high character properties. His strategic acumen in property repositioning has earned Pala a reputation for excellence. His dedication to crafting spaces that resonate with quality and character has been pivotal in establishing Pala’s esteemed portfolio beyond real estate. David’s previous experience working in the hedge fund industry and business endeavors in hospitality showcase his diverse capabilities.

Jay Greenberg

Principal

Jay Greenberg co-founded Pala Real Estate (formerly Z+G Property Group) in 2014 by utilizing the institutional experience gained from larger New York City-based real estate firms to own, operate and manage multi-family and mixed-use properties in the New York City area. Jay spearheaded the acquisition of over $300 million worth of property within in NYC and Charleston, SC over the past 10 years. His philosophy of using relationships, local knowledge, and value-add strategies to deliver above average returns is paramount to every transaction.

Amy Gorman

Director of Property Management

Amy Gorman heads Pala Real Estate’s property management team, drawing on her comprehensive experience from Greystar to Related. She’s reshaping standard operating procedures and scaling Pala’s property management, infusing the team with her deep institutional expertise to optimize Pala’s growing portfolio.

Jackie Alvira

Director of Acquisitions and Asset Management

Jackie Alvira steers the strategic direction for Pala Real Estate’s portfolios, enhancing performance across numerous properties. Integral to the acquisitions team, her keen analytical skills ensure a seamless progression from due diligence to deal closure. Jackie’s extensive experience, backed by an MBA from The Wharton School and a BS from Penn State, enriches Pala’s asset management endeavors.

Lizzy Kaplan

Assistant Vice President, Property Management

Lizzy Kaplan expertly manages property and construction at Pala Real Estate, with a keen eye on design that propels asset value and rental growth. Her holistic approach ensures seamless operations, cultivates strong resident and client relationships, and drives Pala’s reputation for operational excellence and high client satisfaction.

Conor Hussey

Vice President, Primary Focus in Self-Storage

Conor Hussey brings his specialized expertise to Pala Real Estate, overseeing multifamily and self-storage acquisitions and asset management since 2024. Adept in navigating complex transactions, his strategic prowess has been instrumental in guiding over $1 billion in real estate deals, bolstering Pala’s robust self-storage sector and broader asset portfolio.

Lacy Cohen

Assistant Vice President, Condo and Co-op Management

Lacy Cohen serves as the pivotal point of contact for Pala Real Estate’s condominium and cooperative properties. She maintains diligent oversight, ensuring financial, insurance, and maintenance standards align with governing documents and regulations. Lacy’s collaborative relationships with board members, vendors, and Superintendents are vital to her role in overseeing the nuanced requirements of condo and co-op management.

Aaron Kooris

Vice President, Southeast focus

Aaron Kooris is responsible for sourcing, managing, and business plan execution for multifamily properties in the Southeast on behalf of Pala Real Estate and its partners since 2020. By leveraging his prior experience working for an institutional multifamily owner operator, Aaron works to deliver trusted leadership and strong returns for Pala’s investors.

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