Brown Harris Stevens Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown Harris Stevens has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and sales.

Driven by a legacy of excellence, Brown Harris Stevens is dedicated to facilitating property transactions with unparalleled expertise and market insight, shaping the New York City real estate landscape.

Leadership Roles at Brown Harris Stevens

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Freedman
  • Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS - Benjamin Willig
  • Chief Operating Officer - Alan Kersner
  • President - Hilary Scott
  • President - Peter Turino
  • President's Council - Patricia Hutchinson
  • Co-President - Itzy Garay
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Matthew Leone
  • Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team - Caryn Silver
  • Senior Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales - Itzaskun Garay
  • Elizabeth Freedman - Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Freedman, the Chief Executive Officer at Brown Harris Stevens, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the firm. Freedman's leadership guides the company's expansion and market positioning within the competitive New York City real estate sector. This executive role involves setting performance benchmarks and ensuring the company's financial health and long-term sustainability. Freedman oversees the integration of innovative technologies and business practices to enhance client services and agent support. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of excellence and driving growth across all divisions. Elizabeth Freedman ensures alignment with the company's founding principles of integrity and client-centric service, solidifying Brown Harris Stevens' reputation as a premier real estate brokerage.

    Benjamin Willig - Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS

    Benjamin Willig, the Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS at Brown Harris Stevens, spearheads initiatives focused on agent development and strategic expansion. Willig's dual role encompasses leading the Willig Collaborative and driving agent success through targeted growth strategies and operational enhancements. This executive focuses on cultivating a high-performance environment for agents, ensuring they possess the resources and support necessary to excel in property sales. Benjamin Willig's strategic oversight includes identifying emerging market trends and implementing programs that foster agent retention and recruitment. The Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS works closely with leadership to refine sales processes and enhance the overall agent experience, directly impacting the firm's market penetration and revenue generation.
    Benjamin Willig

    Alan Kersner - Chief Operating Officer

    Alan Kersner, the Chief Operating Officer at Brown Harris Stevens, directs the firm's day-to-day operational efficiency and resource management. Kersner's leadership ensures that all business processes, from property listings to transaction closings, function seamlessly and effectively. This executive role involves optimizing internal systems and workflows to support agent productivity and client satisfaction. Alan Kersner oversees the implementation of operational policies and procedures that align with the company's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. The Chief Operating Officer's focus extends to managing the company's infrastructure and technology investments, ensuring robust support for all business functions. By streamlining operations, Kersner enhances the overall service delivery and contributes to the firm's sustained growth and market leadership in New York City real estate.

    Hilary Scott - President

    Hilary Scott, the President at Brown Harris Stevens, directs significant operational and strategic initiatives across key market segments. Scott's leadership focuses on driving business development and enhancing the firm's market share within the competitive real estate landscape. This executive role involves overseeing sales performance, fostering agent relationships, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional client services. Hilary Scott is instrumental in shaping the company's growth trajectory and maintaining its reputation for excellence. The President's responsibilities include collaborating with other senior leaders to implement innovative strategies and optimize operational effectiveness. Scott's commitment to upholding the firm's core values ensures continued success and client satisfaction in property transactions.

    Peter Turino - President

    Peter Turino, the President at Brown Harris Stevens, spearheads critical business development and strategic growth initiatives for the firm. Turino's leadership emphasizes expanding market reach and strengthening the company's position in the New York City real estate sector. This executive role involves overseeing sales operations, cultivating agent partnerships, and ensuring the highest standards of client service. Peter Turino plays a key role in identifying new opportunities and implementing strategies that enhance the firm's competitive advantage. The President's responsibilities include driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of success among the sales teams. Turino's dedication to innovation and client satisfaction reinforces Brown Harris Stevens' status as a leading real estate brokerage.

    Patricia Hutchinson - President's Council

    Patricia Hutchinson, the President's Council at Brown Harris Stevens, provides strategic guidance and contributes to the firm's executive decision-making processes. Hutchinson's involvement ensures that the company's strategic direction aligns with market demands and long-term objectives. This advisory role involves leveraging extensive industry experience to inform key business initiatives and operational improvements. Patricia Hutchinson collaborates with leadership to uphold the firm's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. The President's Council member's insights are crucial for navigating the complexities of the real estate market and maintaining Brown Harris Stevens' competitive edge. Hutchinson's contributions support the firm's sustained growth and its reputation for unparalleled service in property sales.

    Itzy Garay - Co-President

    Itzy Garay, the Co-President at Brown Harris Stevens, shares leadership responsibilities for driving the firm's strategic direction and operational execution. Garay's role focuses on enhancing sales performance and expanding the company's market presence within New York City. This executive collaborates closely with other leaders to foster agent success and ensure superior client experiences in property transactions. Itzy Garay oversees key initiatives aimed at optimizing sales processes and strengthening client relationships. The Co-President's contributions are vital to maintaining Brown Harris Stevens' reputation for integrity and market expertise. Garay's leadership supports the firm's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional real estate services and achieving sustained growth.

    Matthew Leone - Chief Marketing Officer

    Matthew Leone, the Chief Marketing Officer at Brown Harris Stevens, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive property sales. Leone's leadership guides all promotional activities, digital campaigns, and public relations efforts, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand message across all platforms. This executive role involves analyzing market data to identify target audiences and developing tailored campaigns that resonate with potential buyers and sellers. Matthew Leone oversees the creation of compelling marketing collateral and digital content that showcases the firm's exclusive property listings. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing the marketing budget and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns to optimize return on investment. By driving innovative marketing initiatives, Leone strengthens Brown Harris Stevens' market presence and supports the success of its agents.
    Matthew Leone

    Caryn Silver - Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team

    Caryn Silver, the Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team at Brown Harris Stevens, provides critical operational and strategic support to the Harkov Lewis Team. Silver's role involves managing team initiatives, coordinating client communications, and ensuring the seamless execution of real estate transactions. This executive focuses on enhancing team productivity and client service delivery through meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving. Caryn Silver oversees administrative functions, supports agent activities, and contributes to the team's overall success in the New York City market. The Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team ensures alignment with the team's specific goals and Brown Harris Stevens' broader company standards. Silver's dedication to operational excellence directly supports the Harkov Lewis Team's reputation for exceptional service and results in property sales.

    Itzaskun Garay - Senior Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales

    Itzaskun Garay, the Senior Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales at Brown Harris Stevens, directs comprehensive sales strategies and oversees the firm's sales force. Garay's leadership is critical in driving revenue growth and expanding market penetration for property sales. This executive role involves managing sales teams, setting performance targets, and implementing initiatives to enhance agent productivity and client acquisition. Itzaskun Garay focuses on fostering a high-achieving sales culture and ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional service. The Senior Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales works to optimize the sales funnel and strengthen client relationships. Garay's strategic oversight and commitment to excellence are fundamental to Brown Harris Stevens' continued success and market leadership.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brown Harris Stevens Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brown Harris Stevens?
    Brown Harris Stevens is led by Elizabeth Freedman (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Benjamin Willig (Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS) and Alan Kersner (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Brown Harris Stevens’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brown Harris Stevens includes leaders such as Elizabeth Freedman (Chief Executive Officer), Benjamin Willig (Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS), Alan Kersner (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown Harris Stevens have?
    Brown Harris Stevens has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brown Harris Stevens’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brown Harris Stevens includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer Willig Collaborative. Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy At BHS, Chief Operating Officer, President, President.