Brown Harris Stevens Executive and Leadership Team

June, 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 client service, shaping the New York City real estate landscape.

Leadership Roles at Brown Harris Stevens

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Freedman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Alan Kersner
  • President - Leslie Winkler
  • Co-President - Itzy Garay
  • President Of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club - Sevdet Kukaj
  • President's Council - Patricia Hutchinson
  • President - Peter Turino
  • Co-President & Managing Director, Sales, Upper Side (East) - Itzaskun Garay
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Matthew Leone
  • Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team - Caryn Silver
  • 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 company's extensive real estate services. Freedman guides the firm's expansion initiatives and ensures alignment with market demands, leveraging deep industry knowledge to drive growth. Overseeing all major business units, Freedman fosters a culture of client-centricity and innovation, critical for navigating the competitive New York City property market. This leadership role involves setting performance benchmarks and cultivating key relationships with stakeholders, including investors and strategic partners. By championing new technologies and service models, Elizabeth Freedman ensures Brown Harris Stevens maintains its position as a premier real estate brokerage, facilitating seamless property buying and selling experiences across the region.
    Elizabeth Freedman

    Alan Kersner - Chief Operating Officer

    Alan Kersner, the Chief Operating Officer at Brown Harris Stevens, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency and resource allocation across all departments. Kersner optimizes internal processes, ensuring seamless execution of the company's real estate transactions and client services. This involves overseeing technology infrastructure, administrative functions, and compliance protocols to support the firm's extensive operations. By streamlining workflows and enhancing operational scalability, Kersner directly contributes to the firm's ability to handle a high volume of property sales and acquisitions. The Chief Operating Officer also plays a crucial part in integrating new business strategies and ensuring that operational capabilities meet evolving market needs. Through meticulous oversight, Alan Kersner reinforces the company's commitment to delivering exceptional service and maintaining robust operational integrity.

    Leslie Winkler - President

    Leslie Winkler, the President at Brown Harris Stevens, spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees key operational divisions to drive the company's real estate market performance. Winkler directs the expansion of brokerage services and cultivates high-level relationships with clients and industry partners, reinforcing the firm's market leadership. This position involves guiding strategic planning and ensuring that all business units operate cohesively to achieve revenue and client satisfaction goals. The President also champions initiatives aimed at enhancing agent productivity and client experience within the competitive New York City real estate landscape. By providing decisive leadership and strategic direction, Leslie Winkler ensures Brown Harris Stevens continues its legacy of excellence in property sales and acquisitions.

    Itzy Garay - Co-President

    Itzy Garay, the Co-President at Brown Harris Stevens, shares responsibility for guiding the firm's strategic direction and operational oversight, focusing on enhancing sales performance and market reach. Garay collaborates on developing and implementing growth strategies, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the real estate industry. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with agents and clients, driving engagement and facilitating successful property transactions. The Co-President also contributes to optimizing sales processes and identifying new market opportunities within New York City. By working in tandem with other leadership, Itzy Garay ensures the continued success and expansion of Brown Harris Stevens's premier real estate services.

    Sevdet Kukaj - President Of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club

    Sevdet Kukaj, the President Of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club at Brown Harris Stevens, leads initiatives focused on supporting and advancing the interests of resident managers within Manhattan's vast property portfolio. Kukaj advocates for best practices in property management and fosters collaboration among managers to enhance building operations and resident satisfaction. This role involves addressing the unique challenges and opportunities present in managing large residential complexes across Manhattan. The President Of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club works to ensure effective communication between property owners, management staff, and residents, promoting harmonious living environments. Through dedicated leadership, Sevdet Kukaj strengthens the operational standards and professional development within the resident management community.
    Sevdet Kukaj

    Patricia Hutchinson - President's Council

    Patricia Hutchinson, the President's Council at Brown Harris Stevens, contributes strategic insights and guidance to the firm's executive leadership, focusing on enhancing overall business performance and market positioning. Hutchinson leverages extensive experience to advise on critical decisions related to sales strategies, client relations, and operational improvements within the real estate sector. This role involves participating in high-level discussions that shape the company's future direction and ensure sustained growth. The President's Council member provides a valuable perspective on market dynamics and client needs, supporting the executive team's efforts to maintain Brown Harris Stevens's competitive edge. Through thoughtful counsel, Patricia Hutchinson aids in navigating complex market conditions and reinforcing the company's commitment to excellence.

    Peter Turino - President

    Peter Turino, the President at Brown Harris Stevens, drives strategic growth and operational excellence across key segments of the company's real estate operations. Turino focuses on expanding market share and enhancing client services, ensuring the firm maintains its leadership position in New York City's property market. This involves overseeing sales teams, developing innovative brokerage strategies, and fostering strong relationships with developers and property owners. The President plays a vital role in identifying new business opportunities and adapting to evolving market trends to maximize revenue and client satisfaction. By providing strong leadership and strategic vision, Peter Turino ensures Brown Harris Stevens continues to deliver exceptional value in property transactions.

    Itzaskun Garay - Co-President & Managing Director, Sales, Upper Side (East)

    Itzaskun Garay, the Co-President & Managing Director, Sales, Upper Side (East) at Brown Harris Stevens, directs all sales activities and strategic development for the East Upper Side region, driving significant revenue growth. Garay oversees agent performance, implements targeted sales initiatives, and cultivates key client relationships to maximize property sales within this crucial market segment. This leadership position involves analyzing market data to identify emerging trends and opportunities for expansion. The Co-President & Managing Director, Sales, Upper Side (East) also collaborates with marketing teams to develop effective campaigns that highlight property value and attract buyers. By providing focused leadership and strategic oversight, Itzaskun Garay ensures exceptional sales results and reinforces Brown Harris Stevens's dominance in the East Upper Side real estate market.

    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 directs all promotional activities, digital marketing campaigns, and public relations efforts, ensuring consistent brand messaging across diverse platforms. This role involves analyzing market trends and consumer behavior to identify new opportunities for client engagement and lead generation within the New York City real estate sector. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates closely with sales teams to develop targeted campaigns that highlight property value and attract qualified buyers. By leveraging data analytics and innovative marketing techniques, Matthew Leone strengthens the company's market position and cultivates a powerful brand identity, essential for sustained success in property sales.
    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 strategic and operational support to the Harkov Lewis Team, enhancing their real estate brokerage capabilities. Silver manages project timelines, coordinates team initiatives, and ensures efficient communication flow, facilitating the team's success in property transactions. This role involves streamlining administrative processes and supporting client management efforts, allowing the team to focus on core sales activities. The Chief of Staff, The Harkov Lewis Team also assists in developing and implementing team-specific strategies to maximize market penetration and client satisfaction. By ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment, Caryn Silver empowers The Harkov Lewis Team to achieve its ambitious sales targets and deliver superior service to property buyers and sellers.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Real Estate

    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 Alan Kersner (Chief Operating Officer) and Leslie Winkler (President).
    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), Alan Kersner (Chief Operating Officer), Leslie Winkler (President) 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 Operating Officer, President, Co-President, President Of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club.