Executive Vice President

Jay Martin is the Executive Vice President of the New York Apartment Association, serving as lead lobbyist for owners and operators of nearly one million rent-stabilized homes across NYC. A seasoned housing policy expert, Jay champions data-driven solutions that support both tenants and property owners. He previously served as Chief of Staff to State Senator David Carlucci and Director of Operations for the Senate IDC. Jay was named a City & State 40 Under 40 in 2017 and remains a top voice in NYC real estate.

Senior Vice President

Woody Pascal is the Senior Vice President of the New York Apartment Association, bringing decades of leadership from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. As the longest-serving Deputy Commissioner of Rent Administration, he modernized systems, launched NYS Rent Connect, and guided stakeholders through complex regulations. During the pandemic, he was a key resource for housing providers. A leading voice on rent regulation, Woody now helps NYAA members navigate policy and advance collaborative, pro-housing solutions. He also co-founded the Haitian Roundtable.

Counsel 

Joseph M. Condon, Esq., serves as NYAA’s Counsel for Litigation and Policy, overseeing legal matters and supporting efforts to improve housing policy in New York. He brings years of experience guiding housing providers through the impenetrable thicket of state and city housing laws. Joseph previously served as General Counsel at the Community Housing Improvement Program. A lifelong New Yorker, he earned his J.D. cum laude from New York Law School and lives in Brooklyn with his wife and children.

Senior Advisor

Kelly is a Senior Advisor at NYAA, where she works on legal, legislative, policy, and membership issues. Her diverse career includes roles in government, trade associations, consulting, and private law practice. She holds a B.A. from Union College, an M.A. in International Affairs, and a J.D. with high honors from George Washington University. Kelly lives in Manhattan with her husband and son and is an active volunteer in civic, school, and church organizations.

Vice President of Communications and Research

Michael leads NYAA’s communication efforts, helping to shape informed dialogue around effective housing policy. Prior to joining NYAA, he served as editor-in-chief of City & State New York, a top publication covering politics and government, and spent over a decade in broadcast journalism as Executive Producer of Capital Tonight in Albany. With deep experience in media and policy, Michael brings a strategic voice to the housing conversation. He lives in Queens with his wife and two children.

Communications Director 

Kade Buci is the Communications Director at NYAA, where she leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy across media relations, digital platforms, public affairs, and member engagement. Kade brings a strong background in real estate communications having held a senior marketing position at Brown Harris Stevens and previous positions at Compass and Stribling & Associates. She lives with her partner in Lower Manhattan.

Policy Director 

Kathleen Irwin is a Policy Director at the New York Apartment Association, leading advocacy across city, state, and federal levels. She previously spent six years with the New York State Restaurant Association as NYC Government Affairs Manager. Kathleen brings extensive trade association experience, including testifying before City Council, working with city agencies, and advancing commonsense legislation. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Policy Analysis from Baruch College and is committed to smart, practical policymaking that supports housing providers.

Policy Director

Yissett Peralta is a Policy Director at the New York Apartment Association, leading advocacy on housing affordability, tenant protections, and responsible property management. A lifelong New Yorker, she brings experience from her time in government, including roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Council Member Francisco Moya, where she helped advance the Willets Point redevelopment. She also served as a District Representative for State Senator David Carlucci. Yissett champions balanced housing solutions for both residents and property owners.

Policy Director

Sam Weprin is the Policy Director at the New York Apartment Association, where he leads City and State government affairs. A Queens native, he spent seven years in the NYC Mayor’s Office, with roles in the Office of Management and Budget, State Legislative Affairs, and as Government Affairs Advisor to both the Deputy Mayor for Housing and the First Deputy Mayor. He helped advance the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” and was named to City & State’s 2022 Albany 40 Under 40.

Policy Director

Cleveland Stair is Policy Director at the New York Apartment Association, representing housing providers who own nearly half of NYC’s rental units. He’s held senior housing policy roles at The Wright Group NY, NYC HPD, and in the State Senate, where he helped shape the 2019 Rent Regulation Hearings. A third-generation Brooklynite of Southern, Jamaican, and Filipino heritage, Cleveland grew up in public housing and brings lived experience to reshaping New York’s housing future.

Controller 

Maria Aguas is the Controller at NYAA, where she oversees all accounting and financial reporting functions. She develops and implements internal controls, ensures timely and accurate financial reports, and works across departments to support compliance, forecasting, and cash flow. Prior to joining NYAA, Maria worked at Titlevest, managing closings across all five boroughs. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Membership Director / Special Events Coordinator

Andrew leads NYAA’s membership services, special events, and supports staff across various projects. Prior to joining NYAA, he worked as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of Defense and spent 17 years with the Community Housing Improvement Program. Andrew values the meaningful relationships he’s built throughout his career and is always ready to listen, whether the concern is big or small. He considers NYAA members his second family and is committed to helping however he can.