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Ken Colao
Ken Colao is the Founder, President, and CEO of CNY Group, a construction management and development firm headquartered in New York City.1267 He is an experienced leader in the construction industry with over 40 years of experience spearheading transformative projects domestically and internationally.23
Colao is a recognized leader and entrepreneur in the construction industry.13 He manages CNY, a Manhattan-based company known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach, particularly in "open shop" construction for large-scale development.1 CNY Group provides services such as General Contracting, Construction Management, CMAR, Design Assist, Development, and Advisory services.2 The firm was named ENR Contractor of the Year and has received recognition for projects like the Times Square Edition, Woolworth Tower, and Tammany Hall.12 CNY Group has also achieved B Corp certification, demonstrating high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.24
Ken is also involved in the following234:
- Education: Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Hillier School of Architecture and Design.234 He received a B.S.C.E. degree from NJIT.12
- Industry Associations: Serves on the Board of Governors for the New York Building Congress.12
- Philanthropy: Member of the board of AHRC New York City.23
- Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO): Has been involved with YPO for over 30 years, holding various leadership positions, including Network Chair Emeritus for the Construction Industry Network and Champion for the YPO Sustainability Awards.123
Colao was named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® for the New York Region in Real Estate, Construction, and Hospitality in 2017.13 Crain's New York Business recognized him as a Notable Leader in Sustainability in 2024.24 He resides in Manhattan’s Lincoln Square district, and has twin daughters working in Psychology and Veterinary Medicine.3 In January 2025, CNY Group, with Ken Colao as president and CEO, bought a Tribeca property with plans to build a luxury condo.5

