Press Contact: John DeLibero, Relevance International, [email protected]

Each year the award recognizes a leader within New York’s real estate community who embodies the mission, vision, and values of the Urban Land Institute and who has had a transformational impact on our region and the industry.  The recipient must also have demonstrated an enduring commitment -through civic engagement to industry associations, causes and initiatives.  Past award recipients include Larry A. Silverstein, Ron Moelis and Kirk Goodrich.

“Ronne’s trailblazing career in real estate finance and development set a new standard for women in the industry, opening doors and establishing new possibilities for following generations of professionals. I am honored to see such an impactful leader as this year’s award recipient,” said Brian Collins, current ULI NY Chair and EVP, Director of Development at Silverstein Properties.

Hackett is widely recognized for staking out new paths for women in the real estate and finance industry. Often the only female executive at the decision-making table, whether in development or finance, Hackett has paved the way for other female leaders through her successful global career as a developer and owner of complex urban projects.  She is noted for her dedication to mentoring and leadership and giving back to the industry and City.

“In an industry that is traditionally dominated by men, Ronne emerged as an exemplary leader and the true embodiment of professionalism, knowledge and passion. Her career has been marked by so many legendary firsts that it’s hard to pinpoint just one – not just the first woman in any role, but often the first player to identify a market or a trend that would soon prove visionary” said Bethany Logan Ropa, ULI NY’s Vice Chair and Managing Director – Real Estate, Lodging and Leisure at UBS. “Ronne has been an inspiration to many, first blazing her own path and then reaching back to lift up the next generation of talent, steadfast in her dedication to make the real estate industry a more inclusive and diverse place.”

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving to receive this Award.  At a time when the real estate industry is finally taking a hard look at diversity, Ronne should be applauded not just for having BEEN a pioneer and glass shatterer, but for her sustained and continued efforts to make sure women succeed in all aspects of the sector.  And I have personally seen her in action: partnering with her on deals, and getting the benefit of her experience and practical advice to help me grow my business.  Not many people put their money where their mouth is: Ronne does, and generations of women in real estate will do more and do better because of it ” said Alicia Glen, Founder and Managing Principal of MSquared.

Hackett began her career as the first woman to earn an executive leadership position at a major money center bank before taking on an executive role at Park Tower, helping to build the company into one of the most prominent office property developers in New York City.  Projects included 60 Wall Street, a joint venture with IBM at Park Avenue Tower and 33 Maiden Lane in addition to projects in Washington, D.C. At Park Tower Hackett also headed the largest public-private redevelopment project in New York City history – the revitalization of Times Square.

In her role as Co-Founder and CEO of the Clarett Group, Hackett became the first noted independent woman developer in the nation. She developed 10 successful ground-up high-rise residential towers in New York City ranging in size from 13 to 55 stories, including The Brooklyner – at its time the tallest residential tower in Brooklyn. Other Clarett developments include 200 West End Avenue and 2770 Broadway, which altered the landscape for residential development on the Upper West Side, as well as 180 Madison Avenue, Sky House and Chelsea House.

She has been a Product Council Leader and Trustee of the Urban Land Institute, an Advisory Board member of ULI NY, and an executive committee member of the Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York and New York University’s Real Estate Institute Advisory Board.

Hackett is a founder and board member of ULI New York’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) and a former board member of WLI National, spearheading initiatives aimed at promoting the advancement of women in the real estate industry, increasing female leadership positions and visibility and fostering growth for the women who are already active ULI members.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from ULI, an institution that has been an important touchstone throughout my career, and to be recognized for my contributions to an industry that has given me so much and a city that has more than fulfilled the dreams of a kid who grew up in a small town in Florida, listening to Dodger games on the radio,” Hackett said. “I look forward to celebrating this honor with my peers and the other women pioneers who joined me early on and never stopped working to advance the role of women in our industry.”

Hackett’s strong advocacy for women is also exemplified in her dedication by serving as a role model, teacher, employer, mentor, friend and booster beyond her ULI affiliations. She has been a founder, board member or advocate for many other organizations including Paradigm for Parity, a nonprofit dedicating to closing the professional gender gap for women of all races; WX (New York Women Executives in Real Estate); Women’s Leadership Institute of Baltimore of Notre Dame Maryland University, Women’s Development Collaborative, CREW, AREW, the Committee of 200 and its Education Outreach Committee; Women’s Forum NY Educational Committee member and Girls Inc.

A testament to her impactful footprint on the industry, Hackett has also been the recipient of several of the industry’s most prestigious awards including the WX Woman of the Year award, AREW’s 25^th Anniversary Women of Achievement award and the YWCA business leader award. She has also been named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Business” and one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Real Estate.”

Hackett has an MBA from New York University and a BA in History/Economics from Notre Dame Maryland University.

###

About the Urban Land Institute New York

The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. ULI New York promotes an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better neighborhoods. ULI New York offers in-depth analysis of current land use issues and educates real estate professionals on the impact of land use policies on the state’s future. The organization also invests in the professional and personal development of the next generation of community and real estate industry leaders. ULI New York carries out, at the local level, the mission of ULI, a global non-profit headquartered in Washington D.C with more than 45,000 members worldwide. For more information, visit https://newyork.uli.org/.