Beth Zafonte, Director of Economic Development Services, was featured as the New York Real Estate Journal’s executive of the month. She reflected on her work and career in a Q&A with the publication.
“NYREJ: What are the key influences in your work today?
Zafonte: My expertise is in economic development incentives, which means that my work is strongly influenced by the current administrations’ position on the need for incentives at the federal, state and city levels. For example, the city’s Relocation Employment Assistance Program, known as REAP, is set to expire this year at the end of June. REAP is intended to induce companies to areas outside of Manhattan’s core. There is also a Lower Manhattan REAP intended to induce relocations to Lower Manhattan, which will sunset on this same timeline.
NYREJ: What do you like most about your job?
Zafonte: I feel particularly fortunate to have the close connection with my colleagues at Akerman. I have known many of the people that I work with for more than 20 years. We have been through milestone family celebrations as well as the more difficult times together. These underlying bonds contribute to the foundation upon which I have been able to build my career. These relationships create a positive working environment on a daily basis. This also translates into a positive experience for clients.”