Khan and Shorris Assumed New Roles at NYC EDC
The nonprofit agency managing city-owned real estate transitions to new leadership focused on board and executive strategy.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you trust that high-profile board appointments will improve the management of your local city agencies?
Lina Khan has assumed the role of chair for the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors, while Tony Shorris has begun his tenure as the nonprofit's president and CEO. These leadership changes will guide the agency's management of more than 60 million square feet of city-owned real estate.
Why it matters
The board's approval is required for development project proposals, making the oversight of this nonprofit essential for firms looking to partner with the city on large-scale infrastructure or real estate initiatives. These appointments reshape the governance of the agency, which oversees programs ranging from industrial sites to local grocery initiatives.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation manages an extensive portfolio exceeding 60 million square feet of city-owned real estate. The board exercises final authority over project proposals submitted by agency staff.
The players
Lina Khan
The new chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation board who previously served as chair of the Federal Trade Commission.
Tony Shorris
The new president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and former partner at McKinsey & Company.
New York City Economic Development Corporation
A nonprofit organization that manages over 60 million square feet of city-owned real estate and public programs.
The details
The EDC operates as a nonprofit that works closely with city staff to identify and execute development projects, such as those previously located at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Agency staff develop proposals which are then subject to a formal vote by the board of directors. Board members are appointed by the mayor, following recommendations provided by the City Council speaker and various borough presidents.
Timeline
Tony Shorris began his term as president and CEO on September 8, 2026.
Lina Khan started her role as board chair on September 30, 2026.
The agency held its first board meeting under the new leadership on September 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership change follows the established governance structure of the NYC Economic Development Corporation's municipal real estate management mandate. The agency maintains a critical role in the city's development pipeline, continuing its oversight of city-owned commercial and industrial assets.
Operators in real estate and development should track the upcoming project approval cycles under the new board chair. Firms engaged in municipal contracts should monitor future meeting agendas to understand how the new leadership influences the EDC's project evaluation criteria.
The takeaway
The arrival of new leadership at the EDC signals a potential shift in how municipal development projects are vetted and approved. Businesses should monitor upcoming board meeting minutes to identify changes in the criteria used to evaluate project proposals submitted to the agency.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by City & State NY.
Live Poll
Do you trust that high-profile board appointments will improve the management of your local city agencies?
