Andrew Gallina

President, Gallina Development Corp

Years in current role: 40

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy working with a great group of people that share our commitment to maintain the highest level of tenant retention and satisfaction. We continue to look for opportunities for growth and ways to improve the well-being of our community.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

The pandemic has certainly presented challenges that we would never have anticipated before. We have been very active in working with our current tenants in a number of ways to ease the financial pain that so many companies are facing.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the real estate and construction industries in the next 3-5 years?

We believe that the industrial and flex building markets will continue to maintain their relatively high occupancy rates. The office market, however, will be subject to a level of uncertainty as leases come due over the next few years, which may result in some measure reduction. With that said, as our economy returns to normalcy, there may be growth in other types of office environments, so it is very difficult to predict the long-term effects of the pandemic and remote working.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

I am a Board member of Nazareth College and the Memorial Art Gallery, of which I am a past Board Chair. I am a member of the YMCA of Greater Rochester Honorary Board and a past Board Chair. I am also a long time Board member and past Board chair of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, and continue to serve on committees there. Along with my wife, Karen, and my three children, Lauren, Robert and Evan, our family chaired the United Way Campaign in 2019.

I strongly feel that giving back by supporting community organizations is one of the most rewarding endeavors that one can do.

What are you most looking forward to doing as COVID restrictions ease?

I look forward to seeing our businesses return to normal and welcoming our workforce back to our offices and workplaces. I look forward to seeing so many people that I have missed over this extended time of isolation and certainly look forward to traveling once again.