Mary Ann Tighe: New York’s Deal Maker and Trailblazer

Born on August 24, 1948, in the South Bronx to Italian-American parents, Tighe's early life was rooted in modest beginnings. She earned a B.A. in English from the Catholic University of America, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude, and later obtained a Master's in Art History from the University of Maryland .

Tighe's initial career path was in the arts. She served as an arts advisor to Vice President Walter Mondale and was Deputy Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. She also taught art history at Georgetown University and co-authored the textbook "Art America." A chance encounter in Venice led her to the world of commercial real estate, where she began her new career at age 36 .

Transitioning into the media industry, Tighe became a Vice President at American Broadcasting Company Video Enterprises, where she played a pivotal role in launching the A&E Channel.

Since 2002, Tighe has led CBRE's New York Tri-State Region, overseeing a team of over 4,400 employees. Under her leadership, CBRE has become the region's preeminent firm, outpacing competitors in market share, revenue, and margins.

Some of her notable achievements incldue:

Commercial Transactions: Tighe has been responsible for over 123.5 million square feet of commercial transactions, anchoring more than 14.4 million square feet of new construction in the New York region—a record in commercial brokerage.

Transformative Deals: She played a key role in revitalizing Times Square by facilitating Condé Nast's move there in 1996. She also brokered Condé Nast's relocation to One World Trade Center in 2014, contributing to Lower Manhattan's resurgence. Additionally, she was instrumental in Coach’s 2013 purchase at 10 Hudson Yards, aiding the westward expansion of Midtown Manhattan's business district.

Leadership Roles: Tighe served as Chairman of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) from 2010 to 2013, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the organization's 114-year history. During her tenure, she advocated for the rezoning of Midtown East and enhanced REBNY's technological outreach.

In memory of her sister, journalist Joan Scarangello McNeive, who died of lung cancer, Tighe co-founded Joan's Legacy, now part of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, which has awarded over $12 million in research grants. She also established the Scarangello Scholarship program at Cardinal Spellman High School, providing educational opportunities to students in need.

Mary Ann Tighe's visionary leadership and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on New York City's real estate landscape, inspiring future generations in the industry.