Editors’ Note

Elissia Velez oversees planning, analysis, and operational integration efforts at SL Green Realty Corp., with a focus on strengthening execution, data aggregation, and coordination across teams. She is responsible for advancing operational performance through targeted data capture, evaluating emerging technology platforms, and supporting the development of technology-enabled reporting and knowledge resources. Velez has played a key role in several complex, cross-functional efforts, most recently advancing major milestones within SL Green’s Security & Life Safety enhancement initiative and contributing to select digital transformation programs. Throughout her tenure, she was also onsite during the pandemic serving point and assisted in the development of programs that supported the safe and welcoming return of tenants, employees, and visitors. Velez joined SL Green in 2018 as a Portfolio Analyst. She earned her BA degree in strategic communications with a minor in business from the University of Scranton.

Company Brief

SL Green Realty Corp. (slgreen.com), Manhattan’s largest office landlord, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is focused primarily on acquiring, managing and maximizing the value of Manhattan commercial properties. As of September 30, 2025, SL Green held interests in 53 buildings totaling 30.7 million square feet. This included ownership interests in 27.1 million square feet of Manhattan buildings and 2.7 million square feet securing debt and preferred equity investments.

How do you describe SL Green’s culture?

SL Green’s culture is defined by its people. I am honored to work alongside an exceptionally hard-working, talented, and humble group of professionals who are deeply committed to one another and to the firm. There is a strong sense of purpose behind our work and the effort our teams invest. That dedication is matched by a culture of mutual respect and recognition, where contributions are seen and valued. We do our best work because there is genuine pride in the outcome, and that shared passion drives both our pace and our performance. At its core, SL Green is a collaborative community that supports its people and remains dedicated to our neighbors and the city we are proud to help shape every day.

Will you highlight your role and areas of focus?

My role is focused on ensuring strategic priorities are translated into disciplined execution. I work across the organization to drive alignment, lead complex cross-functional initiatives, and ensure programs move forward with clear ownership, accountability, and momentum. Under the leadership of SL Green’s Chief Operating Officer, Edward Piccinich, I provide transparency into progress and help remove obstacles so teams can stay focused on delivering results.

I bring a balance of analysis and execution, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and maintaining high standards. I am accountable for the quality and consistency of our work product, and for ensuring that leadership has clear, reliable information to support decision-making. More recently, my focus has included modernizing reporting, deploying automation, and building scalable frameworks that support innovation and measure performance.

What has made the real estate industry so special for you?

I have always appreciated the Real Estate industry’s versatility, its scalability, and the opportunity it creates. Over my time at SL Green, I’ve come to appreciate that real estate is both essential and dynamic. It is one of the foundational industries of our economy, constantly reinventing itself to meet the moment. It has proven resilient through economic cycles and global disruption, emerging more innovative each time. Throughout my time, I have been a part of SL Green’s embrace of amenities, technology, and experiences, transforming buildings into destinations and communities which has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. At its best, I have found real estate is a catalyst for creativity and progress, which makes the industry endlessly compelling.

Do you feel that there are strong opportunities for women in the industry?

Absolutely. I see it every day, and I am fortunate to work alongside a team made up largely of women. I am surrounded by talented, hardworking, supportive, and exceptionally capable individuals who set a high bar and push me to be better.

Through my own experience, I believe opportunity is created through mindset and action. When I started as an Analyst, I never imagined I would one day step into a Senior Vice President role. I wanted the responsibility, but I did not yet believe it was possible. Over the years, I learned that your mindset has to evolve with your ambitions, and you have to take ownership of the steps required to get there.

This industry rewards capability, drive, and results. Meaningful opportunities follow when you bring your expertise to the table, take on the work others hesitate to touch, and elevate it through execution and outcomes.

How important have mentors been in your career?

Mentors have been essential to my career, often in ways that are easy to underestimate. I’ve learned from many people along the way, gaining guidance on navigating corporate culture, working across different leadership styles, and communicating ideas with confidence and clarity.

I work for SL Green’s Chief Operating Officer, Edward Piccinich, who has shaped how I think about leadership. Through his actions, he consistently reinforces the importance of sharing credit rather than seeking it. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he is deliberate about recognizing the contributions of his team and the support that surrounds him. That perspective has influenced how I view my own achievements. While individual effort matters, progress is often the result of collective input. Keeping that balance in mind has made me a stronger collaborator and a more thoughtful manager.

What advice do you offer to young people beginning their careers?

One of the most valuable mindsets I adopted early in my career was volunteering for responsibilities beyond my formal role. I was eager to learn and was motivated by challenge, and that openness led to learning different functions, solving unfamiliar problems, and building the versatility that still shapes how I work today. When starting out, there is often more room to make mistakes and learn from them. I encourage young professionals to lean in, take on new challenges, and not be afraid to make mistakes. They also have a lot to prove, and the best way to close that gap is through the work itself, taking ownership, delivering results, and being accountable for both successes and setbacks.

What has made SL Green a place where you have wanted to build your career?

Three main reasons come to mind. First, the caliber of talent. Our people are intelligent, driven, and deeply committed. It’s a collaborative environment where individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives come together to produce meaningful, high-quality work. Second, the leadership at SL Green is innovative and forward-looking with a clearly articulated vision for the Company that feels both tangible and shared. The connection between effort and impact is visible, and there’s a strong sense that the work we do every day directly supports long-term goals. Finally, the firm’s willingness to evolve has kept the work dynamic and rewarding. SL Green continues to challenge itself, invest in new ideas, and raise the bar, creating an environment where growth, accountability, and excellence are not only encouraged, but expected.