LIBI leader to retire in 2022

Long Island Business Institute (LIBI) Chief Executive Officer Mitch Pally has announced that he is retiring at the end of the year after more than a decade at the helm of the state’s largest home building trade group.

“After twelve years of leading one of the most important and dynamic advocacy organizations on Long Island it is time for me to place the torch in the hands of the next individual,” he stated.

In announcing his intentions, Pally told his Board of Directors, “Words cannot adequately describe the honor I have had in working with some of the most thoughtful, insightful, and committed professionals who share a vision of a Long Island where home ownership is not a distant aspiration but an achievable goal for all.

“We have made significant progress in creating opportunities for families and an emerging generation of Long Islanders, but we all have much more work to do before we begin to truly address the obvious and compelling need for housing. Until then, we will continue to see a quiet but destabilizing exodus of those whose only desire has been to live, work, and enjoy this island we love,” he continued.

A legacy of insight, action, and respect

LIBI’s president, Steven Krieger, a partner at Engel Burman, stated, “There are few individuals on Long Island who have brought as much insight, vision, integrity, and energy to the task of creating housing in our region as Mitch Pally. But more than that, over the many years, he has been at the center of virtually every important discussion regarding the future of our island – from mass transportation to energy. Through his quiet and thoughtful manner he has presented powerful arguments designed to manage and direct change to benefit his 2.8 million Long Island neighbors.”

LIBI past president and current Huntington Town Councilman Sal Ferro, President and CEO of Alure Home Improvements and Alure Designs, said, “I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with Mitch Pally for so many years at LIBI. I truly believe his contributions will be felt for years. LIBI is strong and focused on its mission due to his exceptional leadership and steady hand. When Mitch was in the room he was always prepared and stayed on point. He truly made those around him better at their work. I consider him a mentor and more important, a friend.”

Pally explained, “It is difficult, in fact impossible, to thank all the individuals who have played a crucial role during my career at LIBI. Their support, leadership, advice, and counsel have allowed me to achieve whatever success may be attributed to my tenure.

“Under its next executive, LIBI will be poised to sustain and expand upon the momentum we have created to bring the housing crisis to a point where it must, and can be, addressed by a region now conscious of the cost of losing its future. Our organization views this issue as nothing less than an existential threat to Long Island, its economy, and the very neighborhoods that define our region. LIBI will continue to serve as a driving force in allowing a new generation to demand what their grandparents sought in the days after World War II. This is where they want to live,” he noted.

Pally reflected that during his tenure LIBI has been an effective and forceful voice for housing, for sustainable economic growth, reliable mass transit, and for a reduction in the high cost of living that places the island at a competitive disadvantage with other parts of the country. The group has consistently partnered with business allies such as the Long Island Association and the Association for a Better Long Island as, together, they advocate for programs and policies that strengthen our region today and prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow.

A career dedicated to serving the region

Mr. Pally was selected as the Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute in December 2010. Mr. Pally was also the Suffolk County representative to the Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Prior to his role at LIBI, Mr. Pally’s career included serving as the Vice President for Governmental Affairs for the Long Island Association from 1992 to 2006. He was responsible for all governmental and community activities of the Association. Mr. Pally was associated with the LIA since August 1985 when he was appointed Director of Legislative and Economic Affairs.

Prior to his service with the LIA, Mr. Pally held a number of positions in the New York State Legislature. From 1975 to 1983, Mr. Pally served in various capacities to the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation and the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices. From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Pally was the Chief Counsel to the Committee and the Commission. During his service to the Senate, Mr. Pally played a key role in the drafting and passage of such important transportation legislation as the first in the nation seatbelt law, child restraint law, the Transportation Bond Issues of 1983 and 1979, reserved parking spaces for disabled drivers, and others.