Groundbreakers Award:
Gerri Domenicos, Chief Executive Officer
Gabriel Domenicos, Director of Operations
Airlogix
Gerri as CEO and Gabe as COO assumed leadership of their family business, AirLogix, from their father and have continued its commitment to employing local talent and helping our neighbors in need. Operating for over 30 years, AirLogix has a strong reputation in the community, serving local businesses and facilities, and supporting growth in the region while protecting the environment with energy efficient solutions for every project. AirLogix has developed systems from large commercial projects to affordable housing developments and smaller entities. Gerri and Gabe are dedicated to giving back professionally and personally and improving our community, thus embodying the spirit of New Ground. We are pleased to honor them with the 2023 Groundbreakers Award.
Their Mission:
To be regarded as the area’s most reliable and trustworthy HVAC/R provider. To excel in the customer experience and give our clients the resources, care and consistency they need to succeed. To challenge industry conventions and follow our own path to protect customers’ best interests. To embrace each new day as an opportunity to improve and grow as an industry leader. To apply the skills we’ve learned—and the values we’ve always held—to make life better for our clients both now and through the years.
Máiréad M. Barrett Founder’s Award:
Avalon Bay Communities
AvalonBay is committed to building stronger communities through their philanthropic focus areas of affordable housing and underserved neighbors in need. New Ground is grateful to be one of over 60 nonprofits across the country to receive their support through volunteerism, advocacy, and financial contributions. The strength of our friendship with AvalonBay and their belief in our mission is inspiring. Their dedication exemplifies our Founder’s vision to challenge homelessness on Long Island and be part of the long-term solution.
Since 1997, AvalonBay has constructed over 3,000 apartment homes on Long Island, and currently manage nine multi-family residential communities throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. As an owner, builder, and operator of housing on Long Island, they value their relationships with the local communities in which they operate and actively seek opportunities to give back to those communities.
At AvalonBay, they are driven by a bold purpose: creating a better way to live. They do this by providing distinctive apartment living experiences and contributing to the vitality of local communities. AvalonBay’s culture is grounded in the core values of a commitment to integrity, a spirit of caring, and a focus on continuous improvement. They believe their communities enhance neighborhoods while consciously addressing social responsibility. The goal is not just to reduce impact on the environment but to improve the quality of life for the company’s associates and their families as well as the local community and society at large.
AvalonBay’s Building Strong Communities program focuses on building relationships with the most impactful local nonprofits aligned with their focus areas, including affordable housing and support for underserved communities. Since the philanthropy program was launched over 11 years ago, AvalonBay has contributed $15 million of cash and in-kind donations and 65,000 hours of volunteer time across the country.
Thomas Whalen Memorial Award:
Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., Melmo Realty LLC
New Ground is delighted to honor Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., with the prestigious Thomas Whalen Memorial Award for Board Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contributions to our organization. Melissa’s remarkable journey as an attorney, real estate broker, entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence in every facet of her life.
Melissa’s journey with New Ground began in 2018 when she attended our Groundbreakers Gala. Immediately drawn to our organization’s mission, she became an ardent advocate for our cause, and joined our Board of Directors in 2019. In addition to her role as a board member, Melissa has served as the Young Professionals Board Chair since 2019. Under her leadership, the YPB has flourished, consistently engaging and mobilizing young professionals to support our mission. Her passion and commitment to ending homelessness and empowering families in need have been a driving force behind our success. Melissa’s leadership has been invaluable, especially during the turbulent times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her strategic thinking and unwavering dedication have helped us navigate these challenges with resilience and grace.
Additionally, Melissa’s recent appointment as President of the Deer Park Chamber is a testament to her leadership skills and community engagement. Her vision for the Deer Park Chamber aligns seamlessly with her commitment to making a positive impact on her community. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to our organization, her unwavering commitment to our mission, and her stellar leadership in various capacities, we proudly present Melissa D. Mohan, Esq. with the Thomas Whalen Memorial Award for Board Excellence.