bOn April 16, 2026, the Subcontractors Trade Association of New York City celebrated six decades of advocacy and excellence at its annual gala, held at the iconic Guastavino’s in Manhattan. Among the evening’s distinguished honorees, Gramercy Group CEO Joanna Parziale was recognized with the Ronald Berger Trade Contractor of the Year Award, a fitting tribute to her 27 years of leadership in one of the country’s most demanding construction markets.

The STA gala brought together leaders from across New York’s construction industry, honoring individuals who have shaped the trade through decades of service. Alongside Joanna, the evening celebrated Gary LaBarbera of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, John DeLollis of the Association of Wall Ceiling & Carpentry Industries of New York, Harold Maierle of Structure Tone, and Amanda Rogers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, each recognized for their lasting contributions to the industry.

In her acceptance remarks, Joanna was quick to redirect the spotlight. The award, she said, belongs to her team, the people whose dedication and resilience have been the real engine behind nearly three decades of steady growth. It was a theme she returned to throughout her speech: the idea that construction, at its core, is a people business.

“It’s about the families behind every project,” she told the room, referencing the 300 families who depend on the work her company does every day. She spoke about the responsibility that comes with that — not just delivering projects, but making sure every person on every job site gets home safely at the end of the day.

Joanna also reflected on what growth looks like beyond the bottom line. She described the satisfaction of watching someone start in an entry-level role, develop into a leader, and then go on to mentor others, a cycle she sees as the truest measure of success. That philosophy has shaped the culture she’s built and continues to drive the company forward.

As a certified woman-owned business in an industry where women remain underrepresented, Joanna acknowledged the significance of the moment — not simply being present, but growing, leading, and pushing forward.

She closed the evening on a personal note, thanking her husband Vincent, Gramercy Group’s Chief Operating Officer, whom she met when she was 16. Their shared work ethic and determination, she said, built the foundation that has carried them through everything.

In addition to the Trade Contractor of the Year honor, we are proud to share that two members of our team were also recognized with 2026 Emerging Leaders Awards: Anthony J. Vicciardo, Estimator, and Scott Krokoff, Project Manager. Their dedication to their craft and their growth within the industry reflect exactly the kind of development Joanna spoke about in her remarks — people stepping up, building expertise, and becoming the next generation of leaders in New York construction. It’s a proud moment for the entire Gramercy team. 

The STA, founded in 1966, has spent 60 years championing New York’s union subcontractors through advocacy, education, and community building. With more than 40 legislative victories and hundreds of member firms, the organization continues to be a powerful voice for the trade contractors who keep New York building. Evenings like this one are a reminder of the people behind that work — and the leaders who set the standard for what the industry can be.