Founded in 1999, the NYSBA Research & Education Foundation (REF) is the preeminent philanthropic foundation in New York State dedicated to advancing the housing industry through research and education.
The NYSBA REF provides scholarships, research grants, and educational programming to further the professionalism of the housing industry.
At NYSBA REF, we offer a variety of funding opportunities to support the advancement of the housing industry. Our grants and scholarships are open to students, local Home Builder Associations (HBAs) in NYS, and their members.

NYSBA REF is governed by a Board of Directors with representatives from across the state.
2026 Executive Board:
Eric Bluestone, President
Ken Feiden, Vice President
Dean Shea, Secretary
James Marrano, Treasurer
Directors:
George Poulon, NYC region
Donna Ciancio, Southern Tier region
Martin Dettling, Long Island region
Mike Fazio, NYSBA Executive Director (non-voting)
Bruno Schickel, NYSBA President
Maria Kyrkou, NYSBA Executive Officer Council Representative (non-voting)
Nick Graziose, Western NY region
Edward Osterhoudt, Central NY region
Kristen Raffensperger, Capital region
David Crapetto, NYSBA Vice President
Peter Florey, NYSBA Immediate Past President
Tom Tripodianos, Esq., Hudson Valley region
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