NEW YORK, NY (August 7th, 2026) — Regional Plan Association (RPA) today announced that David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA); Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA); and RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) will receive the RPA 2026 Making It Happen Award at RPA’s annual Gala “Celebrate the Tri-State 2026” on October 15th, 2026. Wiley Publishing CEO Matt Kissner will also receive RPA’s Above and Beyond Award which recognizes an RPA board member whose efforts on behalf of the organization and impact on the region have been exemplary.
Presented annually at RPA’s benefit, the Making It Happen Award celebrates public leaders who move beyond vision to implementation—building the partnerships, institutions, and momentum needed to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges. This year’s recipients have each demonstrated that addressing the housing crisis requires more than bold ideas; it requires leadership, collaboration across sectors, and the determination to turn policy into meaningful results.
“Across our region, we know what needs to be done to address the housing crisis,” said Jamie Rubin, Board Chair of Regional Plan Association. “The challenge is making it happen. RuthAnne Visnauskas, Jacquelyn Suárez, and David Kooris have each demonstrated the leadership, persistence, and collaborative spirit needed to translate ambitious housing goals into real homes, stronger communities, and greater opportunity. Their work has helped shape a more affordable and resilient future for our region, and we’re proud to recognize their extraordinary public service.”
“For more than two decades, Matt Kissner has been one of Regional Plan Association’s most trusted leaders, guiding the organization through moments of both opportunity and challenge with extraordinary wisdom, integrity, and commitment,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association. “Matt’s strategic insight, financial stewardship, and unwavering dedication have helped strengthen RPA and position it to advance a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable region. We are proud to honor Matt with the Making It Happen Award in recognition of his remarkable leadership and lasting contributions.”
Together, this year’s honorees represent a shared commitment across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to expand housing opportunities while demonstrating that effective government, strong partnerships, and thoughtful implementation can deliver meaningful results for residents throughout the tri-state region.
David Kooris
As the inaugural Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, David Kooris is leading a first-of-its-kind statewide effort to help municipalities unlock housing production through downtown revitalization, transit-oriented development, and innovative public-private partnerships. Throughout his career—including leadership roles at Stamford Downtown, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Department of Housing, the Connecticut Port Authority, and Regional Plan Association—he has consistently advanced integrated approaches that connect housing, transportation, economic development, resilience, and land use to strengthen communities across Connecticut and the broader region.
Jacquelyn A. Suárez
Since becoming Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in 2023, Jacquelyn A. Suárez has led one of New Jersey’s largest state agencies with a focus on data-driven decision-making, stakeholder partnerships, and practical solutions to housing and community development challenges. Under her leadership, DCA has allocated more than $100 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, expanded opportunities for homeownership, advanced initiatives to reduce wealth disparities, and strengthened the Department’s partnership with local governments to deliver housing and community investments throughout New Jersey.
RuthAnne Visnauskas
As Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, RuthAnne Visnauskas has led one of the nation’s largest housing agencies through a period of unprecedented investment in affordable housing. Under her leadership, HCR has expanded affordable housing production and preservation, strengthened housing finance tools, advanced sustainable development, and helped implement New York’s ambitious statewide housing agenda. Her work has positioned New York as a national leader in addressing housing affordability through strategic public investment and collaboration, and her role in reforming the SEQR process will help to quickly unlock thousands of new affordable housing units.
Matt Kissner
Since 2024, Matt Kissner has served as President and CEO of Wiley, but for more than two decades, Matt has been one of Regional Plan Association’s most steadfast and trusted leaders, serving as treasurer, audit and finance committee co-chair, vice chair, executive committee member, and previously leading searches for board leadership. Through periods of extraordinary opportunity and profound challenge— including the development of the Fourth Regional Plan, the global financial crisis, and the COVID19 pandemic—he has provided unwavering guidance, sound judgment, and a steady hand. Matt’s leadership has extended well beyond governance. His strategic insight, financial expertise, and deep commitment to RPA’s mission have helped ensure the organization’s resilience and long-term strength. At pivotal moments, he has consistently brought clarity, stability, and thoughtful counsel, helping position RPA to continue advancing a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable region.
The awards will be presented at the Regional Plan Association 2026 Benefit on 10/15/2026 at Cipriani Broadway (25 Broadway). For tickets and more information, visit: RPA | Celebrate the Tri-State 2026
