Michael Werner, Partner at Fried Frank, joins Breaking Ground Board of Directors

Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer and manager, today announced the appointment of Michael Werner to Breaking Ground’s board of directors. Mr. Werner is a Partner at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where he has worked on some of the real estate industry’s highest profile transactions.

“Breaking Ground has ambitious plans to bring more than a thousand new units of permanent housing into operation over the next several years, and we’re pleased that Michael is joining the board at this critical moment. His experience, strong relationships, and wealth of industry knowledge will have a big impact on our efforts to address homelessness in New York City,” said Michael Franco, Chair of Breaking Ground’s Board of Directors and President and CFO of Vornado Realty Trust.

“Michael knows New York City real estate,” said Brenda Rosen, President and CEO of Breaking Ground. “We are thrilled to have his leadership and counsel on the board, and grateful that he shares our passion for ensuring that the most vulnerable New Yorkers have a place to call home.”

“Breaking Ground has a distinguished history as the premier developer and provider of housing for chronically homeless New Yorkers ,” said Michael Werner. “I am honored to join the board and play an integral role in helping to advance this vital mission and break the cycle of homelessness.”

Michael Werner is a partner in the real estate department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where he started his legal career in 2005. He routinely counsels real estate owners, operators, developers, financial institutions, REITs, and corporations in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, and has worked on many of the industry's highest profile transactions, including Google’s acquisition of the Chelsea Market and Amazon’s acquisition of the former Lord & Taylor building in midtown. Mr. Werner is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), a premier organization of US real estate lawyers. He earned his JD from Fordham University School of Law in 2005 and his BA from Binghamton University in 2002.

About Breaking Ground

Breaking Ground is New York’s largest supportive housing developer. With 25 transitional and permanent housing residences under management, primarily in New York City, Breaking Ground provides safe, stable, beautiful housing for those who need it most. Breaking Ground also runs, under contract with the Department of Homeless Services, street homeless outreach services in all of Brooklyn, Queens, and a portion of Manhattan. Each Year, Breaking Ground’s programs and housing touch the lives of nearly 9,000 vulnerable New Yorkers.

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March 15, 2021
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