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Melissa Román Burch is Chief Operating Officer for the NYC Economic Development Corporation where she leads real estate transactions that catalyze economic growth, and initiates investments to mobilize private capital. Through NYCEDC’s diverse real estate portfolio spanning 64 million square feet and 200+ properties, Burch oversees assets that accelerate business growth in strategic sectors across life sciences, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, food distribution and manufacturing, and the green economy. Burch joined NYCEDC in April 2022 after two decades as a leading property executive and developer of large-scale, mixed-use projects distinguished by iconic design, environmental leadership and innovative partnerships. Prior to NYCEDC, she served as executive general manager for Lendlease and spearheaded real estate investment and development activities for the New York region. Burch was previously executive vice president for Forest City Ratner and oversaw the development of Pacific Park Brooklyn, anchored by the Barclays Center and comprised of new market-rate and affordable housing, office space, transportation improvements and parks. A committed civic leader, Burch proudly serves as a trustee of the Henry Street Settlement and Coro New York Leadership Center. She graduated from Harvard College and the Harvard Business School.