Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. has promoted a New York City building industry stalwart to lead its business operations in the Big Apple. The builder tapped Raquel Diaz, who previously worked at New York City-based firms AECOM Tishman and Turner Construction, to the post, according to an April 11 news release.

An engineer by training, Diaz brings more than 18 years of experience and $2.8 billion in project deliveries in New York City, according to the release.
“New York City has been my home since I moved here at 18. It is such an honor to lead Gilbane Building’s operations and to bring excellence to the hospitals, parks, schools, office buildings and community facilities that make New York City great,” Diaz said in the release.
In her new role, Diaz will drive strategy and growth for the company in New York City, expand its market portfolio and service offerings, foster team development and growth and deliver world-class facilities for clients and communities, per the release. Prior to the promotion, Diaz was a vice president for Gilbane, according to her LinkedIn.
Since joining Gilbane in 2019, Diaz has significantly expanded the builder’s public sector portfolio, which includes:
- The NYC Department of Design and Construction’s COVID Centers of Excellence projects.
- The restoration of the Orchard Beach Pavilion for NYC Economic Development Corporation and the NYC Parks Department.
- The Metropolitan Hospital Resiliency project for New York City Health + Hospitals and Economic Development Corporation.
- Five Carnegie library renovations for The New York Public Library.
- Multiple new recreation space projects for Hudson River Park Trust.
Diaz brings deep operational expertise and has served in various roles throughout her career, including MEP project manager, MEP superintendent, estimating/purchasing engineer, senior project manager, project director and project executive on high-profile projects in the New York metropolitan area, per the news release.