Douglas Durst is the chairman and a member of the third generation to lead The Durst Organization, one of the oldest family-run commercial and residential real estate companies in New York City. Mr. Durst joined the Durst Organization in 1968, learning the business from his father, Seymour, and two uncles, Roy and David. Under the leadership of Douglas and his cousin Jody, The Durst Organization built the nation’s first sustainable skyscraper, 151 West 42nd Street (formerly 4 Times Square), and the first LEED Platinum high-rise office tower, The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park. Today, the company owns, manages and operates a 13 million square foot office portfolio and nearly 3,500 residential rental units, as well as overseeing the development, management and leasing of One World Trade Center. Douglas is the chairman of the Real Estate Board of New York and he serves as a director of The New School, The Roundabout Theater and Primary Stages. Mr. Durst also serves as a Board member of the Earth Day Initiative. Mr. Durst received a B.A. from the University of California Berkeley and a Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) from each of the City University of New York and Allegheny College.