Leadership
Meet the Metropolis Group leadership team—visionary experts driving nationwide excellence in code, zoning, and compliance consulting.
Frank Fortino
President & CEO
Since founding Metropolis Group in 1988, Frank Fortino has been a driving force behind the projects that continue to shape and redefine New York City’s skyline.
As President and CEO, he works hand-in-hand with developers, architects, contractors, and trade professionals to bring ambitious visions to life. Frank plays a strategic role across the organization, offering insight and direction to department heads on both project execution and long-term planning. His deep relationships with municipal agencies, coupled with his hands-on approach to client and team engagement, keep Metropolis at the forefront of an ever-evolving construction industry. Under Frank’s visionary leadership, Metropolis has remained a trusted partner in an era of rapid technological and regulatory change. His commitment to excellence is matched by a strong dedication to professional and civic involvement. Frank is an active member of the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA), the New York Society of Architects, and The Alliance. He is also a founding member of the New York Coalition of Code Consultants (NYCCC), and serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Institute of Design and Construction (IDC) and the IDC Foundation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frank is deeply involved in philanthropy. He supports a range of causes including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association and Women in Need. He is Chairman of the Santino Fortino Foundation and also serves on the Board of Trustees at the Madison Boys & Girls Club. Frank’s leadership is rooted in a genuine passion for building—both cities and communities—and in creating lasting impact for generations to come.
Gregory Fortino
Chief Operating Officer
With a background as a general contractor, Gregory brings valuable field experience to his strategic role at Metropolis.
His hands-on understanding of construction enables him to navigate complex filing strategies, streamline approval processes, and drive projects toward timely completion. In 2022, Gregory was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he plays a key role in shaping the firm’s growth, operational efficiency, and long-term success. He is a 2014 graduate of Syracuse University, where he earned a degree in Economics with a minor in Engineering and Computer Science Management—an academic foundation that bridges both business and technical acumen. Beyond the office, Gregory is passionate about giving back. He is an active committee member of the Kids for Kids Foundation and YAA Columbus Citizens Foundation, and proudly supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, spending quality time with friends and family, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Syracuse Orange, New York Yankees, Giants, Rangers, and Brooklyn Nets.
Joe Bastone
Managing Director
With 20+ years of experience in the construction industry, Joe brings a rare blend of financial acumen and operational leadership to every client engagement.
His background includes executive roles as Vice President of Operations and Business Development, as well as Chief Financial Officer—experience that gives him a well-rounded, strategic perspective on both project delivery and business performance. Joe’s financial expertise enhances his operational effectiveness, allowing him to deliver streamlined, results-driven solutions that add tangible value for Metropolis clients. He plays an active role from project inception through completion, ensuring seamless execution, client satisfaction, and long-term success. In addition to his work with clients, Joe helps drive continuous improvement across the firm by applying his operational insight to enhance the overall service experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is deeply committed to community service, serving on the Executive Committee of the Police Athletic League and volunteering at Saint Michael’s Church.
Kristen Fortino
VP of Business and Investment Strategy
As Vice President of Business and Investment Strategy at Metropolis, Kristen leads the strategic growth of the firm—both internally and externally.
She collaborates closely with the Business Development and leadership teams to identify key opportunities that align with the company’s long-term vision. Kristen plays a vital role in sourcing strategic partnerships and investment opportunities that leverage Metropolis’ core strengths. She works extensively with PropTech companies to explore ways to streamline operations and enhance the firm’s business model, often uncovering high-impact investment avenues in the process. A licensed real estate broker in New York, Kristen brings a strong foundation in real estate and entrepreneurial leadership to her role. In addition to her work at Metropolis, she is the founder of OnePoint Real Estate Group—a real estate and tech investment firm. With over 3 years at Metropolis and over 10 years in real estate, she provides a deep understanding of both property and technology. Kristen continues to drive innovation and growth at the intersection of real estate and strategic investment.
Brian Earley
Business Development Associate
Brian is committed to delivering results, managing project milestones with precision, and maintaining the high standards Metropolis is known for.
Brian joined Metropolis in 2015, initially specializing in Certificates of Occupancy. In that role, he managed the full process of securing COs for a diverse range of clients, building a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and project execution. In January 2019, Brian transitioned to the Business Development team as a Client Account Executive and has now grown into our Business Development Associate at the firm. Serving as a key liaison between clients and the firm’s various service departments, he ensures seamless communication, efficient coordination, and exceptional client service across every engagement.
Austin Regan
Director of Technical Affairs
Austin Regan is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience in the building and construction industry.
Since joining Metropolis Group in 2006, he has led the firm’s Technical Affairs Division, serving as a key resource for clients navigating the complexities of New York City’s building code and zoning regulations. As Director of Technical Affairs, Austin oversees all code and zoning reviews for new buildings and major alterations. He and his team work closely with owners, developers, and architects to ensure full regulatory compliance while supporting project goals and timelines. His deep technical knowledge and strategic approach have made him a trusted advisor in some of the city’s most challenging and high-profile developments. Licensed in New York since 1996, Austin brings a solutions-oriented mindset to every engagement. He plays a vital role in client advocacy—developing strategies that align compliance with design intent and business objectives. Austin holds a degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and continues to be recognized as a leading expert in technical consulting across the industry.
Penny Laughlin
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Penny oversees firm-wide processes, providing quality control and ensuring that all departments are well-coordinated, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals.
With deep knowledge of regulatory procedures and agency operations, Penny regularly attends city agency meetings and advises clients on policy updates and regulatory changes that may impact their projects. Her expertise and longstanding relationships with city agencies have made her a trusted liaison between Metropolis and the public sector. Recognized for her insights, Penny was invited by the NYC Department of Buildings to participate in the pilot phase of DOB NOW, where she provided critical user feedback during the platform’s development. She holds a degree from the College of Staten Island (CUNY) and earned a business certificate from Drake Business School.
Emma Faasse
Controller
With over 20 years of experience in the construction and consulting industry, Emma Faasse brings deep industry insight and sharp financial acumen to her role as Controller.
A graduate of NJIT with a background in architecture, she bridges creative vision with operational discipline to help guide strategic decisions and ensure financial strength. Emma is passionate about the outdoors—spending her free time traveling, camping, and tackling muddy trails in her side-by-side. She’s grounded by strong family and church values and actively gives back as a board member for several local non-profits.
Shavana Pomare
Director of People and Culture
With over eight years of experience in Human Resources, Shavana has built her career around a deep commitment to people and purpose.
Her journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, which led her to an administrative role at a surgery center. It was there—while supporting the Director of HR—that she discovered her passion for human resources. That spark inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in HR and fully transition into the field. Today, she serves as the Director of People and Culture at Metropolis, where she has been for the past two and a half years. What drives her in this role is the opportunity to make a lasting impact—not just on organizational strategy, but on the daily experiences and growth of every employee. She believes HR is more than policies and procedures; it’s about fostering environments where individuals thrive, teams collaborate with intention, and culture becomes a catalyst for success.