Betty Castro

Betty Castro has over twenty-five years of expertise in developing and managing client focused sales teams. As a solutions-oriented professional, she has a successful track record of innovating and implementing strategic plans that meet complex client needs. Betty is passionate about fostering a collaborative work environment where commercial real estate professionals can thrive and build on their success.

As Managing Partner for the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets for Ripco, she is responsible for the strategic planning and growth of these markets. Betty also oversees the day-to-day operations, focuses on market share growth, retention and recruitment. She works closely with the other managing partners to develop and execute key initiatives to meet the firm’s overall objectives.

Most recently, Betty was Managing Director of leasing for the Manhattan market at Cushman & Wakefield, where she worked closely with the Tri-State Leadership Team to develop and execute strategic plans that direct their operating initiatives. Betty supervised over 60 leasing brokerage professionals in the mid-town office and acted as a broker coach and mentor.

Prior to that, Betty was responsible for the growth and expansion of the Brooklyn and Queens markets, where she managed leasing, brokerage, and capital markets professionals in the Brooklyn Heights and Forest Hills offices for Cushman & Wakefield. She was also responsible for recruiting, M&A, P&L, business development, pipeline management and overall growth strategy.

Previously, Betty was a Managing Director at Massey-Knakal Realty Services, where she worked closely with the senior partners to develop and execute plans relating to the strategic operating initiatives of the organization, specifically in the Brooklyn and Queens markets.

Prior to that, Betty was Vice President of Sales & Marketing at First Empire Securities, an institutional broker-dealer in Hauppauge, NY. In this role, she developed and executed strategic growth for the firm, while developing the brokerage teams and trading desk professionals. She led the firm’s recruiting efforts and developed a sales and marketing plan to position the firm as a solutions provider and grow into new target markets.

Betty received her Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, in Marketing and Management from New York University’s Stern School of Business. She is a Certified Financial Planner and has her Series 7, 63, and 24 Principal licenses from FINRA. Betty is also a licensed NYS Real Estate Broker.

Betty is 2021 President of the New York Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She leads the Board of Directors in developing a strategic plan, and works closely with membership to advance their careers, empower women to succeed through professional development and mentorship, and make meaningful connections. Betty has dedicated her platform to diversity and inclusion within the Commercial Real Estate industry. She is a frequent speaker on DEI and an advocate for equality.

Betty is fluent in Spanish and Farsi.