The Alban Group promotes from within for new president

The Alban Group is continuing its track record of supporting women in the workplace, recently naming Tammy Smith as president.

In its announcement, the fourth-generation family-owned and operated Newark-based business described Smith as “a driving force within the organization.” The position is new for the company. Along with Smith’s elevation, Necile Gobel was also promoted to project engineer.

The Alban Group provides specialized building services throughout the metro area. According to the company, it handles more than 800,000 square feet of commercial tenant fit-outs and build-outs annually. In 2024, NJBIZ recognized The Alban Group as an Empowering Women honoree. Judged independently, the awards go to New Jersey-based companies committed to supporting and elevating women employees.

“We recognize the unique challenges women face in this field and are committed to breaking down barriers,” Smith told NJBIZ at the time. Those hurdles are longstanding.

In its most recent benchmark report, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network found women occupied nearly 37% of the commercial real estate industry. A figure, that in 2020, hadn’t changed much more than 15 years. Meanwhile, the study put representation of women in the CRE C-suite at just 9%.

In construction alone, women represent just over 14% of workers, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“These promotions represent the Alban Group’s unwavering dedication to furthering excellence, innovation, and women in construction,” commented Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce. “The construction industry has always been dominated by men, and this is a welcome announcement that will continue to drive the Alban Group forward, and I am thrilled to see Tammy and Necile step into these impactful roles,” he continued.

Smith is also an NJBIZ Leaders in Real Estate, Construction and Design award winner.