NEW YORK CITY-Joanne Minieri, former Forest City Ratner Cos. EVP and COO, has been named president and COO of the New York City affiliate of Forest City Enterprises Inc. In addition, Bruce Ratner, previously president and CEO of the company, will assume the position of chairman and CEO of the Brooklyn-based business unit. The two will continue to work together in developing and implementing the company's strategic plan, in directing its development projects and in managing day-to-day operations.

According to the release, during her tenure, Minieri has directed some of Forest City Ratner's largest and most complex office, retail, hotel and residential developments including the MetroTech Center office campus, the recently completed New York Times Building near Times Square, and the Atlantic Yards development project in Brooklyn. Minieri also worked closely with Ratner in the negotiations to acquire the NBA Nets franchise in 2004. She maintains an active role in the management of the franchise and FCRC's investment in the team, including the plan to bring the Nets to their new home, the Frank Gehry-designed Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards.

“Joanne has been integral to our success,” Bruce Ratner notes in a prepared release. “Since she joined us in 1995, Joanne has become indispensable, taking responsibility for successfully developing our long- and short-term business plans across a growing portfolio of projects. In addition, she oversees many key areas, such as policy development, financial reporting and investment management. Today's announcement is recognition of her tremendous talents and leadership.”