News & Press

Program Development Services Appoints Dina Bakalis to Board of Directors

Bakalis brings over 20 Years of Leadership Experience in Real Estate and Community Development.

Brooklyn, NY – December 18, 2024 – Program Development Services (PDS) is thrilled to announce that Dina Bakalis has joined its Board of Directors, following her instrumental role in facilitating the organization’s successful relocation of its headquarters and day program to Industry City.

“We are excited to welcome Dina Bakalis to our Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Lynam. “Her deep knowledge of the real estate sector and her passion for our mission will help us make an even greater impact on the communities we serve.”
 
Dina Bakalis brings over a decade of experience in the commercial real estate sector, with expertise in retail and office leasing, investment sales, and project leasing. Promoted to the role of Vice President of Real Estate at Colliers, Dina has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing diverse portfolios and driving successful transactions across New York City’s outer boroughs, Long Island, and South Florida. Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company, operating in 65 countries with $4.4 billion in annual revenue.
 
“We are honored to have Dina Bakalis join our board. Her impressive background in commercial real estate, combined with her deep commitment to community engagement and philanthropy, makes her an invaluable addition to our team,” said PDS Board Chairman Chris Perrone. “We look forward to working closely with her as we explore new opportunities to grow our local impact and strengthen our mission.”
 
In addition to her commercial real estate work, Bakalis has worked closely with nonprofit organizations like PDS and AHRC NYC, helping secure properties for their programs. Her experience gives her a deep understanding of the real estate needs within the nonprofit sector and the important role those services play in the lives of individuals and families. Her extensive background and dedication to ethical business practices offer a valuable perspective as PDS continues to grow and evolve. Dina’s passion for making a positive impact, both in her professional endeavors and volunteer work, resonates with PDS’s core values of empowering individuals and communities.
 
“It is an honor to become a part of the Board of Directors for Program Development Services,” said Dina Bakalis. “The work PDS does to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing my expertise to help further the organization’s mission and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Dina has been recognized for transacting deals in the NYC market, receiving Top Deals in Crains and Co-Star Awards. She is a licensed active broker in Florida as well.

Dina has a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Business Management from Adelphi University. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional life into her active involvement in philanthropic initiatives, particularly in cancer and autism awareness, where she has sponsored several fundraising campaigns for members of her local community.

About Program Development Services (PDS)

Program Development Services (PDS) is dedicated to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities are treated with dignity and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Founded in 1984 by Patricia Harrison and Richard Murray, PDS offers individualized programming to help people achieve their functional, social, and intellectual goals in supportive, normalized environments.

PDS provides a range of services, including 24-hour residential placements, non-24-hour IRA apartments, and Day and Community Habilitation programs, serving individuals in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan. We also offer Medicaid Service Coordination for individuals in our programs and in the broader community.

With a commitment to staff development and high-quality care, PDS ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of race, color, or creed.