Jerry Silecchia Award

Jim Hollywood

Jim Hollywood was a dedicated member of Local 94 for nearly 40 years before retiring this past January.  He started out in the industry as a Helper, and in just six years, Jim assumed the role of Chief Engineer at Tower 45, a 500,000 square foot asset.  When the property was eventually sold, Jim remained with SL Green and was quickly promoted to another high-profile property, 919 Third Avenue, the 1.6M square foot headquarters of Bloomberg.

Jim’s last and most prestigious assignment was One Vanderbilt, where he joined the project team in November 2018 as the structure was being erected above Grand Central.  There he guided the property through equipment commissioning and integrated systems testing to prepare it for tenant construction and occupancy by a premiere roster of 30+ tenants that includes TD Bank, Greenberg Traurig, and Carlyle Investments.  For six years, Jim managed a crew of 20 engineers while overseeing all physical operations, maintenance, and repairs for the 1.7 million square foot asset.

Jim was highly regarded by senior leadership for his high-quality work performance, innovative energy saving techniques, and his ability to coordinate, direct, and manage building operations, including the MTA transit hall, restaurant premises Joji and Le Pavillon, and the SUMMIT observatory.  His contributions were recognized by the industry, winning the BOMA Pinnacle Award for Chief Engineer of the Year in 2022 and BOMA Pinnacles for Operating Building at Tower 45 and new Construction at One Vanderbilt. 

But what made Jim an invaluable resource in the field was his personal involvement in staff training, mentorship, and development.  Jim walked with the property with his crew regularly, conducted detailed construction plan reviews, and demonstrated how various building systems work for anyone interested, whether it was a newly hired Helper or an executive team from a Fortune 500 company.  Jim strongly advocated for continuing education, holding the BOMA RPA and FMA designations, and implemented a year-round training program for members of his engineering teams.  Several engineers who worked for Jim went on to become Chief Engineers and Assistant Chief Engineers at high-end properties, including One Madison and 270 Park.  Above all, Jim is generous, kind, and selfless, and everyone who has met him holds him in the highest regard.

Jim is dedicated to the mission of Caring for Tomorrow and shares a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by dementia.  Jim’s wife, Toni, passed away two years ago after battling Lewy Body dementia and he is grateful for the services and support he received through CaringKind.