CNYSME names Ryan Benz as 49th Crystal Ball Recipient
Syracuse, N.Y. — The Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) have selected Ryan Benz as the 49th recipient of its annual Crystal Ball Award. Benz will receive the award on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Marriott Syracuse Downtown during the annual Crystal Ball and Sales & Marketing Excellence Awards presentation and celebration.
CNY Sales & Marketing Executives president Charles Harkola states, “Ryan exemplifies the meaning of what the Crystal Ball Award stands for, as well as sales and marketing. His commitment to redeveloping Central New York with style and grace is second to none, and I look forward to presenting him with this honorable award.”
Ryan Benz is the Founder and CEO of Redev CNY, a Syracuse-based real estate development firm dedicated to revitalizing communities across Central New York through innovative, community-driven projects. Under his leadership, Redev CNY and its affiliated entities have completed and are currently developing hundreds of millions of dollars in mixed-use, residential, and affordable housing projects that are redefining equitable growth and urban revitalization across upstate New York. Among Redev CNY’s landmark projects is the Moyer Carriage Lofts (completed in partnership with Housing Visions and Acropolis Realty Group), a transformative mixed-income community that blends historic preservation with forward-looking affordability, creating 128 new homes for Central New York families including 50 units for individuals with serious mental illnesses and domestic violence victims. Ryan and his team have also led the St. Matthew’s Condominiums in East Syracuse and The Lofts at 1117 West Fayette Street, pioneering efforts that bring attainable homeownership opportunities to households earning moderate incomes. In fact, Redev CNY was the first development firm in New York State to utilize the state’s Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP)—a milestone that has since become a model for other communities across the state.
Ryan’s commitment to community extends well beyond his businesses. He serves as Vice-Chair of the United Way of Central New York and sits as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Syracuse Housing Authority, the Board of The Salvation Army of Syracuse, the Center for Community Alternatives, and the South Side Community Growth Foundation. Across these organizations, he champions equitable access to housing, education, and opportunity throughout Central New York.
An enduring symbol of the organization’s mission, the prestigious Crystal Ball is awarded annually by CNYSME to a local businessperson or group of businesspeople in recognition of their contributions to the sales and marketing profession and for their endeavors in the areas of community development and support. The criteria for Crystal Ball recognition includes, but is not limited to: holding a position of Chief Executive Officer, President or Director of a CNY business, a person whose visibility impacts the progress and prosperity of Central New York, a leader who demonstrates commitment to superior quality and professionalism, a person who fosters excellence in their industry, local involvement in community and civic organizations, and demonstrates and practices an appreciation of the sales and marketing industry.
A proud alumnus of Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, Ryan earned his Masters in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises and continues to give back as a guest lecturer, business-plan adjudicator, and as his schedule allows, an associate professor of Entrepreneurship – mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. Recognized for his leadership and regional impact, Ryan was named to City & State’s Economic Development Power 100 for New York State in both 2023 and 2024. His work continues to center on the same values that have defined his career—innovation, inclusion, and the belief that community development and economic opportunity are most powerful when they grow together.
In addition to the Crystal Ball, nearly two dozen local companies will purchase Sales and Marketing Excellence Awards (SMEAs) to be awarded to a top performer in their organization. What’s more, as part of CNYSME’s mission to help educate and advance sales and marketing professionals, local students majoring in or planning to major in sales or marketing disciplines and a local educational non-profit will be awarded scholarships at this year’s Crystal Ball ceremony.