WinnDevelopment chairman Curtis honored with award from United Way of Massachusetts Bay
Boston, MA United Way of Massachusetts Bay has named WinnDevelopment chairman Larry Curtis as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Norman B. Leventhal/Edwin N. Sidman Real Estate & Building Industry Leadership Award, honoring industry leaders whose professional achievement and philanthropic commitment create lasting community impact.
“Larry’s vision for development across our region has shown how existing properties can be transformed into dynamic, livable communities that also expand affordable housing,” said Marty Martinez, president and CEO of United Way Massachusetts Bay. “At United Way, we work to bring people and partners together to scale safe and stable housing, and Larry’s leadership at WinnCompanies exemplifies how the public, private and nonprofit sectors can come together in meaningful collaboration.”
“My ability to make an impact has come from the people I have met, the friends I have made, and the trusted relationships we have built together through our shared interest in the well-being of our communities,” Curtis said. “The quality of the personal and professional network that you build during life will always sustain you. I am truly grateful for this recognition and my association with the United Way.”
Curtis received the honor at a United Way celebration, where he was introduced by Juana Matias, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), and feted by family, friends and colleagues as he became the 21st honoree in the history of the Leventhal/Sidman Award.
“Larry has been the engine powering WinnDevelopment’s mission, consistently championing affordability as both a social responsibility and a smart business practice. His energy has kept the company’s growth anchored in housing opportunities for those who need them the most,” said Michael Putizger, chairman of the board of WinnCompanies.
“Our innovations in energy sustainability, historic tax credits and layered financing can all be traced back to Larry’s expertise.”
Curtis’ early leadership in shaping United Way’s Real Estate Committee and sector partnership strategy helped establish a collaborative model that continues to advance housing stability across Massachusetts.
Among those praising his community impact last night were Michael Putziger, chairman of the board of WinnCompanies; Prof. Jerold Kayden, founding director of the Master in Real Estate Program at Harvard University Graduate School of Design; and Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. The United Way’s testimonial video honoring Curtis can be viewed here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=btPaVUlZlLk&ra=m.
Recognized as a national leader in community development and historical rehabilitation, Curtis is a licensed architect who has led the development arm of WinnCompanies for four decades. He is also a member of the faculty of Harvard’s Graduate School of Design as a lecturer in Real Estate.
Since 1994, the real estate and building industry have raised more than $55 million in support of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. A leading nonprofit in Greater Boston for 90 years, United Way mobilizes individuals, civic leaders, corporate partners, legislators and organizations to tackle systemic community challenges to improve education, financial stability and health for residents of all races and ethnicities in Eastern Massachusetts.