with Dan Hickey ’04 | Director of Advancement

At The Brook, Allie was a standout athlete, helping the Bears win county titles in cross country and basketball. She still holds the girls’ track team record for the pole vault, and she earned a coveted Bear Blanket for her contributions across three varsity teams. Off the field, Allie served on the yearbook staff and the Prom Committee. After SBS, she attended Marist College, where she studied finance with a minor in communications. She is now the Director of Operations for the Damianos Realty Group.

Stony Brook is a lot of things to a lot of people. What was Stony Brook for you in your time as a student?

I learned from the perspectives of peers from all over the world–Chile, China, Bermuda. Our class was heavy on the boarding side, so I had friends from across the globe. I am still very close with Bilena [Settepani ’14]. She’s one of the people from SBS who continues to inspire me. I love being around people who are always doing something new, and that’s Bilena.

You were a strong athlete for us. Where do you see the role SBS athletics played in your growth?

Sports were a break from the rigorous curriculum. They allowed me to reset at the end of the day. They also taught me diligence. I had to manage my time between school and sports. Time management is a skill I took away from SBS that I use every day.

Where do you still see Stony Brook showing up in your life?

I took a lot of skills away from SBS. Maybe the most important is the ability to understand people. We received a foundation in respecting others and being open to different cultures and experiences. It was just something we grew up with at SBS.

Damianos Realty was started by your grandfather in 1968 and has been a mainstay in our community for over 50 years. Did you always want to go into the family business, or did that desire come later?

I was about to graduate college, and my dad (Cris Damianos ’77) wanted me to help with some things. My uncle John [Class of 1970] guided me for one year before he passed in 2019. I originally thought I might go to the city and work in finance at a fashion company, but I was excited about being part of my family’s business.

You served as the Director of Marketing for 4.5 years before becoming the Director of Operations two years ago. What are you most proud of from your marketing role, and what are you focused on in operations?

In my marketing role, I created our website, ads, fliers, and social media channels, moved our job listings online, and connected with commercial real estate platforms. In operations, I am primarily responsible for property management. Consistency is really important to us. As you pull into one of our properties, you should know whose building it is. We have a high standard–there is no Class B or Class C, only Class A or A+. So, I meet with property managers and lead capital projects like new rooves and lobbies.

Your grandfather was a pioneer in the development of medical complexes, nursing facilities, and adult homes that met a need in our local area. How is Damianos Realty continuing to innovate today?

My grandfather earned his doctorate in Italy. He didn’t speak Italian but learned the language on the boat ride over. When he came to Stony Brook, he saw a need and opened his first practice in his home next to the Stony Brook duck pond. With five kids running around, he needed to move his practice out of the house. He purchased 285 Middle Country Road in Smithtown, and invited other doctors to move into the building, and they paid him to maintain the building. That started the medical office trend. We are continuing to grow and think outside the box by looking out of state and seeing where we can continue to grow.

Your family’s company has long embraced its role as a community leader through its involvement and philanthropic efforts. What are some of the ways you’ve strengthened the community, and why has that been so important to your family?

We always care about the communities we have buildings in. They’re bringing us business, and we want them to do well. We’re members of all local chambers of commerce and give back to many local charities. We’re not property flippers–we plan to own our buildings for decades and want to make the towns around us better.

Now that you’re out in the world, do you have a different or deeper understanding of Character Before Career?

Definitely. So many people don’t have pure intentions. I’ve recognized the need to treat people with respect and to genuinely care about people. At our company, meetings are held at a round board room table. The importance of the round table is that there is no head, and all are encouraged to voice their opinions. We also have an open-door policy at our company where all executives leave their office doors open, and anyone can walk in and make a comment or suggestion.

What’s the next challenge you want to conquer as a new mom and a working mom?

Balancing my life. I haven’t slept in five months. I’m a walking zombie.

---