Shown (from left; top row to bottom row) are: Michael DiMella, Charlesgate Realty Group; Michael Hussey, US Bank; Paul Nasser, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation; Erika Clarke, Novaya Real Estate Ventures, LLC; Melody Skye Roloff, Exit Realty Beatrice Associates; Richard Henken, The Schochet Companies; Jim DerMinasian, Taurus Management Services, LLC. *Not pictured: Matthew Daniels, JLL

Boston, MA On Thursday, January 26, The Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB) swore in their 2017 officers and division presidents which included Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) president, Paul Nasser of Intercontinental Real Estate Corp.

2017 GBREB Officers:

• Chairman: Richard Henken, The Schochet Companies;

• Chairman-Elect: Michael DiMella, Charlesgate Realty Group;

• Treasurer: Michael Hussey, US Bank;

• Clerk/Assistant Treasurer: Erika Clarke, Novaya Real Estate Ventures, LLC.

2017 Division Presidents:

• BOMA – Jim DerMinasian, Taurus Management Services, LLC;

• CBA – Matthew Daniels, JLL;

• GBAR –  Melody Skye Roloff, Exit Realty Beatrice Associates;

• REFA – Paul Nasser, Intercontinental Real Estate Corp.; and

• RHA – Mark Epker.

REFA is one of the five divisions of the GBREB. Founded in 1889, the GBREB currently has over 10,000 members who are professionally engaged in all sectors of the industry. One of the local boards of the National Association of Realtors (the largest trade association in North America), BOMA International and the National Apartment Association, GBREB is considered nationally unique due to its varied membership base. Other divisions include: Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA); Commercial Brokers Association (CBA); Rental Housing Association (RHA); and Greater Boston Association of Realtors (GBAR).

On Tuesday, January 17, REFA hosted its annual members only forecasting luncheon with a panel of speakers including Brian Kavoogian, president, Charles River Realty Investors; Bill McPadden, senior managing director, Manulife/John Hancock Financial Services; Margaret Mulcahy, senior vice president, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Doug Poutasse, executive vice president, head of strategy and research, Bentall Kennedy and moderator John Fowler, executive managing director, HFF.

On Wednesday, February 8, REFA hosted its first fundamentals program of the year on the topic of social media, its importance, and how it can help build your personal brand. The program was hosted at JLL, with guest speakers Samantha Lordi, brand journalist, JLL and Michael Potter, VP, director of marketing, JLL

REFA will hold a Women’s Seminar on March 1 at the Union Club Boston featuring Alyssa Dver, co-founder of the American Confidence Institute. This program, followed by a book signing and networking reception, will focus on learning and building techniques to help boost every-day confidence. The presentation will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a networking reception at 5:00 p.m.

National Real Estate Conference Highlights will be the topic of discussion for REFA’s first quarterly education program taking place on March 9 at 100 High St. This program will include a panel of industry leaders who will share their take-aways and outlook from the real estate conferences that have been taking place over the past couple of months, as well as what highlights and trends they are seeing from a national level. Registration for this program will begin at 7:45 a.m. followed by a panel discussion from 8:00 - 9:15 a.m.

For more information about REFA and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.REFA.org.