Natalie Herald, Fidelity Investments

On July 18, the Real Estate Finance Association will host their 13th annual Charitable Golf Tournament at Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, Massachusetts benefiting FamilyAid Boston and Rosie’s Place. FamilyAid Boston has been providing shelter, housing, and hope to families since 1916. They help approximately 800 families each year, including nearly 1,500 children. Rosie’s Place is the first emergency shelter for women in the United States. The mission of Rosie’s Place is to provide a safe and secure environment for poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. Close to 150 REFA members and guests will participate in the golf outing, followed by a reception and awards dinner. 

REFA held two programs on May 4th, including an Education lunch program on Foreign Capital and its growing market in the U.S. and an Executive Insights Series program. The Foreign Capital event was held at Goulston & Storrs with over 70 in attendance. The discussion was led by moderator Barry Green of Goulston & Storrs, and panelists Riaz Cassum, senior managing director, HFF; Paul Lee, COO and CIO, Eastern US, LandSea Holdings Corporation; Kai-yan Lee, managing director, Vanke Holdings, USA; and Peter A. Merrigan, CEO & founding partner, Taurus Investment Holdings.

REFA’s first Executive Insights Series on the year took place at Boston Properties’ Marketing Suite, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston from 4:00-5:00 p.m., followed by a networking reception at 5 Napkin Burger. The program featured speaker Bryan Koop, executive vice president of the Boston Region at Boston Properties and 2015 REFA Gala honoree. The program attendees included REFA’s Emerging Leader Membership.

Wednesday, May 4th the Real Estate Finance Association hosted a luncheon panel discussion at the offices of Goulston & Storrs on “Foreign Capital in the U.S.” Shown (from left) are panelists Kai-yan Lee of Vanke Holdings, Peter Merrigan of Taurus Investment Holdings, Riaz Cassum of HFF, Paul Lee of LandSea Holdings Corporation and panel moderator Barry Green of Goulston & Storrs.

The Executive Insights Series, hosted by REFA’s Emerging Leaders group, provides attendees with the opportunity to meet with industry leaders in an intimate setting. Speakers provide insight on the industry, their career path and share some advice on professional development. The program is designed to be interactive and attendees are encouraged to ask questions.

REFA’s upcoming programs include a May 25th Education program on the 2016 Commercial Real Estate and Housing Outlook. The program will be held at PwC, 101 Seaport Blvd. in Boston with speaker Mitch Roschelle, partner at PwC. REFA will also be hosting their first Industry Leaders program on the year on June 8. Bruce Johnstone, managing director and senior marketing investment strategist at Fidelity Investments, will be the featured speaker. The program will be held at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, One Federal St., Boston.

To learn more about REFA, including membership, events, and ways to get involved, please visit us at www.refa.org. Follow REFA on Twitter @REFABoston.

Natalie Herald is a real estate loan originator at Fidelity Investments and 2016 president of the Real Estate Finance Association, Boston.