Natalie Herald, Fidelity Investments

The Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) has announced this year’s honoree for their annual Gala event to be held in October. John Drew, founder and president of The Drew Company, will be awarded with the 2016 Robert S. Swain Jr. award, REFA’s Distinguished Service Award. Over the past years, Drew has played a major role in the development of Boston’s ever-developing Seaport District, with projects ranging from the World Trade Centers, the Seaport Hotel, and most recently, Waterside Place.

The REFA Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of the late Robert S. Swain, Jr. In his 33-year career in the real estate finance profession, Swain gained the admiration and respect of his colleagues throughout the real estate finance industry. He was a valued member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board for over 25 years and was an active member and leader of the Mortgage Finance Committee, which developed into the present Real Estate Finance Association. This award is an annual recognition of an outstanding contribution made to the real estate industry either by lifetime example or specific achievement.

The 2016 REFA Annual Gala will be held Thursday, October 13 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston.

On April 5, REFA hosted its second fundamentals program of the year, focusing on retail underwriting from the perspective of buyers, sellers and lenders. A panel of speakers provided insight on underwriting criteria, current trends impacting layout, tenants, financing options and portfolio strategies. The panel, led by moderator Jonathan Schneider of JLL, included Sean Gonick, investment officer, John Hancock Financial Services; George R. Fryer Jr., director, AEW Capital Management; Nat Heald, EVP-Capital Markets, JLL; and Tom Sullivan, director, CCRE.

Bryan Koop, executive vice president of the Boston region at Boston Properties and 2015 REFA Gala honoree, will be the featured speaker for REFA’s upcoming Executive Insights Series program held on May 4. The program will take place at Boston Properties’ Marketing Suite, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston from 3:45-5:00 p.m. followed by a networking reception at 5 Napkin Burger. Attendance at this program is limited to REFA’s Emerging Leaders Membership.

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.

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 is the 2016 president of the Real Estate Finance Association, Boston.