REFA Annual Gala and upcoming fall programming - by Natalie Herald

Natalie Herald, Fidelity Investments

On Thursday, October 13, REFA honored John Drew, founder and president of The Drew Company, with the Robert S. Swain Jr. Distinguished Service Award at REFA’s 28t^h Annual Gala. This award is an annual recognition of an outstanding contribution made to the real estate industry either by lifetime example or specific achievement.

Drew has proven to be a pioneer in the development of Boston’s revitalized Seaport District through the development of projects such as the Seaport WTC Boston and Hotel. Drew is also responsible for the development of the International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., the Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts, Bayside Exposition Center, and Constitution Plaza in Boston. In addition to his work in development, Drew also serves as chairman of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau board, and is involved with a number of other boards and civic organizations. The gala was held at the Westin Copley Place with 500 real estate finance professionals and guests in attendance to help recognize Drew.

REFA will hold a Members Only Luncheon program focused on the topic of transportation and how it is tied to the continued development in the Greater Boston area on Tuesday, October 25. The program will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at One Federal St., Boston. Jim Rooney, president and CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will moderate the panel discussion with speakers Charles Leatherbee, vice president of development Skanska, Jim Fitzgerald, senior transportation manager, BRA/Boston Planning & Development Agency and Ted Tye, managing partner, National Development.

REFA will be partnering with CCIM on October 27 for a Fundamentals program on New Lease Accounting Rules and the Impacts on the CRE Industry. Justin Frenzel, senior manager - real estate assurance practice at PwC and Brian Connolly, managing director at JLL will highlight some of the changes in the new lease accounting and discuss what you will need to do to prepare. This program will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at PwC, 101 Seaport Blvd., Boston. CCIM members are invited to attend at the REFA member rate.

Mark Roopenian, managing director, Northpoint at DivcoWest, will speak at REFA’s third Executive Insights program of the year hosted by the REFA Emerging Leaders. The program will take place on November 1 at the REFA offices from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The REFA Executive Insights Series provides attendees with the opportunity to meet with industry leaders in an intimate setting. Speakers provide their thoughts 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. Past Executive Insights speakers for 2016 include Andy Maher of Anchor Line Partners and Bryan Koop of Boston Properties. (Attendance at this program is limited to REFA’s Emerging Leader membership.)

On Wednesday, November 9, REFA will hold an education program focused on a Hospitality Market Overview and Outlook for 2017. This program will take place at Holland & Knight, 10 St. James Ave., Boston from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The program will be moderated by Rachel Roginsky, principal, Pinnacle Advisory Group with panelists Jim O’Connell, principal, HREC Investment Advisors; John Fahy, senior vice president, Citizens Bank and Larry Trabulsi, senior vice president, CHMWarnick.

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.