Real Estate Finance Association August update: Programming and upcoming annual events

Boston, MA The Real Estate Finance Association’s (REFA) Fundamentals programs are tailored as 101-type educational events covering various relevant and timely industry topics. On July 18^th, REFA held its second Fundamentals program of the year on Permitting and Zoning. Lisa Serafin, founding principal with Redgate presented on the topic and answered many attendee questions relating to the topic. 

On Monday, July 22^nd, over 130 REFA Members and guests participated in REFA’s Annual Charitable Golf & Tennis Tournament at Dedham Country & Polo Club. The day consisted of a golf tournament, tennis tournament, silent auction, putting contest, and a dinner & awards networking reception! This year’s tournament benefited both Rosie’s Place and FamilyAid Boston, two organizations within the city, whose missions are to help fight homelessness. Thank you to all of our tournament sponsors, including the event sponsor, Walker & Dunlop!

The 2019 REFA Mentor Program participants met for a mid-program networking event in August, touring the new, highly anticipated Food Hall at 100 High St. This 7-month-long program is designed to bring together REFA’s Emerging Leader membership with senior-level professionals within the industry. Now in its third year, the program continues to grow and now has 30 Mentor/mentee pairings. 

REFA’s Annual Summer Panel & Reception took place on Wednesday, August 7^th at Goulston & Storrs. Jennifer Keller, senior director, JLL moderated the conversation on “Urban Master Planned Developments” with speakers Andrew Holm, partner, Ares Management and Tom Alperin, president, National Development. Hosted by the REFA Emerging Leaders, the Summer Panel & Reception is held every August, featuring a panel of industry leaders who cover relevant real estate/finance topics within the Boston market.

REFA is delighted to be honoring Jonathan Davis, founder and CEO of The Davis Companies at the Annual REFA Gala. As the 31^st recipient of the Swain Award, Davis joins a list of award honorees, all of whom have made contributions to the Greater Boston community, both through their professional career and charitable work. This year’s REFA Gala will be held on Thursday, October 17^th from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Westin Copley Place. 

The REFA Gala is one of the largest gatherings of the Real Estate Finance Association and brings together over 500 members of the real estate finance community to network with colleagues, reflect on the year, as well as recognize their peer(s) with the Swain Award, named in honor of the late Robert S. Swain, Jr.