On, Thursday, June 4 as part the REFA Industry Leaders Series, Mark Howard-Johnson, managing director, global head of real estate securities, BlackRock addressed the REFA membership. REFA's Industry Leaders Series features a prominent industry leader with a national perspective. Next in the series, Chuck Leitner, CEO, The Berkshire Group will speak on July 15 and Stephen Kenny, senior vice president and division executive of Bank of America Merrill Lynch will be speaking on October 27.

Next month, REFA will hold their 12th Annual Charitable Golf Tournament benefiting FamilyAid Boston and Rosie's Place. The REFA Charitable Golf Tournament will be on Monday, July 20 at the Blue Hill Country Club in Canton. Close to 150 REFA members and guests will participate in the golf outing, followed by a reception and awards dinner.
This summer, REFA will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the REFA Emerging Leaders Membership with a special panel discussion followed by the annual Summer Reception. This program will be held on Wednesday, August 5 at Goulston & Storrs.

Bryan Koop, senior vice president and regional manager, Boston Properties will be the recipient of the Robert S. Swain Jr. Distinguished Service Award at the 27th Annual REFA Gala, to be held Thursday, October 8 at Westin Copley Place.
Koop will join an elite list in the real estate community of past recipients; most recently Pam Herbst of AEW Capital Management in 2014, mayor Thomas Menino in 2013, Joe Fallon of the Fallon Company in 2012, Thomas Hynes of Colliers International in 2011, and Thomas DeSimone of WS Development in 2010. REFA has also recognized three families over the course of the award's history.

The REFA Gala, which attracts over 550 real estate professionals, has long been a celebration of the organizations accomplishments, as well as recognizing an individual who has made significant contributions to the real estate industry and Greater Boston community.
REFA hosts close to 40 programs and events per year and the programs are planned by committee participants. Interested in helping develop and shape programs while networking with other REFA Members? If so, we encourage committee participation; there are several committees to choose from, including: education, emerging leaders, refa luncheon, industry leaders, refa golf and membership. Join today and grow your network with REFA!
For more information about REFA, including upcoming events for 2015, please visit our website at www.REFA.org. Follow REFA on Twitter @REFABoston.