Boston, MA The Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) has officially kicked off its 10^th Annual Mentor Program, setting a new record with 66 mentor-mentee pairs. This yearlong initiative connects Emerging Leader Members with senior professionals, fostering mentorship, career development, and industry connections.

With a robust lineup of dedicated events and ongoing one-on-one engagement, participants gain invaluable insights, career guidance, and a strong professional network. Special thanks to our tri-chairs, Kristen Binck, Oxford Properties Group; Ryan Parker, JLL; and Vincent Norton, UrbanMeritage, for their leadership. We also extend our gratitude to REFA president Jill Sharif, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company – National Commercial Services, for helping to launch this milestone program.

Thought Leadership and Market Insights: REFA’s 2025 Programs

REFA’s Programs Committee continues to deliver high-impact educational programming, providing members with critical market insights and networking opportunities.

On February 4, REFA hosted Changing Tides: The Evolution of Boston’s Life Science Market at PwC in the Seaport. The sold-out event featured a dynamic discussion led by Mark Bruso, director of Boston research at JLL. Industry experts explored the resilience, innovation, and future of Boston’s life sciences sector. The distinguished panel included:

• Rob Albro, partner and chief investment officer, King Street Properties;

• Maggie Dore, director of leasing, Breakthrough Properties;

• Colleen O’Connor, EVP and market lead, U.S. & U.K., BioMed Realty; and

• Morgan Weinstein, EVP, Northeast, Phase 3 Real Estate Partners, Inc.

On March 11, REFA hosted the Winter Conferences Recap at Nutter in the Seaport, offering key takeaways from four major commercial real estate conferences: ALIS, CREFC, MBA, and NMHC. Marilyn Mawn, managing director at Fidelity, moderated a discussion on industry trends, economic forecasts, and emerging opportunities shaping the 2025 market. Panelists included:

• Rachel Hunter-Goldman, managing director, KKR;

• Al Della Porta, head of capital markets, AEW; and

• Alan Suzuki, managing director, JLL.

Upcoming: Exclusive Executive Insights with Paul Nasser

Emerging Leaders are invited to a special Executive Insights event featuring Paul Nasser on March 20, at Tishman Speyer: 125 High St.

Nasser, president of Intercontinental Real Estate Corp. and 2024 REFA Gala honoree, will share industry insights, leadership strategies, and perspectives on the evolving real estate landscape. This complimentary event offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

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