Real Estate Finance Association to welcome Grant as keynote speaker for Forecasting Program

On January 12^th, REFA hosted its first webinar of the year on “Uncertainty in Construction: The Impact on Real Estate Development.” Tod McGrath, VP, finance, Boston Properties moderated a conversation with Teri Ford, director of development, Greatland Realty Partners, George Gaughan, VP, development manager, Turner Construction, Claudia Piper, SVP, Webster Bank, and Jason Tilley, VP, development, The Davis Companies. The panelists provided an update on today’s market conditions, shared how they are navigating the current development environment, and discussed how their organizations are adapting to these unique headwinds while continuing to acquire, lend, develop, and lease.

REFA’s 6^th Annual Mentorship Program began on February 10^th with a virtual kick-off event under the leadership of program co-chairs Ian McKinley, GFI Partners, and Kevin Stone, CrossHarbor Capital Partners. The REFA Mentor Program provides Emerging Leader members with the opportunity to be paired with a senior-level member for a year-long membership. REFA organizes 3-4 events throughout the calendar year to bring all participants together. Mentor/mentee pairs are encouraged to connect regularly throughout the program to share ideas, career advice, and act as sounding boards to help with career and professional development. This is REFA’s biggest mentor program yet, featuring 52 mentor/mentee pairs.

REFA is excited to have James Grant as the keynote speaker for its Annual Forecasting Program: Clash of the Two Inflations. Grant is the founder and editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, a twice-monthly journal of the investment markets. This program will be held as a webinar on February 17^th at noon.

One of REFA’s membership benefits is committee participation. Join one of REFA’s seven committees to help shape programs and events, network with other members, and increase your knowledge about the industry. The seven committees are as follows: Annual Events, DEI, Emerging Leaders, Golf, Innovation & Sustainability, Membership, and Programs. To learn more about REFA’s Committees, email Nicole Samarjian, membership & events coordinator.

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.