Boston, MA REFA kicked off 2021 by virtually hosting its Annual Forecasting Program on January 28th with over 200 members in attendance. The program included a high-level overview of the state of capital markets and the dislocation of capital, liquidity, mergers and acquisition activity from Keynote speaker Donald McCree, vice chairman & head of commercial banking, Citizens Bank. Matt Pullen, executive managing director, Newmark, moderated a panel discussion with Ann Ehrhart, partner, Boston Urban Partners, Tom Gilbane, managing member, Rockpoint Group, and Nancy Goldsmith, managing director, operations, Bozzuto Management Company. The panelists shared their views on the current market, trends they saw in 2020, and repositioning strategies throughout different sectors. REFA president Bill Flynn closed the event by sharing the results of the forecasting survey which was conducted at least year’s Forecasting Breakfast.
REFA is gearing up for its 5th Mentor Program under the leadership of Mentor co-chairs John Roach, US Bank and Kevin Stone, KeyBank Real Estate Capital. The Mentor Program provides REFA Emerging Leader Members with the opportunity to be paired with a senior-level REFA 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. The pairs share ideas, career advice, and act as sounding boards to help with career and professional development. This year’s Mentor Program will begin in late February with a Mentor Program Kick-Off event.
One of REFA’s Membership benefits is committee participation. Join one of REFA’s six committees to help shape programs and events, network with other members, and increase your knowledge about the industry. The six committees are as follows: Annual Events, DEI, Emerging Leaders, Golf, Membership, and Programs. To learn more about REFA’s Committees, email Alex Levine, REFA membership and events coordinator.