The Real Estate Finance Association hosted its virtual 32nd Annual Gala on October 19th

Boston, MA Over 250 REFA members and friends “gathered” to celebrate REFA’s Virtual 32^nd Annual Gala on Monday, October 19^th, honoring Tammy Jones, co-founder and CEO, Basis Investment Group and Kirk Sykes, co-managing partner, Accordia Partners. The event featured a “Fireside Chat” with the honorees to learn more about their lives, careers, and leadership in the commercial real estate industry. Following the formal program, all attendees had the opportunity to attend sponsored virtual networking groups in order to connect with colleagues, clients, and friends. 

On Thursday, November 5^th, REFA hosted a Fundamentals Webinar: Leasing 101. Kristen Binck, vice president, legal, Oxford Properties Group moderated the program with speakers Jon Nichols, associate, Goulston & Storrs and Nicole Riley, counsel, Goodwin Procter. Nichols and Riley delivered a presentation on the basics of office leasing (including subleasing), important questions to ask your lawyer, and new guidelines and best practices as they pertain to the current environment with the pandemic. In addition, attendees learned key terms in an office lease, and subleasing tips and considerations. 

REFA’s 2020 Mentorship Program will wrap up on Thursday, November 19^th with a final meeting where select mentorship pairs will share their experiences and what they’ve learned from one another throughout this turbulent year. REFA’s Mentorship Program pairs together young professionals (REFA’s Emerging Leaders) with senior leaders in the commercial real estate industry. Throughout the year, the mentor pairs have been meeting and connecting virtually on their own, as well as through programs.

Please save the date for REFA’s last event of the year. REFA’s Fall Conference will take place on Tuesday, December 8^th at 12:00 p.m. The program will feature a keynote from Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery and Rick Henken, president, The Schochet Companies. Following the keynote presentation, a panel of industry leaders will be discussing ESG. The panel will consist of Maura Hodge, partner, audit, U.S. Sustainability (ESG) practice leader, KPMG; Laura McDonough, director, private investments, SCS Financial; Ben Myers, vice president, sustainability, Boston Properties; and Brian Swett, head of the boston office, Arup.