The programs that REFA offers are the backbone of the association and are the responsibility of a variety of committees made up of REFA members. Joining a committee is a key way to optimize your REFA membership. Listed below are the 2021 REFA committees in which you are welcome to get involved. REFA’s success is directly related to the participation of its members, so we invite you to participate!
Sign up for a 2022 Committee: Click Here
Annual Events Committee
The Annual Events Committee is responsible for planning REFA's Signature Panel Programs - the Annual Forecasting Luncheon held in January and the Fall Conference held in September. Committee responsibilities include: composing the program content, identifying and securing the keynote speaker, moderator, and panelists and assisting with the content development and marketing. The Annual Events Committee meets ever other month or as needed.
2022 Tri-Chairs:
Kristen Binck, Oxford Properties
Mandy Eckhoff, Robinson + Cole
Lauren Sullivan, Greatland Realty Partners
Staff Liaison: Alex Levine
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
REFA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee focuses on implementing the DEI Policy which was adopted in 2017. The committee will be responsible for working on programming, developing policy and best practices, and serving as ambassadors with a goal of creating are more inclusive membership.
2022 Co-Chairs:
Deepa Krishnamurthy, Harvard University
Saeed Coates, The GPG Companies
Staff Liaison: Alex Levine
Emerging Leaders Committee
The Emerging Leaders Committee is responsible for planning networking and educational programs focused on Leadership Development. The committee also plans quarterly community service activities and After Hours networking receptions. The Emerging Leaders Committee meets monthly in a small group setting - meetings typically include an industry/market round-table discussion.
2022 Tri-Chairs:
Colleen Carey, Eastdil Secured
Ryan Parker, CrossHarbor Capital Partners
Lucy Zhang, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Staff Liaison: Nicole Samarjian
Golf Committee
The Golf Committee is responsible for planning the Annual REFA Charitable Golf Tournament held in July of each year. This includes planning event components, identifying sponsorship opportunities, and assisting with sponsor outreach. The Golf Committee meets January - July.
2022 Co-Chairs:
Israel Lopez, The Gutierrez Company
Jill Sharif, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company
Staff Liaison: Alex Levine
Innovation Committee
The Innovation Committee is comprised of members who are interested in Proptech, sustainability and business analytics/intelligence for their companies will join and collaborate with others that share their role or interest. This group will be focused primarily on financially applicable tools and technologies that provide our membership base with curated content that facilitates broader understanding and better decision making.
2022 Co-Chairs:
Greg Bohenko, Samuels & Associates
Bill Flynn, Net Lease Capital Advisors
Staff Liaison: Adrienne Maley
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for generating new member leads, assisting with the dues renewal process and identifying ways to retain, engage, and attract new members. The Membership Committee meets monthly January - March and then every other month for the remainder of the year.
2022 Co-Chairs:
Mike Caliva, Skanska USA Commercial Development
Naomi Mayeux, National Development
Staff Liaison: Kayla Burmeister
Mentor Program
The REFA Mentorship Program provides REFA Emerging Leader members with the opportunity to be paired with a senior-level REFA member or professional within the industry for a yearlong partnership. Meeting throughout the calendar year, mentors/mentees share ideas, career advice, and are a sounding board to discuss career and professional development.
2022 Co-Chairs:
Ian McKinley, GFI Partners
Kevin Stone, CrossHarbor Capital Partners
Staff Liaison: Alex Levine
Programs Committee
The Programs Committee is responsible for planning 11 educational programs per year. Committee responsibilities include: identifying timely topics and speakers, securing speakers, assisting with content development and marketing. The Programs Committee meets monthly.
2022 Tri-Chairs:
Peter Bloomfield, KPMG
Sam Crossan, JLL
Martha Nay, JLL
Staff Liaison: Alex Levine
Form may be returned to Nicole Samarjian or Alex Levine.