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 2024 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 every other month or as needed.
2024 Tri-Chairs:
Heather Brown, CBRE
Kevin Stone, CrossHarbor Capital Partners
Staff Liaison: Bethany Haynes
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.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Gregory Bradford, Nutter
Mandy Eckhoff, Robinson & Cole
Staff Liaison: Bethany Haynes
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.
2024 Tri-Chairs:
Lauren Ferrando, Tishman Speyer
Michael Lane, Davis
Ryan Parker, JLL
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.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Israel Lopez, The Gutierrez Company
Samuel Crossan, JLL
Staff Liaison: Bethany Haynes
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.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Greg Bohenko, Samuels & Associates
Deke Schultze, Lionstone Investments
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.
2024 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.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Kristen Binck, Oxford Properties
Ian McKinley, Ryan, LLC
Vin Norton, Urban Meritage
Staff Liaison: Nicole Samarjian
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.
2024 Tri-Chairs:
Andrew Alperstein, PwC
Melanie Herald, State Street Corporation
Martha Nay, JLL
Staff Liaison: Bethany Haynes
Form may be returned to Nicole Samarjian or Bethany Haynes.