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Nutter Partner Paul Ayoub Concludes Term as President of the Board of the Real Estate Finance Association
Print PDFPaul Ayoub, a member of Nutter’s Executive Committee and partner in the firm’s Real Estate Department and Nonprofit and Social Impact practice group, has concluded his term as president of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), a commercial real estate business association and division of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB).
Under Paul’s leadership, REFA accomplished several key initiatives in its 30th anniversary year and as part of its rebrand as At the Center of It All:
Programming
This year’s programs – 26 in all – included:
- The signature Annual Forecasting Luncheon and REFA Fall Conference that focused on the future of the commercial real estate industry.
- A series of 15 educational programs that covered compelling and relevant topics, including Added Amenities, Life Sciences, Tax Reform, Opportunity Zones, Ground Leasing, Co-Working and more.
- REFA’s Annual Gala honoring David Manfredi and Elizabeth Lowrey of Elkus Manfredi Architects at which the organization welcomed 600 registered guests and set a fundraising record for this event.
- A special “Conversation with the Governor” with Governor Charlie Baker that was attended by 130 representatives from our Corporate Sponsors and other leaders of the commercial real estate industry.
Enhancing Newer Initiatives
- The Women’s Series continued to experience increased participation this year. REFA held three women’s networking events designed to engage, educate, and bring together women in the real estate industry through small roundtable programs and larger networking events with women industry leaders and open discussions.
- The Emerging Leaders programs hosted several energized discussions among a group that now includes 250 members.
- The expanded Mentor Program included 28 senior-level industry members who were paired with Emerging Leaders to share knowledge, build relationships, and provide career advice and guidance.
Giving Back to the Community
- One of REFA’s principles is to be supportive of the community. Through its Charitable Golf and Tennis Tournament, REFA raised more than $20,000 for FamilyAid Boston, HomeStart and Rosie’s Place.
Diversity and Inclusion
- To provide further leadership in this important area within the real estate community and beyond, the Board unanimously adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Its panels are now consistently diverse and, notably, as of January, half of the Board members will be women and/or people of color.
REFA provides high-quality educational, networking, mentoring, and community service programs intended to promote the exchange of information between professionals in the real estate finance community and positively impact the broader community in which members live and work.
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