AUTUMN ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOVEMBER 2024
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hello Chapter Members and Sponsors:
I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the dedication of our Chapter leaders and volunteers so far this year. I thank the Communications Committee for their hard work in putting this newsletter together. I hope you can take a moment to review the exciting updates from our Chapter!
Between learning from CRE professionals at various committeeled programs and events, Leadership 2.0 and Young Leaders Professional Development Program sessions, connecting with Chapter sponsors for our annual appreciation event, or enjoying the Golf Committee's Annual Charitable Golf Tournament, our New England Chapter members know how to make the most of their membership and stand for CoreNet Global’s core values to Connect, Learn, Grow, and Belong.
I’m pleased to highlight and celebrate just a few successes that The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global has achieved since our last update:
• The 2024-2025 Cohort of Leadership 2.0 held its first session in September, with 16 CRE participants beginning their six-month professional development journey
• We celebrated and thanked our 60 Chapter Sponsors at our Annual Sponsor Appreciation Event on September 19, overlooking the North End at Intersystems
• The 2024 Annual Charitable Golf Tournament, organized by our Golf Committee and held on October 8, raised more than $11,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston!
• The University Relations Committee sponsored a former CREST intern and local student to attend the CoreNet Global North American Summit in Washington, D.C. November 1-3, and has been visiting local colleges and universities this fall, discussing CRE careers and CoreNet Global – New England Chapter benefits.
In addition, I’m proud to share that The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global had a very impressive showing at the CoreNet
Global Summit North America in Washington, D.C. from November 1-3, which welcomed more than 1,500 CoreNet Global members from around the world. Not only did several of our Chapter members lead incredible discussions and seminars at the Summit, including Liz Powers with ArtLifting as a General Session keynote speaker on Sunday, November 3, but the successes of our Chapter culminated in Chapter Board Member Taran Grigsby being awarded ‘CRE of the Year’ and our Chapter being named a top 3 finalist for Large/Mega Chapter of the Year!
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering or the path to leadership in the Chapter, please be sure to see the Membership Committee’s updates in the newsletter - the application process for our Chapter’s Board of Directors will open in early December!
Thank you to my fellow Executive Committee members, to our Advisory Council, the Board of Directors, and all Committee Leaders and Volunteers for your hard work in maintaining our status as one of the best Large/Mega Chapters in CoreNet Global.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season with family and friends!
Adam Fandrey
President, CoreNet Global - New England Chapter Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Real Estate, Middlesex Savings Bank
With so many enjoyable fall activities to choose from, we asked our members to share their favorite!
2024 CORENET GLOBAL SUMMIT NORTH AMERICA
WASHINGTON, D.C. | NOVEMBER 1-3, 2024
More than 60 New England Chapter Members and more than 1,500 CoreNet Global members from around the world joined together for three days of CRE learning and networking, all based on this year's theme which was "People Power - Fueling Human Connections." Several of our Chapter Members led either a keynote address, or panel discussion, please see the impressive list on the right of this page.
Our Chapter was proud to nominate Taran Grigsby, Global Delivery Lead for Transactions and Leasing with Fidelity Investments for ‘CRE Executive of the Year,’ Emily Wadman, Director of Workplace Experience & Facilities at Toast for ‘Young Leader of the Year,’ and we also nominated our Chapter to win ‘Large/Mega Chapter of the Year.’
Taran Grigsby Global Delivery Lead for Transactions and Leasing Fidelity Investments
Congratulations to Taran Grigsby, Global Delivery Lead for Transactions and Leasing with Fidelity Investments, who was awarded 2024 CRE Executive of the Year, at the CoreNet Global Awards & Recognition Dinner on Sunday, November 3! The New England Chapter was also a finalist for 'Large/Mega Chapter of the Year!"
THE 2025 GLOBAL SUMMIT
NORTH
AMERICA
LOCATION AND DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED
The Southern California Chapter of CoreNet Global will be hosting the 2025 CoreNet Global Summit | North America from October 27-29 in Anaheim, CA!
THESE CHAPTER MEMBERS LED A SESSION OR PRESENTED AT THE SUMMIT:
Sarah Abrams
Senior Vice President and Head of Global Real Estate
Iron Mountain
Session: CRE Team Organizational Design
Brigitte Beltran, MCR.w, SLCR
US Director, Clients Advisory
Allure
Session: The New Merger & Acquisition
Paradigm: Employee Focused Portfolio for Compatible Beliefs and Values
Kelly Colón
Strategist, Author, Educator, Advocate
Eledex Consulting
Session: Shaping Future Leaders in AEC: Expectations, Challenges, and Opportunities
Emily Jones
Director of Advanced Analytics
9 Foundations
Session: How – and Why – Amazon Rolled Out a Global Indoor Air Quality Program
Jessica Pernicone, MCR
Head of Solutions Development, Work Dynamics
JLL
Sessions: Service Delivery & Outsourcing: Key Market Insights and Women in Real Estate: How to Grow and Support Women’s Advancement in CRE
David Pfund
Senior Vice President Research and Product Management
The Lighting Quotient
Session: Infection Risk Management for Healthy Buildings – The New ASHRAE Standard for Indoor Air
Liz Powers
CEO and Cofounder
ArtLifting
General Session Keynote Speaker: Cultivating
Human Connection: Art as a Catalyst for Positive Change
Marissa Rainbolt
Chief Operating Officer
9 Foundations
Session: How – and Why – Amazon Rolled Out a Global Indoor Air Quality Program
Mark Watkins
Senior Director of Global Real Estate
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Session: The New Merger & Acquisition
Paradigm: Employee Focused Portfolio for Compatible Beliefs and Values
SUMMIT KEY TAKEAWAYS
WITH
AN IMPRESSIVE
TURNOUT OF NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
AT THE SUMMIT, WE ASKED A FEW PEOPLE TO SHARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INSPIRING WEEKEND!
Kristin Enright
Sr Manager, Real Estate and Construction, Thermo Fisher Scientific
The most impactful speaker during the CoreNet Summit was Liz Powers, Co-founder, and CEO of ArtLifting. She is a true angel on this earth, helping veterans, the homeless and people living with disabilities earn an income through their artwork. The theme of the Summit was People Power: Fueling Human Connections, and who better to show the true power of connecting with people and helping them navigate life. She is an inspiration to all.
Bobby Elliott
Business Development Executive, Haworth
A helpful technology takeaway that was discussed in the “Staying Stuck in the Past Will Not Get Us to the Future” session was the use of “Participant” vs “Observer” responses for calendar invites. The habit of multitasking during meetings has increased and has an impact on culture. Using a more elaborate response than “Yes” or “No” could help set better expectations on an attendee’s participation level for the meeting host.
Suzanne Leblanc
Director of Corporate Real Estate, FM Global
The ability to connect in a truly meaningful (and fun!) way with long-standing industry peers and new colleagues and partners from multiple countries was my favorite part of attending the Summit. In a few cases I would not have had a chance to meet certain people in person if it was not for the Summit. The theme of this year’s conference was certainly timely and in the follow-up workshop on connections, it was fascinating to see how much my group had in common that crossed generational, gender and geographic lines.
Marisa Fava
Sales Director, Humanscale
I really felt inspired by the ‘Fueling Human Connection’ theme of the Summit and especially the opening keynote from Riaz Meghji who emphasized the value of in-person conversations. Speaking of human connection though, I missed spending time with a lot of my New England Chapter colleagues who normally attend the Summits — looking forward to Anaheim and non-weekend dates in 2025!
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
In honor of the Veterans Day holiday, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee had the privilege of interviewing Kurt Ochalla, a US Army Reserve Veteran and Head of Global Real Estate at Biogen.
Kurt shared how his time in the military has influenced his career and shaped his leadership style, and he also delved into the critical role of DEI in attracting talent to the commercial real estate industry.
Click the link below to read the full interview.
Read Now
ERS 2025
JUNE 2-3, NEW YORK CITY
The CoreNet Eastern Regional Symposium (ERS) is a member-driven, collaborative event organized by six "host" chapters: New England, Connecticut & Westchester, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic. The collaboration of these northeast chapters results in a highly engaging educational conference and dynamic programming. Each Symposium focuses on a central theme selected by the ERS Executive Committee and Learning Board that explores current real estate trends, best practices and strategies.
23RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES MORE THAN $11K FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF BOSTON
OCTOBER 8, 2024
PINEHILLS GOLF CLUB
The 23rd Annual CoreNet Global – New England Chapter Golf Tournament on October 8 was a great success, thanks to our golf committee, amazing sponsors, golfers, clinic participants and volunteers! Our team from The Berman Group knocked it out of the park as always!
It was a perfect day at Pinehills Golf Club, and we hope everyone had a wonderful time. Most importantly, your generosity helped us raise over $11,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston!
WE HAVE STARTED THE PLANNING FOR 2025 AND WILL BE LOOKING TO LOCK IN SPONSORSHIPS SOON.
Save the Date for Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Pinehills Golf Club!
Look forward to seeing you all at the 24th Annual Golf Tournament on October 9, 2025!
Courtney Hickey and Hugh Macdonald Golf Committee Co-Chairs
Christine Weiner Community Reinvestment Committee Chair
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS FOR MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE!
Leadership 2.0 2024-2025 Cohort
LEADERSHIP 2.0
The 2024 - 2025 Cohort of the Leadership 2.0 Program kicked off in September with Executive Coach Vonda Mills leading the group through one-on-one coaching and Caliper strengths and personality assessments. The second session was held in October with William Kahn, Ph.D., Professor of Management and Organization, Boston University Questrom School of Business, and focused on effective communication and conflict resolution skills for personal and professional growth in various contexts. Most recently, the cohort reached the halfway point of the program with a third session led by John Lawlor, COO of Human Power Solutions, centered on leadership and navigating organizational change.
We look forward to the upcoming sessions that will provide program participants with advanced leadership skills, insights, and tools to lead their respective organizations into the future of work and push their own careers to the next level.
Sonja Adams, Fidelity Investments
Daniel Annaccone, Biogen
Brittany Corbett, Columbia Construction
Jennifer Defreest, Cresa
Robert Jangro, JLL
Daniela Maher, Visnick & Caulfield Associates, Inc.
Noah Manacas, VVA Project & Cost Managers
Michelle Mase, Structure Tone
Zoe Nemetz, Stantec
Nicole Perona, Manulife / John Hancock
Jennifer Phan, OTJ Architects
Matthew Schneller, Liberty Mutual
Corie Smith, Teknion
Steven Smith, Northstar Project & Real Estate Services
Nicole Solera, Cushman & Wakefield
Glenn Yarris, Humanscale
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
EXISTING MEMBERS
Leaf-peeping season may not last long, but you can keep your eyes peeled all year-round for these green New Member ribbons at our Chapter events.
Be sure to give a warm welcome to our newest Chapter members and help them grow their CoreNet network by introducing them to someone new.
Also, don’t forget to renew your own CoreNet membership for 2025.
Premier Partners (Corporate Partners) – receive a 20% discount when you renew by March 31, 2025
Strategic Gold Partners – receive a 10% discount when you renew by March 31, 2025
Loyal Members – receive a 10% discount when you renew by March 31, 2025
All other members - receive a 5% discount included in your renewal, only if you renew by December 31, 2024
NEW MEMBERS
Interested in joining the CoreNet Global - New England Chapter as a new member? If you join today you save save 15% off of your membership! Learn more about becoming a member here.
There's also a 30-day trial membership option? Click here for more details!
If you are a recent new/renewed/trial member member of The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global, or have you been a member for a while but need a refresher on member benefits and how to become more involved? Join our Virtual Coffee Chat Q&A on Wednesday, December 4!
Join to get some helpful information and tips, meetand-greet virtually with some of the Membership Committee, and kick-start your involvement in the Chapter
CoreNet Global - New England Chapter: Virtual New/Renewed Member Coffee Chat Virtual/Zoom
Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 | 9:00am- 9:30am
Discover (or rediscover!) all the perks and insider tips in our New Member Welcome Packet—your guide to getting the most out of CoreNet New England.
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
On Thursday October 17, the Programs Committee organized a tour of Foundation Medicine’s new headquarters at 400 Summer Street in the Seaport. Kevin Byrne, Sr. Director, Capital Projects and Engineering, and Jeff MacKay, Vice President, Facilities and Real Estate for Foundation Medicine discussed strategy and realization of the 600,000-square-foot workplace, labs and amenities hub. Ken Fisher, Principal at Gensler, moderated and participated in the conversation as they discussed how Gensler approached the design as a vertical campus that unites the organization’s scientists and administrative teams under one roof.
They discussed how the design has a strong focus on employee experience driving the amenities program, which includes a double-height café with direct access to an extensive outdoor roof terrace and a penthouse engagement center with sweeping views of the city and harbor.
Over 100 real estate industry members attended to learn and see what went into the headquarter location selection, consolidation and design. The audience was captured by the panelists' insights leading to a fruitful Q&A section, followed by an in-depth tour, led by members of Foundation Medicine’s project team.
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
On Thursday, September 19, the Sponsorship Committee held a North End-themed Sponsor Appreciation Night to show our deep gratitude to our Chapter Sponsors for their sponsorship and support in 2024!
In addition to great CRE/CoreNet Networking, the event featured an olive oil tasting station, sweet treats from Mike's Pastry, an accordion musician, and more! The event was a success with over 120 attendees! Thank you to Intersysems for hosting!
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
FALL 2024 COLLEGE PRESENTATIONS
September 24, 2024 - Boston University
October 16, 2024 - Boston College
October 23, 2024 - Babson College
October 29, 2024 - Suffolk University
November 6, 2024 - Wentworth Institute of Technology
University Relations Committee Update
This fall, the University Relations Committee had the pleasure of engaging with students across several campuses - Boston University, Boston College, Babson College, Suffolk University and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Through career panels, discussions and presentations, we’ve provided insights into the world of corporate real estate, the value of networking, and the many career paths available within the industry. These sessions are part of our ongoing commitment to inspire and support the next generation of CRE leaders.
Upcoming Schedule
The University Relations Committee looks forward to the upcoming virtual presentation with UMass Lowell on December 3—stay tuned for more updates!
YOUNG LEADERS COMMITTEE
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2024 CORENET
GLOBAL - NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY!
IN-PERSON | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 2024 | 5:30PM-8:00PM CONTRACT SOURCES | 109 BROAD STREET | BOSTON, MA 02110
Presented by the Young Leaders Committee, this festive gathering is open to all members. Join us on Thursday, December 5th, at Contract Sources in Boston from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for a fun-filled evening with food, drinks, and great company as we celebrate the season and close out the year together.
We’re proud to support Toys for Tots at this event— please bring a new, unwrapped toy to registration to help brighten a child’s holiday. (All toys are welcome, though please avoid items with weaponry, such as Nerf guns.).
Hosted by the Young Leaders Committee
ANNUAL SKI TRIP HIT THE SLOPES
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025
LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT
60 Loon Mountain Rd, | Lincoln, NH 03251
Join us on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH, for a full day of skiing, networking, food, and fun—all members are welcome!
For a stress-free experience, take advantage of convenient bus transportation from Boston or Woburn. Just select the “Register Now - With Bus Ticket” option when you sign up to secure your seat. Pickup Locations: Seaport: Necco St Garage, 10 Necco St, Boston, MA 02210
Woburn: Target, 101 Commerce Way, Woburn, MA 01801
Special thanks to our event sponsors for making this trip possible!
Don't know how to ski but want to join in the fun? If you're interested in taking a lesson on January 24 please reach out Camryn Moran, cmoran@bermangrp.com
There are two options for registration - one option is to ride up in the bus transportation, and the other option is without bus transportation.
GEORGE M. CONTI YOUNG LEADERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ON NOVEMBER 12, THE 2024 COHORT OF THE GEORGE M. CONTI YOUNG LEADERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DELIVERED AN IMPRESSIVE FINAL PRESENTATION ON “ NAVIGATING THE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE ROADMAPS .”
Hosted by the Education Committee , the event showcased the cohort and panelists' insights and forward-thinking solutions on sustainability within corporate real estate, emphasizing the challenges and strategic importance of sustainability roadmaps. Attendees enjoyed a lively panel discussion featuring industry experts Ginena Harkins of AstraZeneca, Eamon Devlin of Staples, and Sonya Reinhardt of CBRE.
Additionally, applications for the 2025 George M. Conti Young Leaders Program closed recently. A panel of judges is currently reviewing applications, and the 2025 cohort will be announced in mid-December. We look forward to welcoming the next group of emerging leaders dedicated to shaping the future of corporate real estate!
View the Event Photos
DISCOVER MORE CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL!
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CoreNet Global - New England Chapter
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UPCOMING EVENTS & SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL SKI TRIP
HOSTED BY THE YOUNG LEADERS COMMITTEE (ALL ARE WELCOME!)
Friday, January 24, 2025 LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT | 60 LOON MOUNTAIN RD | LINCOLN, NH 03251
VIRTUAL NEW/RENEWED MEMBER COFFEE CHAT
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 9:00am–9:30am
EASTERN REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM 2025 (ERS)
Monday, June 2 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025 CONVENE BROOKFIELD PLACE | NEW YORK CITY
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
HOSTED BY THE YOUNG LEADERS COMMITTEE (ALL ARE WELCOME!)
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 5:30PM–8PM CONTRACT SOURCES | 109 BROAD STREET | BOSTON, MA 02110
CORENET GLOBAL - NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER’S 24TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Thursday, October 9, 2025 PINEHILLS GOLF CLUB | PLYMOUTH, MA
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
FOUNDERS CIRCLE PLATINUM SPONSORS
FOUNDERS CIRCLE GOLD SPONSORS
FOUNDERS CIRCLE SILVER SPONSORS
THIS NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
MICHELE BOGDAN Co-Chair Chapman Construction/ Design
SETH BUTLER Takeda
O’NEIL Vision 3 Architects
NICOLE SOLERA Co-Chair Cushman & Wakefield
MARISA FAVA Board Liaison Humanscale
CAROLINE FRANKS COR KIMBERLY GILES MovePlan Group
KARINA SILVESTER Gensler
ALISON SMITH Structure Tone
ADAMS Fidelity
Sasaki
JLL
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