Zafonte of Akerman LLP: Honored to chair the Association Building Committee of Invest in the USA

Name: Beth Zafonte Title: Director of Economic Development Services Company Name: Akerman LLP Follow my company on Twitter Akerman LLP @Akerman_Law What year did you start your career in commercial real estate: 1985 Email:[email protected] Real Estate Associations/Organizations: WX - New York Women Executives in Real Estate, CREW Network, CREW New York, REBNY, Invest in the USA (IIUSA) What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why? I was invited to chair the Association Building Committee of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national industry trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Program. IIUSA advocates for policies that will maximize economic benefit to the U.S. from the Program. My appointment comes at a critical time as the program is up for renewal September 30. There is much work to be done to expand the outreach of the organization and to enlist the support of various industries, developers, trade associations and politicians that can have a positive impact on the successful extension of the program. I am honored that I was selected to chair this committee at this pivotal time and have pledged to do my best to advance the agenda of the IIUSA membership. The national and international expanse of the EB-5 clientele has provided a new dimension to my work that I find exciting and challenging. What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? I have a fairly long commute twice a day and I try to identify and prioritize things that can addressed during that time. Typically this involves reading material that requires an allocation of uninterrupted time and working through a list of emails that need to be drafted or responded to which are related to the various industry or philanthropic initiatives that I am involved with. What did you want to be when you grew up? I always thought I could be whatever I wanted to be. I realize now that was a very special gift my parents provided to me particularly in the context of my work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA. Working with NYC's foster youth as part of Akerman's firm wide philanthropic initiative I am advocating for children in foster care and trying to help navigate a path to a brighter future for them as they grow up. I've had many mentors who have helped me to achieve both personal and professional goals, and being able to pay that forward is something I am very proud of.