NEFAR has hired a proven and experienced event planner to serve full-time as the association’s new Event Coordinator.
As of early March, Roland Navarro assumed responsibility of the newly created position in NEFAR’s growing Communications Department. As Event Coordinator, Roland will plan and execute NEFAR’s major events such as the Awards and Installation Gala, Fair Housing Luncheon and Fall Annual Business Meeting. He will also serve as the master liaison to NEFAR’s eight Area Councils and three Specialty Groups helping them manage their sponsorships, finances, and provide support where needed.
“Roland brings experience that makes him an invaluable resource and asset to the association. His extensive knowledge in the world of event planning will help NEFAR and its various councils execute more effective, value driven events for members, while streamlining operations internally and helping the association to achieve its goal of providing meaningful member experiences”, said NEFAR Creative Director, Joshua Garrett.
“My favorite part of the job is my interaction with the REALTOR® community by planning fun and yet informative events throughout the Northeast Florida area,” Roland said.
A native of Miami, Roland is a graduate of Florida International University and has a degree in International Business. He is fluent in Spanish, written and spoken, and has a working knowledge of Portuguese. He is also very familiar with the real estate industry because he holds a REALTORS®’ license and has a sister who owns a title company in Miami.
Prior to coming to NEFAR, Roland worked for 17 years as managing director of Seven Seas Corporate Events. He has also served as senior director of corporate partnerships and events for NASCAR International Speedway Corporation and was project director for Super Bowl XXXIX when he served for five years at Landry & Kling, Meetings & Events in Coral Gables. At that time, he was a member of the Jacksonville Super Bowl Host committee and was responsible for six cruise ships being chartered through the NFL for the 2005 Super Bowl game in Jacksonville.
Roland has been married to his wife, Yoly, for 29 years and has three sons, William, 23, Andrew, 19, and Jonathan, 11.
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his family. “I have been fortunate to experience some amazing memories throughout the years,” he said. “We’ve been from Barbados to Italy and everywhere in between.”
