2026 Executive Board
aiden yaphe
PRESIDENT
Aiden is a third-year student from Newton, Massachusetts, majoring in Economics with a minor in Real Estate. He joined the Virginia Undergraduate Real Estate Club in his first year and previously served as Head of Programming before becoming President. In his current role, Aiden leads events and initiatives that connect students with industry professionals, alumni, and educational opportunities. He further supports these efforts as a Research Assistant at the White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate and will join FTI Consulting in New York City this upcoming summer within the Real Estate Advisory practice. Outside of academics and professional pursuits, Aiden enjoys competing in intramural basketball and producing music, both as a creator and mentor, teaching local students how to produce original songs and play instruments in his hometown and in Charlottesville.
samuel solliday
Co-head of operations
Sam is a first year from Poughkeepsie, NY majoring in Statistics. He joined VUREC in the fall of his first year and currently serves as the Co-Head of Operations. Outside of VUREC, he is involved in the Hullabahoos a cappella group, SEED Consulting, is the on Engagement Committee of the Association Council and plays on UVA’s Club Tennis team.
annika finelli
co-head of member education
Annika is a second year from Portsmouth, NH pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance. She joined VUREC in the fall of her second year and currently serves as the Co-Head of New Member Education. Outside of VUREC, she is involved with CASH at Madison House and works as a middle school math tutor. In her free time, she enjoys training for and running marathons, as well as surfing.
julia small
co-Head of alumni relations
Julia Small is a second-year student from Dallas, TX, planning to major in Global Culture Commerce and minor in Entrepreneurship. This summer, she will be interning at Fortress Investment Group in Dallas. Outside of VUREC, she is involved in the Blueprint Leadership program, Pickleball club, and Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, she enjoys wakesurfing, flyfishing, and playing pickleball.
gus wise
CO-Head of finance, events & promotion
Gus is a third year from Charlottesville, VA, majoring in Economics with a minor in Real Estate. He joined VUREC during the spring of his second year and is currently serving as the Co-Head of Finance, Events and Promotions. This summer, he will be interning with JLL in Washington, DC, as a member of their Capital Markets group. Outside of VUREC, he is involved in the Gamma Iota Sigma Business Fraternity and Madison House. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, skiing, and music.
bennett galper
head of programming
Bennett Galper serves as the Director of Programming for VUREC. He has been a member of the club since his first year.
helen sharp
co-head of operations
Helen is a second year from Lyme, Connecticut majoring in Economics and Applied Statistics. She joined VUREC in the fall semester of her second year and now serves as Co-Head of Operations. She has previously interned in real estate private equity at Hamilton Point Investments and will be returning there this coming summer. Outside of VUREC, she is also involved in the Virginia Riding Team and Virginia Motorsports. In her free time, Helen enjoys reading and traveling.
nathan frenzel
co-head of member education
Nathan is a third year at the University of Virginia, pursuing a B.S. in Commerce with concentrations in Accounting and Finance and a track in Real Estate. Outside of VUREC, he serves as a Program Director for Madison House’s middle school tutoring program, where he helps lead and coordinate volunteer efforts in local schools. This summer, Nathan will be working as an Investment Analyst Intern at Investure, supporting portfolio strategy and manager research for endowments and foundations. In his free time, he enjoys staying active and spending time with friends and family.
Yianni Kocaqi
CO-head OF alumni relations
Yianni is a third year from Queens, NY, majoring in Commerce. He joined VUREC in the fall of his second year, and is currently serving as the Co-Head of Alumni Relations, where he manages the communications and public relations of the club. Outside of VUREC, Yianni is part of the One Generation Network and Madison House. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, hiking, playing poker and cooking.
Sam Perlman
CO-Head of finance, events promotion
cole evans
head of career placement and development
Cole is a third year from Marlton, NJ, studying Architecture with minors in Real Estate, Urban Planning, and General Business. He joined VUREC in the spring of his first year and currently serves as the Head of Career Placement and Development, tracking member accomplishments and assisting members to achieve their goals. This summer, he will be interning at Boeing on their Global Real Estate and Facilities team. Cole is passionate about corporate real estate management and has previously interned at JLL on the Capital One Account in Richmond, VA. Outside of VUREC, he is involved in the Cavalier Symphony Orchestra, is the Director of Fundraising for the School of Architecture Student Council, and is part of AIAS. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, swimming, hiking, and traveling.