As we relaunch the Opportunity Funds Association (OFA), we’re proud to introduce the experienced team helping to guide the association’s next chapter. In this post, Aaron Grau—President of Global Association Partners (GAP)—shares his insights on OFA’s renewed direction and GAP’s role in supporting our mission. With GAP’s proven track record in association management, OFA is well-positioned to deliver even greater value to our members and the broader Opportunity Zone community.
“Shay Hawkins established the OFA with a vision to support all stakeholders in a nascent opportunity zone ecosystem. His foresight created a foundation on which the OFA is now poised to grow. OFA’s new executive director, Ja’Ron Smith, has deep ties to the OZ community, Capitol Hill, and the White House, and his understanding of all three is a tremendous asset.
In one of Ja’ron’s first administrative moves, he brought on my firm, Global Association Partners (GAP), to manage OFA’s day-to-day operations and growth; all the things an association needs to be successful, including managing communications, finance, events, membership, governance, risk analysis, and IT.
GAP is grateful for OFA’s and Ja’Ron’s confidence and looks forward to working with the association for the betterment of the entire opportunity zone community. Establishing and administering sound business practices will allow OFA’s members and leadership to focus on the organization’s mission to foster OZs. GAP is proud to be a part of the revitalized OFA, and we look forward to many successful years of partnership.
OFA’s reestablishment could not come at a more critical time. The program’s provisions in “the Big Beautiful Bill” will spark questions and opportunities for growth that only a trade association dedicated to OZs can answer and foster. I urge you to rejoin OFA. Take advantage of everything it does and will offer, and make your voice heard!”
– Aaron Grau, Esq., CAE
Global Association Partners, President
OFA’s revitalization comes at a pivotal moment for the Opportunity Zone industry. With strong leadership, dedicated management, and a clear focus on member service and policy advocacy, the association is once again the leading voice for OZ stakeholders nationwide. We thank Aaron Grau and the GAP team for bringing their expertise to OFA and look forward to the impactful work ahead.