2022 DMAR Director Candidate Slate
We are thrilled to announce the slate of candidates for the DMAR Board of Directors. All DMAR members will receive an email ballot for their District (based on their preferred address) on Wednesday, June 29th which will include an assigned username and password, along with instructions on how to vote. The ballot will come from vote@electionsonline.com. If you do not receive the correct ballot or have any questions, please contact Amber Alvarado at aalvarado@dmarealtors.com. Voting will end at 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 7th and results will be announced via email on Friday, July 8th.
Central District Candidates
Carrol Rhead | CJV Real Estate
Why do you want to lead?
I have always felt a calling toward leadership opportunities where I believed that I could be a positive contributor to decision-making and collaboration within an organization. Having a very diverse background, I offer a unique yet down-to-earth perspective that compliments my high integrity and desire for a greater good. I also embrace and believe wholeheartedly that excellence in leadership does not rely on dominance, but rather on an evolving ability to guide an organization with empathy and care to achieve its desired results.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I love being an advocate! As a Realtor®, I am able to use my attention to detail and selfless dedication to help usher people through what can potentially be one of the most important decisions of their lives. Honestly, nothing brings me more joy than feeling the appreciation and gratitude from buyers/sellers for achieving their real estate goals at every stage of their lives. I have also chosen to be a Realtor® because I know that my goals and success are ultimately determined by my own ideals, hard work and effort.
Shyla Rogers | LIV Sotheby's International Realty
Why do you want to lead?
My career in real estate is not a "traditional one," as I began in our industry as a receptionist and worked my way up to my current position as Vice President and Managing Broker of LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC. Throughout the 20 years I have been in real estate, I have had the privilege to learn from some of the best visionary leaders in our industry, but I have also learned a lot about leading from watching what not to do from others. Anyone who knows me knows that I am highly animated, but my animation is really just my passion for serving others. Leading isn’t about telling people what to do, but more so about listening to everyone's wants and needs and finding a middle ground to all achieve our common goals. I believe that any broker whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the course of my career would say that I am very dedicated to helping them achieve their goals, great at listening and understanding varying points of view and perspectives and I care about people. Helping others is my greatest passion, and being a highly animated person helps inspire and motivate people to try and do things they never thought possible.
Why are you a Realtor®?
When I began my career, I did not plan on becoming a Realtor®. But, I quickly fell in love with helping and serving others and knew that real estate was a great means to the end of providing care/support/service to those who need it. I believe that if you are going to do something, then do it right, and by being committed to a certain set of ethics, rules and/or way of life we can truly make a difference. My and my company's success, supporting RPAC and being a part of this Board mean everything to me, as there is no such thing as being the ultimate advocate (for our clients, one another, etc.) if you are not committed, and being a Realtor® is the difference in making this a career and not just a job.
Eric Romero | Your Castle Real Estate
Why do you want to lead?
I have been a manager for 15 years. I have a passion for teaching and helping brokers succeed. I’d like to take what I have learned in the last 30+ years and do what I can to help the brokerage community. It’s time for me to give back.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I have always been and will always be a Realtor®. The work that the local boards and NAR do are instrumental in protecting property rights and promoting home ownership.
Jean Marie Thompson | Coldwell Banker Realty
Why do you want to lead?
It's not so much to lead as it is to give back to the industry I've been a part of. You learn a lot doing this work. I want to continue learning and share that with others. I want to elevate the profession's reputation, showing the public the value, help, guidance and knowledge Realtors® add to any transaction.
Why are you a Realtor®?
Being a Realtor® makes me accountable to a higher ethical standard. I get to help people achieve homeownership for their and their families happiness, well-being and ability to build wealth. This enables people to have more stable, predictable futures.
Douglas Elbert District Candidate
Shari Peck | Madison & Company Properties
Why do you want to lead?
I have been a Realtor® for 21 years and have seen the industry change so much, mostly for the good but some not as good. I would love to be a part of the leadership team to help ensure our industry stays professional and continues to improve for the consumer as technology evolves.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I really love meeting and helping people. Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest life events people go through and I love helping people navigate the process. I take my job very seriously and feel it is important to stay educated on the most recent laws, procedures and technology in our industry so I can serve my clients.
South/East District Candidates
Shauna Pugh | Nash & Company
Why do you want to lead?
When I think of leadership, it is a choice someone makes to help others be better. It has nothing to do with the leader as an individual and everything to do with the difference that person can make for those around them. We all have such valuable knowledge to share. I feel it is much harder to stand alone and make any sort of difference, it is much easier as a collective.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I think we can all agree that ownership changes lives, it changes generations. Being in real estate for almost nine years has allowed me to witness the chain effect that owning an asset creates. To help facilitate these transactions should not be taken lightly. The term "Realtor®" means so much. Trust, collaboration and education should be at the forefront of what we do. I feel that from there, the transactions will follow. Ownership should be an opportunity afforded to all parties if they have a goal to achieve that. It is an honor to take part in that process.
Jen Routon | Madison & Company Properties
Why do you want to lead?
I want to lead because I love my career and have a passion for real estate and homeownership. I want to help DMAR grow and continue to be the best Association in the state of Colorado. There are changes coming to the market and our industry and I want to be at the forefront of those changes, educating our Realtors® and helping them succeed in challenging times.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I am a Realtor® because I was raised by a single mom and we never owned a home. We lived in apartments and rental homes my entire life. I thought homeownership was for rich people. It was my husband who talked me into buying a house when we were 23 and 25! I could NOT believe that we could own a home! It made me realize that with education about real estate and mortgages and an amazing team to help you, homeownership is for everyone. I wanted to help people realize that dream and have been doing it ever since.
North District Candidates
Chris McGrath | Chris McGrath Real Estate
Why do you want to lead?
This is a pivotal time in our history and around every corner, there seems to be another series of challenges. I was impressed by how the Colorado Association of Realtors® and the local Associations navigated during the pandemic. I want to be on the team ready to handle the next series of challenges. I enjoy leadership at the Realtor® Association level because it's an industry that is helping those in our communities on many levels. As a Director I am excited to be included in the budgeting process, I will seek bigger and more benefits for our members, I plan to share through blogs and podcasts information with the community, I enjoy fundraising and lastly, I will continue to assist in protecting the American dream of homeownership.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I am a Realtor® because we are held to a higher standard and there is great camaraderie with the other members. I love the education piece and technology associated with being a Realtor® as well as the communication available to the members. This spring, I was involved with the Greeley Area Realtor® Association helping raise money for a person in need from the local community. Together at the bowl-a-thon, we raised over $15,000 for this individual and at the end of the day, we walked away as a team who made a difference. It just feels good to know I have everything I need at my fingertips by being a member of this powerful organization.
Alexandria Reed | Compass
Why do you want to lead?
I want to lead because I am interested and invested in tangible change. I believe that leadership can be helping folks become the best version of themselves while pursuing the kind of life they actually want, not only for themselves but for those around them. Leadership to me is crafted through intention, influence and grace to serve others by creating spaces for all of our stories to be shared to promote that tangible change. Telling stories is how we connect as humanity, we discover truths, unity, compassion and solidarity.
Why are you a Realtor®?
Truthfully, I became a Realtor® for representation to advocate for those that do not know how or cannot advocate for themselves in the pursuit of generational wealth and forward progress.
Dustin Venturella | Real Broker, LLC
Why do you want to lead?
I want to lead because I have the heart to serve people. I believe I have a duty to use my experience to elevate the real estate industry and leadership is an amazing vehicle to do that.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I am a Realtor® because I believe that Realtor® Associations are the backbone of the industry. As a Realtor®, I choose to hold myself to a higher standard and that makes the real estate industry better. Finally, by being a Realtor® I have access to education and networking that I would otherwise not have access to.
West District Candidates
Malisa Eakins | West + Main Homes
Why do you want to lead?
This industry has been wonderful to me and it's time to give back. I do believe that it's important for all voices to be heard and I offer a unique perspective as a Eurasian female with nearly two decades in the industry. I've witnessed the change that just a few volunteers can make in our industry and am ready to answer the call.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I believe that the first sentence "Under all is the land." of the preamble to the Realtor® Code of Ethics unites every single person on this planet. We may not agree on boundaries, price or highest and best use, but I do believe that we agree on this statement and all have the best of intentions for the land. I also respect the Code of Ethics as it all gives us a mutual place to work from that stems from respect, collaboration and ultimately the Golden Rule. The value that NAR gives its members whether it's through programs like C2EX, Fair Housing Initiatives or anything falling under our umbrella is worth every penny.
Katie Robinson | Compass
Why do you want to lead?
I have the vision to improve the overall culture amongst Realtors®, and I would like this opportunity to lead a positive and fair climate in Denver real estate. While encouraging friendly competition, I envision a more collaborative relationship between the brokerages and agents. I love to listen with an open mind and build relationships with other hard-working professionals in the industry. As a new agent, I struggled to succeed as a Realtor® and establish mentors, which inspired me to become an approachable mentor to new agents and help them build the confidence needed to thrive in this business.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I am a Realtor® because I love meeting new people, the constant learning curve and connecting in the community. My passion is helping people, and I enjoy the opportunity to learn about different lifestyles. Being a Realtor® encompasses my favorite roles in one position: business owner, marketer, designer and advisor. I love that every day as a Realtor® is different and there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.
Alex Swanson | West + Main Homes
Why do you want to lead?
It is in my nature to lead. I tend to take on or grow into leadership roles due to an assertive personality and desire to guide others. I enjoy problem-solving in group-based settings and helping others evolve professionally and personally benefits me in the same ways.
Why are you a Realtor®?
I believe it is vital that professionals in our industry be bound by moral standards and a code of ethics. The business of assisting people in buying and selling property is not to be taken lightly and I am a Realtor® because I believe in a higher caliber of real estate practice that ultimately better serves the client.
