Did you miss your chance to apply for a DMAR Director position? 

If you're interested in applying for a DMAR Director position, but missed the application deadline, your candidacy can still be considered by submitting a petition. You can download the required petition form here. Complete and send the form to Cindy Goins at cgoins@dmarealtors.com no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, June 30, 2017.

Please note: Once you've submitted the petition, you will need to fill out the online DMAR Director Application, which you can find here. ​

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Director Candidate Slate

West District Candidates

Barb Ecker | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 13
# Years as DMAR Member: 13
# Years Licensed: 13

"Becoming a REALTOR® was one the best things I ever did in life. It has provided me with the opportunity to meet new people and grow as a professional. I have met a lot of wonderful clients who have become friends, and exceptional colleagues who have also extended their friendship. I am currently the West District Chair, am on the Pro Standards and Government Affairs Committees, and just completed the CAR Leadership Academy. I love being involved, talking to other agents in the industry and having the knowledge to give my clients a leg up. I understand the time and commitment it requires to be a board member, and would be happy to volunteer my time to this great organization."

Constance (Connie) Kraska | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 13
# Years as DMAR Member: 13
# Years Licensed: 13

"Throughout my 13-year career in real estate, it has been a great honor to be considered a REALTOR® as that word encompasses a greater professionalism than any other. I believe that it is held in a high regard among peers and the community at-large because it means that we are held to a higher professional standard, which I am proud to be a part of. I have actively participated in DMAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) since 2014 and have been the Vice Chair of the committee for over a year. I have enjoyed planning, organizing and executing social, educational and community service events for the members of DMAR, especially those interested in YPN. I feel that my participation in this committee has helped it to grow into a well-respected and integral part of DMAR. Currently, I am serving on the Activity Ambassador Committee for my neighborhood of Candelas where I am able to help plan, organize and execute social, community service, educational and new resident outreach activities. This group has allowed me to give back to my community. I also served on the board of Directors for the Pinnacle Ranch Home Owners Association from 2014-2016. I fully understand that there is a time and energy commitment that comes along with volunteering for such a position. Because of my experience in the committees listed above, I do appreciate that there will be a demand placed on my schedule that I will be honored to accommodate in order to serve the board and my community."

Mike Papantonakis | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 9
# Years as DMAR Member: 9
# Years Licensed: 9

"My many years of experience in business and leadership have provided me with a great amount of knowledge and understanding of how boards of directors should work. The importance of keeping the Association moving forward to protect and stand up for the industry is extremely important to me. My experience as a senior board member includes: Vice President of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver Board (2012-2013), General Manager and board member of A World of Tile (2002-2006) and President Elect and Board Member Rotary Club of Wheat Ridge (2017-2018). I believe that the standards that I use in my real estate practice exemplify those of REALTORS® throughout the country and my commitment to preserving that high quality in our business is why I want to be on this board. I will commit the necessary time to serve as a Director and represent the West district to the best of my ability."

 

North District Candidates

Christina Surprenant | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 4
# Years as DMAR Member: 4
# Years Licensed: 6

"As a Millennial REALTOR®, I represent the growing demographic of the Denver Metro population. I’m a Colorado native with over 13-years of real estate experience, and offer an old school twist for my real estate clients helping them succeed in today's market conditions. In addition to being a four-year member of DMAR and consistent top producing real estate professional, I currently serve as an appointed member on the Board of Equalization for the City and County of Broomfield, Ambassador with the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of Flutterby, a local non-profit."

John Waters | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 7
# Years as DMAR Member: 7
# Years Licensed: 7

"With seven-years of experience as a member of DMAR, I have a strong track record with the Association and truly understand the commitment to participate fully in this board. I’m currently a DMAR Ambassador and have been a Broomfield Chamber Ambassador for six years. For the last few years I’ve also assisted with weekly coaching at Your Castle to help agents see the path to success and how leadership plays a role. I have been on the board of Global Hope, a Broomfield-based non-profit, for many years and currently have a leadership role with the Flatirons Community Church Men’s Ministry. Other prior experience includes 25 years working for Walmart as a Regional, then Market Manager responsible for $1+ billion in sales revenue with up to 14 direct reports."

Joseph (Joe) Johnston | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 4
# Years as DMAR Member: 2
# Years Licensed: 6

"I bring a lot to the table: I’m forward thinking, I’m committed to excellence, I’m on the forefront of real estate technology, I’m a great representative of the REALTOR® brand, I’m well known in the community and I’m dedicated to protecting our industry. I am the Employing Broker/Owner of a small, but growing, residential real estate firm in Broomfield. I earned my Bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in 2010 and my Real Estate License shortly thereafter. I’ve held one volunteer position within the Association as a member of the Young Professionals Network (YPN). I’m responsible for attending two meetings every month - a task force meeting and a North District meeting - and for attending most of the events hosted by YPN and DMAR. Our YPN task force meetings are very productive; we’re efficient, resourceful, connected and, most importantly, committed. Ultimately, the task force is responsible for planning most of the above mentioned events, all of which have great attendance. I’m heavily involved with the community as well. Annually, I participate in Extreme Community Makeover, Junior Achievement Park, Habitat for Humanity and Food Bank of the Rockies. I believe that giving back to the community is not only rewarding, but necessary. In 2016 I was honored to be recognized at the Excellence Awards and I am just two classes away from earning my GRI Designation."

 

Central District Candidates

Matthew (Matt) Leprino | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 9
# Years as DMAR Member: 7
# Years Licensed: 11

"My Real Estate Career began in post oil-boom Denver 1995. Not yet the metropolis we know it to be today, observing our city grow from dirt to gentrification provides me a unique perspective to effectively lead from within our organization. I grew up surrounded by homebuilding and residential development where my passion for homeownership can easily be traced directly to my very DNA. My professional progression continued through title and commercial to REO and ultimately Managing Broker and Owner of Leprino Home. Being a REALTOR® and business owner within our industry means that I am not only credentialed among the most productive members of our organization but as a participating member, I am further credible because of my involvement. Our organization has a tremendous opportunity to communicate our mission within our own membership and I jump at the opportunity to describe just what a REALTOR® does whenever I can. I am able to proudly say that, in addition to RPAC investment, my membership provides the critical resources to ensure that homeownership not only remains a viable part of our nation’s economy but that the political advocacy we offer protects private property rights as well. When I describe what being a REALTOR® means to me, I am able to describe that our statistical tracking easily makes me their most effective advocate in forecasting with confidence emerging trends and pricing strategies to clients. I’m able to communicate that the infinite programs and continuing education that I chose to participate in make me their most effective advocate in the open market. As a 2017 Graduate of the CAR Leadership Academy, my participation in the program opened up an entirely new, yet hiding in plain sight-perspective to the significant work our organization does. The enriching experiences and invaluable relationships I have formed are something I would’ve never been able to know I needed before graduating the program. Participating further highlighted the fact that My REALTOR® membership is directly tied to my investment in it - that we are a group that truly does work in plain sight without seeking acclaim or praise. My application to serve as a DMAR Director comes with immense respect and admiration to greatest good we continue to strive for within our own business. My philosophy on the time commitment is that nobody is ever “too busy” for something - If they have the drive and motivation to become engaged, they will simply make the time. I truly believe that if we want something, we can expand to fit it into our lives. My Company’s Mission Statement describes that we will be “…Colorado’s most trusted, accomplished and highly respected real estate source” and one way of accomplishing that is to ensure that, as Managing Broker, I am able to deliver in-part those results while setting the example. I would be honored to serve in this critical role and work my hardest in protecting the mission that precedes me while never loosing focus of my own."

Matt Metcalf | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 12
# Years as DMAR Member: 4
# Years Licensed: 22

"The entirety of my adult life has been dedicated to the Denver real estate industry. At 18 years old, I acted on a gut feeling that there was no other career path I’d rather choose than serving the Denver community, and here I am today. Every year (every month, seemingly) I watch this city grow, expand and evolve – and regardless if it’s 7:00 AM on a Monday and I’m racing to show a home in Longmont, or 9:00 PM on a Saturday assisting a couple as they touch up their home to sell, I’m reminded time and time again why I serve this industry, and the joy I find in this career. A majority of my real estate career has been spent in residential, which I find to be my true passion. Awarded the 2017 DMAR Excellence Award for Office Production, my experience in real estate is broad and expands to every price point and Denver-centric location. I have also spent 15 years as a mortgage lender along with real estate, assisting with sales and development of many different size projects for new home builders; and extensive work with water rights including published article in The Water Report.  Part of serving this community has always meant that I be part of it in more ways than one. Currently, I am the Treasurer for Urban Nights, a non-profit organization benefiting Colorado at-risk youth including Urban Peak which serves homeless kids in Denver. Through my experiences, I’ve been awarded the opportunity to share my expertise for both the general public looking to buy a home as well as new and career-driven real estate agents by becoming a frequent expert real estate contributor and author to local and national publications articles including Colorado Biz, RIS media's Housecall, Yahoo homes!, Lifehacker and The Denver Channel. A Colorado native, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in Business Admin, and a concentration in Real Estate & Finance. Giving back with time, service and commitment to my community comes with a strong dedication to contributing my full efforts to make a difference, which is why I would be honored to serve in this critical role."

Jessica Schmelzer | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 4
# Years as DMAR Member: 4
# Years Licensed: 4

"To me, being a REALTOR® means that we uphold the standards of the industry while continuing to improve and grow as a community. I am currently on the DMAR Board of Directors and am the Central District Chair. I feel I have just gotten started in the positions and would love a chance to continue to have an impact on the way we progress as an community and represent our membership. I am continuing to find ways to improve as an agent and participate in the community. There are so many ways the Association can add value to the membership and I want that to be shared. As I continue to grow my business it is important to realize that making time to be a part of the growth of the community is equally important and I am prepared to continue to create the time needed to a part of the Association."

Taylor Wilson | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 3
# Years as DMAR Member: 3
# Years Licensed: 3

"I am a proud DMAR member and Chair of the Young Professionals Network.  As Chair, I focus my efforts on providing valuable information to the younger agent community in an effort to elevate our reputation as professionals.  I am a CAR Leadership graduate and have also sat on multiple other committees throughout the past two years. My involvement with DMAR has shown the value of the REALTOR® Association, and I share that value every day with other agents (REALTOR® or not). I take pride in my reputation within the REALTOR® community and would be honored to represent my district for the Board of Directors."

 

Douglas Elbert District Candidates

Matthew (Matt) Mathias | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 2
# Years as DMAR Member: 2
# Years Licensed: 2

"It is an honor to be considered as a candidate for a Board of Director position at DMAR. I am proud to be associated with an organization that advocates so strongly for our industry. As with the previous board positions I have held, I view serving on the board as my way of giving back and, as a relatively new agent, I am able to bring a fresh perspective to the conversation. My commitment as a board member is to the membership of DMAR, the organization’s success and its advancement.  The accomplishment of the Association goals is a collaborative effort that requires a time commitment. I think it is vitally important that the membership better understand the significant work that RPAC does and the financial support that it requires in promoting and supporting pro-REALTOR® policies at the local, state and national levels that results in us, as REALTORS®, to enjoy what we do for a living. It is my belief that both REALTORS® and clients will benefit from the efficiency and consistency of one front range MLS. My experience includes being CEO of American Institute of Timer Construction, a national technical trade association; serving on the Board of Directors for the Douglas County 4H Foundation; serving on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation; being a member of the DMAR Douglas Elbert District Committee, DMAR Professional Development Committee and DMAR Government Affairs Committee; and serving as a DMAR Ambassador to the Keller Williams Park Meadows office."

Diane Ortiz | District position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 13
# Years as DMAR Member: 7
# Years Licensed: 13

"For me, being a REALTOR® means holding to a higher standard in our continuously changing industry. I came into the sales side of the business during a healthy market and then experienced the recessional market, and now back to a healthy market. Over the course of these years I have learned the need for ethical, experienced REALTORS® who are always willing to learn in an environment of cooperation for the sake of our clients. More and more our reputation and industry is dependent on these qualities to uphold our profession. Having worked in land development and as a title closing agent prior to sales has given me an even broader scope of the industry at large. From 2013-2016, I served as a Director and Treasurer on the Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association and related committees i.e. Executive Committee and Bi-Laws Committee. In 2012 I served as President of the Mile High Women's Council of REALTORS® and held several governing board positions in the prior years including President-Elect (2011) and Vice President of Membership (2010.) In 2013-2014 served on the Board of Professionals Miracles Foundation. In 2008-2010, I was instrumental in forming the LeTip of Plum Creek referral network in Castle Rock and served as Membership Chair. During my 10-years at RE/MAX Professionals, I have served on as a new-agent mentor and member of the agent advisory board. I am currently considering how I can be involved in the Housing 180 project, an organization that aims to create affordable housing options for the working homeless. Having served on a REALTOR® board already, I understand the commitment of preparing for and attending board meetings and to participate in open-minded discussions that lead to important decision-making for our members. I am committed to the required New Director training and orientation process. My participation in organization-related activities and events is necessary to serve at the highest-level. I am fully committed to our profession and am excited to be a part of the big picture of serving on the board again. I believe that is where my strengths lie, and my 20-years of living and working in the Douglas Elbert district are my passion!"

 

South/East District Candidates

​Euan Graham | At Large position

# Years as REALTOR® Member: 7
# Years as DMAR Member: 6
# Years Licensed: 7

"When I first got my license almost seven years ago, I didn't understand at all what a REALTOR® was and what it stood for. I now fully understand the significance and importance of what this means. I am proud to wear the 'R' on my chest everyday. Being a REALTOR® to me means having the large responsibility to protect the public and provide huge value to them and the greater community. REALTORS® are charged with a code of ethics and fiduciary responsibility that does not only apply to real estate, but life in general. I take an active role in my local neighborhood providing events quarterly for homeowners. I am on the board of a local charity called Men for the Cure, which raises money in conjunction with UC Health for breast cancer. I have been privileged and honored to serve our members on the DMAR board as a director for the last three-years. and I am motivated and excited to commit to serving on the DMAR board for the next three-years and would be honored if was chosen!  I fully understand the time commitment and want the voting members to understand that I will do what it takes to keep moving our REALTOR® Association forward and leading the way in Colorado."