Leadership Development Program

2024 Leadership Development Class

Paula Arpasi

Paula Arpasi

Egyptian Board of REALTORS®

James Byrnes

James Byrnes

REALTOR® Association of the Fox Valley

Elizabeth Goodchild

Elizabeth Goodchild

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

Shari Haefner

Shari Haefner

Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS®

Sherri Jordan

Sherri Jordan

Chicago Association of REALTORS®

Erin Karlosky

Erin Karlosky

Illini Valley Association of REALTORS®

Jean Lewis

Jean Lewis

Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS®

Gianni Nieto

Gianni Nieto

REALTOR® Association of the Fox Valley

Gregory Phillips

Gregory Phillips

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

Robert Warmbir

Robert Warmbir

Kankakee Iroquois Ford Association of REALTORS®

Kenya Williams

Kenya Williams

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

Amy Wu

Amy Wu

Chicago Association of REALTORS®

Participation guidelines

The program goal is for Illinois REALTORS®, through the Executive Committee, past presidents and members, to develop and implement a systematic approach for the identification, placement, and training of future Illinois REALTORS® leaders. Leaders are those members who through their state, local association or other organization involvement are perceived to possess the skills, aptitude, interests and motivation to become a committee chair, and/or Illinois REALTORS® elected officer. The program is designed to further develop a person’s leadership skills in a structured program that offers training and critical evaluation.

Participation guidelines

Any REALTOR® member may request to participate in the program and any member may be requested to apply to participate by a member of the Leadership Development Working Group. The program will be limited to twelve (12) new participants each year. Each candidate will complete an application form to establish their past level of participation and involvement in state or local association and other groups.

2024 Leadership Development Program Modules

Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development program participants meet at Illinois REALTORS® Plaza in Springfield. The curriculum addresses different facets of REALTOR® association leadership.

Program governance

The Leadership Development Working Group shall have a chair, appointed annually by the Executive Committee, that will oversee the selection, participation, and evaluation of the program. Other working group members may be selected from the past presidents or those members with specific leadership training and skills. The members of the working group shall not serve on the Nominating Committee during the same administrative year. The chair shall work closely with staff and the Executive Committee to present participants to serve on Illinois REALTORS® committees. The officers shall serve on the working group in an ex officio capacity. On an annual basis, the Executive Committee shall recommend funding for activities related to the overall Leadership Development Program.

Testimonials

“The Leadership Development Program will connect you with amazing people who will become lifelong friends and referral partners. I appreciated seeing the behind-the-scenes of Illinois REALTORS®, meeting the leadership and learning skills I never knew I needed.”
Kevin Kalbach, Crystal Lake
“The Leadership Development Program impacted me in so many positive ways, giving me the tools to lead and live my life with grace! The like-minded classmates are now my friends for life!”
Elissa Palermo, Oak Park
“I encourage all REALTORS® looking for ways to increase their knowledge of our association to apply. You will have a better understanding of the tools, services and benefits our association provides while growing and learning from colleagues from across the state who will become like family.”
Erika Villegas, Chicago
“The Leadership Development Program goes beyond mentoring. It stretches you until you’re well outside of your comfort zone, which is where the real growth happens and changes for the better take root.”
Kristie Tindall, Decatur
“The program was powerful and impactful. Not only did we get to meet and team up with new people with amazing skillsets, we go tot improve our own in areas that each of us wanted to improve upon.”
Justin Letheby, DeKalb
“My favorite parts about the Leadership Development Program were the classes and especially the media training class. I loved seeing my peers shine in front of the camera after being prepared by our Illinois REALTORS® staff and team.”
David Ferrel Jr., Aurora
“Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Program is a tremendous program for anyone interested in leadership at any level who wants to refine their skills, learn new ones and build lasting relationships with amazing REALTORS® across the state.”
Keith McKeever, Pekin