2025 Leadership Development Class
Renee Bills
Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®
Erin Bjornson
Heartland REALTOR® Organization
Aleksandra de Leon
Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®
Christopher DeSanto
Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®
Deana Gauze
Champaign County Association of REALTORS®
Megan Krowlek
Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®
Dr. William Mustafa
Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS®
Rafay Qamar
North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS®
Deanous Reid
Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Beth Stopka-Rios
REALTOR® Association of Fox Valley
Sheila Thomas
Heartland REALTOR® Organization
Garrett VonDerHeide
Mid-Illinois REALTORS® Association
Program Goal
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.
2025 Leadership Development Program Modules
Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development program participants meet at Illinois REALTORS® headquarters in Springfield. The curriculum addresses different facets of REALTOR® association leadership.
Module I – Association Governance, Management, and General Committees
Understand the framework required to build and maintain a strong association. Learn about key roles, leadership philosophies, procedures and organizational standards.
Module II – Conducting Effective Meetings
Learn best practices for preparing for, participating in, and leading meetings.
Module III – Public Policy and Political Involvement
Advance your knowledge of grassroots activism, the REALTOR® Party, Illinois REALTORS® lobbying efforts and the role GADs play in the political landscape.
Module IV – Capitol Conference
Attend a legislative briefing with over 700 REALTORS® and get a close-up view of government in action.
Module V – Spokesperson Media Training
Master the skills you need to communicate effectively on camera and learn how to put your best foot forward in an interview.
Module VI – Interview Techniques
Develop practical interviewing skills through a combination of group workshop and individual mentoring sessions.
Module VII – Ethics in Leadership
Participate in a scenario-based discussion of ethical decision-making. Analyze the framework and standards of behavior that define ethical choices.
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 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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
