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District Director Elections - Copy

2015 Michigan Realtors® District Director Elections 

District Congressional Reference Candidate(s)
1 Congressman Dan Benishek Stephanie Jones, Marquette
Meagan Luce, Traverse City
4 Congressman Dave Camp Gary Bailey Sr., Hersey
Tom Darger, Midland
6 Congressman Fred Upton Carl Kaminski, Galien
9 Congressman Sander Levin Allan Daniels, Bloomfield Hills
Maureen Francis, Bloomfield Hills
11
Congressman Kerry Bentivolio  Sara Lipnitz, Birmingham 
14 Congressman Gary Peters David Botsford, West Bloomfield
E'toile Libbett, Southfield

Schedule and Online Voting 

ONLINE VOTING IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

VIEW MICHIGAN REALTORS® DISTRICT DIRECTOR CANDIDATES HERE

VIEW NAR DIRECTOR CANDIDATES HERE

Realtors® (based on home address) in Congressional districts 1, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 14 have the opportunity to vote for their director, who will serve as a representative on the Michigan Realtors® board of directors. This is a One Realtor® One Vote election. Plurality wins. 


District Director Candidates

District 1 Candidates

Stephanie Jones, Marquette

I believe in the value of strong Michigan Realtors®! I believe that together we can and do raise the bar for our profession each and every day and that together our organization can do great things for the whole state of Michigan. I know that when I advocate something on behalf of the Realtor® organization I am not just helping Realtors® do our jobs but also helping citizens live the American dream. I know it sounds cheesy but it is what I feel! To paraphrase Will Rogers, "Stephanie Jones knows what she is doing, she loves what she is doing and she believes in what she is doing."

BA - Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Northern Michigan University; e-PRO-Certified Electronic Professional; GRI-Graduate Realtors® Institute; Marquette Area Jaycees - Charter Member and 2006 President; Upper Peninsula Association of Realtors® Board Member and 1999, 2000 & 2015 President; Upper Peninsula Association of Realtors® 2000 & 2009 Realtor® of the YEAR; Select Realty Inc. Rookie of the Year 1994; Select Realty Inc. Realtor® of the Year 2005, 2007, 2009; Michigan Approved GRI Real Estate Instructor since 2009; Acme Institute Real Estate Instructor since 2010; NAR Federal Political Coordinator for MI District 1 Dr. Dan Benishek; Board Member of Lake Superior Community Partnership.

Meagan Luce, Traverse City

My name is Meagan Luce and I would like to ask for your vote. I am a Realtor® and Associate Broker in Traverse City. I am a top producing agent and currently the President of the Traverse Association of Realtors® (TAAR). I earned a BAA in Communications from Central Michigan University as well as SFR and ABR designations. I was TAAR’s 2009 Rookie of the Year. I was a member of the Michigan Realtors® 2014 Convention Committee and Grand Vision Corridor Steering Committee Member. I am a 2011 graduate of the Leadership Grand Traverse Program and am currently a Board and Development Committee Member at The Pathfinder School. 

The longer I am in the real estate profession the more I am convinced that Realtors® have a special role to play in the world and I am so very proud to be part of this organization. Working in our profession is a gift and we need to adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards to protect homeowners who rely on Realtors® heavily to protect their best interests. My career is dedicated to moving the real estate profession forward and growing my business with integrity and knowledge. I am a competent and effective leader who always puts ethics first.  

I have served: Director, Traverse Area Association of Realtors® 2010-2014; President 2014, President Elect, Secretary/Treasurer; TAAR 2009 Rookie of the Year; Michigan Realtors® 2014 Convention Committee; TAAR WCR Member; Grand Vision Corridor Steering Committee 2013; Leadership Grand Traverse Graduate 2011.


District 4 Candidates

Gary Bailey Sr., Hersey

I have lived in the Reed City area most of my life with a sales background, which started in my teens and has continued to this day. I became a licensed real estate agent and a Realtor® in 2000. I chose to join NAR & MAR from day one because of their Code of Ethics and the professionalism it brings to the industry. I became a broker in 2003 and purchased Crossroads Realty of Michigan, a former Exit Realty franchise. With the help of my agents, we have made our office one of the most productive in our area, with positive growth year after year. I have had several positions within the West Central Association of Realtors®, including Vice President, Director, Committee Chairperson, Treasurer, etc., and am currently a director and treasurer of WCAR. My certifications include ePro and Home Staging Specialist.

 

In addition, I am Vice President of the Osceola County Brownfield committee, Vice President of the Crossroads Lions Club, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Reed City Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and serve on several other organizations in our area. I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Gail, since 1986, and we have 3 children and 12 grandchildren, along with my dog Shadow. I have helped bring jobs to our area as a commercial broker and, with your vote, would be proud to serve as a director for Michigan Realtors®.

 

Tom Darger, Midland

Tom is a 20-year plus veteran of the Midland real estate market, and an Associate Broker with extensive experience in residential, vacant land, and commercial properties. He participated in the Michigan Realtors® Land Use Academy (mixed-use residential housing), he is a Michigan Realtors® trained mediator and has attended several leadership conferences including the Convention & Expo, Broker Summit and Achieve. Tom is an active member of the Midland Board of REALTORS® most recently serving as their Past President Director, RPAC Co-Chair and as a member of the Tri-County Professional Standards Committee, with prior positions of PR Chair, Treasurer, Vice-President, and 2013 President of Board of Directors. Through his MBOR activities, Tom has become well aware of the kinds of issues the many small boards in District 4 face and he would welcome the opportunity to become their voice at the state level in 2015.

Tom is a lifelong Midland/Michigan resident with family/community ties dating back to the 1900s. His family was among the founding spirit connected to the Midland Public Schools, Delta College, Midland Habitat chapter, and the North Midland Family Center. His education includes a BA from SVSU and a fellowship from Michigan State University. In addition to his MBOR activities, Tom’s community involvement includes the Midland Chamber, Chippewa Nature Center and the Kiwanis Club of Midland. In the summer if Tom isn’t at his office working, you’ll find him relaxing on his boat & likely listening to the Tigers on the radio.


District 6 Candidates

Carl Kaminski, Galien

Carl served as Michigan Realtors® District 6 Director from 2007-2010 and again from 2013-2014,  as well as a three year appointment to the Finance Committee. At the Southwest Michigan Association of REALTORS®, he served as Director from 2002-2008, sitting as President in 2006. Licensed since 1993, he received the GRI designation in 1996 and became an Associate Broker that year with Prudential Red Arrow Realty where he trained new agents from 1994-2008. He has served on the Standard Forms Committee since 1995, chairing it in '97, '00, '08, '11 and '12. Carl represented his local Association of Realtors® as a manager of the SWMRIC Board in 2006-2007. Named 2008 Realtor® of the Year by Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Carl received the President’s Cup from that association in 2007. Currently, he is an Associate Broker with Pier Realty in St. Joseph, Michigan and supervises the Galien Branch Office.


District 9 Candidates

Allan Daniels, Bloomfield Hills

Allan Daniels has served in many key leadership positions within real estate and mortgage trade associations on the local, state, and national level. In Michigan, Allan served as President of the Michigan Mortgage Brokers Association (MMBA) in 2000. For his achievements, Allan earned the MMBA 2000 Distinguished Leadership Award, and was named MMBA Broker of the Year for 2001, 2002, and 2003. Allan was the first recipient of the MMBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. In addition to his work within Michigan, Allan previously served in the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) as a member of the Board of Directors; Delegate Council; Government Affairs; Bylaws; and Best Lending Practices Committees. Allan also served as an officer on the NAMB Executive Committee as Treasurer, and also as Regional Vice Chair of the NAMB Legislative Committee for the Midwest Region. Currently Allan serves as Chairman of the State of Michigan Mortgage Industry Advisory Board, that makes recommendations to the Director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), the state agency that regulates mortgages and land contracts. 

Additionally, Daniels was named to the Insurance and Finance Advisory Rules Committee, to produce advisory recommendations to the LARA Office of Regulatory Reinvention; working toward changes to Michigan’s regulatory climate. All in order to help ensure that Michigan’s regulatory environment is simple, fair, efficient, and conducive to business growth and job creation. Allan serves on the Board of Directors and Public Policy Committee of the Michigan REALTORS, the National Association of REALTORS®’ Conventional Finance and Policy Committee, the North Oakland County Board of REALTORS®’ Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee, the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association Government Affairs Committee, and he has frequently testified as an industry expert before Committees of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. 

Allan is an approved real estate and mortgage continuing education instructor, and has been published in numerous mortgage and real estate trade journals and national media outlets including The Washington Times, Bloomberg, NPR-Michigan Radio, and The Wall Street Journal. Allan is a lifelong resident of Bloomfield Township, where he resides with his wife, Kelly, his son, Michael, and daughter, Leah. Allan is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and he has been licensed in real estate since 1988.

Maureen Francis, Bloomfield Hills

Maureen Francis - Associate Broker, e-Pro, SRES, SFR, PMN. 13 years ago I married a new immigrant from Ukraine who chose to become a Realtor® as he invented his life in America. He could not drive, so I took him to the classes and decided I may as well get my license too. Neither of us had ever owned a home and I hadn’t lived in the the Metro Detroit (or the US) for 20 years - the odds were against us. But we worked hard and built a successful business. I know our success was made possible by other Realtors® who volunteered to form our local, state and national associations. I am proud to be a Realtor®. Not just because of the life its helped my family to create, but because of the dreams we help our clients fulfill and the work Realtors do to protect home ownership. Our advocacy efforts make the American Dream possible. Our Code of Ethics shows the strong commitment we’ve made to professionalism.

 

I’ve grown as a leader with MCAR, GMAR, Michigan Realtors®, NAR and WCR, and I am proud of the things I’ve helped those organizations to achieve. This year, as President of GMAR, I was instrumental in bringing NAR TechEdge to Metro Detroit, started a number of new initiatives within the association, and continue to work on the Realcomp shareholder’s task force. I’ve been honored to be a miRealSource/Hour Magazine Real Estate All Star; Top Innovator,  Women’s Council of Realtors; Trulia Mayor; speaker at Inman Connect; featured as a Woman in Leadership by WCR; and a Featured Attendee for NAR Annual and NAR Realtor Party Convention and Expo.

 

I have served as: Director, National Association of Realtors®, 2014; Delegate, Michigan Realtors®, 2013-2014;  Director, GMAR 2009-2015; President 2014, President ElectSecretary/TreasurerChair, GMAR Leadership Evaluation Committee, 2014; Member, GMAR Executive Search Committee, 2013; Member, NAR Communications Committee, 2014; Member, Realcomp Shareholders Committee, 2014; Alternate Governor, Realcomp, 2013; Chair, Grievance Committee, 2011; Vice Chair, Grievance Committee, 2010; Member, Grievance Committee, 2006-2011; Member, Beverly Hills Zoning Board of Appeals, 2006-2011; President Elect, Birmingham Bloomfield Women’s Council of Realtors®; Member, Zoning Board, Beverly Hills, 2006-2011, Volunteer, US Peace Corps Ukraine, 1992-1995.

 

I ask for your vote for the position of District 9 Director, because as someone who helps people buy and sell real estate every day, I know what is important to you and all Michigan Realtors®.


District 11 Candidates

Sara Lipnitz, Birmingham

Sara Lipnitz, Associate Broker, SFR, PMN has been involved in the real-estate industry for over 23 years. First in the commercial market and for the past 13 years in residential sales. Sara is an active selling Realtor® with a strong sales record. Having served on the local, state and national level, she has a passion for the business and for those who are in the business. Sara is a TRUE LEADER in our industry and has proven so over the years with consistent volunteerism. Currently, Sara holds the following positions: Board of Directors Michigan Realtors®, District 11; 2014 NAR Leadership Academy Graduate; NAR, RPAC Major Investor Council representing Michigan; Federal Political Coordinator for Congressional District 14.; Michigan Realtors®, RPAC Trustee; GMAR Professional Standards Committee; GMAR RPAC Committee Member; 2014 RPAC President's Circle Member.

Sara was the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors 2012 Realtor of the Year.

Past positions include, RPAC Trustee 2009-2014, Public Policy 2011 & 2012, MCAR Ethics Committee 2008-2011, GMAR Professional Standards Committee 2012-2014, 2012 & 2013 Local Chapter President for WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield Chapter, WCR Michigan Chapter Ways & Means Chair 2012, GMAR Diversity Committee 2011 & 2012, MCAR Nominating Committee 2009 & 2010, WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield President-Elect 2010 & 2011, RPAC Major Donor 2007-2014, NAR RPAC President’s Circle 2013 and creating/founding member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Realtor Network.

Sara was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides in Birmingham with her husband and son. She attended Michigan State University and it was there where she decided to build a career in real estate. Sara also involved with several local charities such as CARE House, The Humane Society, Team Joseph and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Committed with her time and investment in our industry, knowledgeable both in designations and hands-on experience, Sara is asking you to support her for the District 11 district seat.


District 14 Candidates

David Botsford, West Bloomfield

David Botsford is a current 1st term director on the Michigan Realtors® Board. He has also been elected to the North Oakland County Board of REALTORS® Executive Committee as Secretary after serving as a Director since 2009. David also serves on the Board of Governors for the Realcomp MLS since 2012. Licensed in 1976 as an agent and broker in 1979 and has practiced real estate in all areas from recreational properties, residential, vacant land, as both a developer and broker, commercial investment properties, and residential building for both national and local builders. David is the owner and principal broker for 2 Keller Williams Real Estate offices in Oakland County. The offices opened in 2002 and was ranked in the RIS Media Power Brokers 500 nationally every year since 2005. He manages currently over 250 agents. David is also a partner in Title Express providing title insurance products to brokers, banks and agents since 2002.

David has seen the industry go through many changes and never more than now during this electronic and digital revolution. Realtors® are facing new challenges in their businesses and a new kind of competition. The internet has caused us to modify and adapt our business model and is moving faster than ever before. Realtors® need advocates that assure their interest is looked after and put systems in place that they can understand and trust that assure the future of their industry. David has been that kind of advocate.

E'toile Libbett, Southfield

Licensed since 1986, Dr. E'toile L. Libbett is an Associate Broker and Assistant Manager at Real Estate One, Inc. in the Southfield, Michigan office. E'toile's (pronounced A-twal) twenty-eight years of full time real estate consulting and training has given her experience in everything from buyer agency, first -time buyers, multi family housing, relocation, short sales to condos and new construction. Because she believes in trying to make a positive impact anywhere she can, she is an active member of the Detroit Association of Realtors® as well as a past President of that association. E'toile has also served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Realtors® and has chaired and served on many committees and task forces. Most recently, she chaired the Broker Summit and is a member of the Convention Committee of Michigan Realtors®. She has also served as President of the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors®. On the National level, while chairing the Cultural Diversity Committee, the strategic plan for minority outreach was developed, along with the At Home with Diversity course.

E’toile has also chaired the following at the National Association of Realtors® (NAR): Housing Opportunity Advisory Subcommittee; Board Leadership Forum; Medium Board Sub forum; The Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity committee; Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity forum. 

She has served on the following NAR committees: Strategic Planning; Public Policy Coordinating Committee; Federal Housing Policy; Issues Mobilization Committee; Numerous working groups and forums.

Currently she is a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee and the Professional Standards Committee. Dr. Libbett would approach her responsibilities as District 14 Director with the full "understanding" of the local, state, and national experience of a Realtor®. Dr. Libbett's alma mater is Howard University, were she received a B.S. and D.D.S. degrees. She has earned a GRI, ePro, SFR and AHWD designations. E’toile is a veteran of the United States Army.  E’toile is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a national service sorority. She is married to Dave Libbett, III.  


NAR Director Candidates

Click on names to view candidate information:


District Director Criteria

  • Three years as a Michigan Realtors® member, and currently a member
  • Licensed as a broker, salesperson or appraiser in Michigan
  • No license law violations that are indicative of moral turpitude
  • Principal place of residence in the district elected to represent
  • Demonstrated leadership by one or more of the following:  
    ▪ Prior or current director or officer of a local association
    ▪ Prior or current president of a Michigan Realtors® affiliated institute and/or society or council at the state level
    ▪ Demonstration of participation in Michigan Realtors® (i.e., attendance at business meetings, committee meetings, or forums)

Questions can be directed to Brian Westrin at 517.334.5558.

NAR Directors Criteria 

  • Three years as a Michigan Realtors® member, and currently a member
  • Licensed as a broker, salesperson or appraiser in Michigan
  • No license law violations in the past three years that are indicative or moral turpitude
  • Demonstrated leadership by one or more of the following:
    • Prior or current director or officer of a local association or the state association
    • Prior or current president of a NAR affiliated institute and/or society or council at the state level
    • Demonstration of participation in the National Association of REALTORS® (i.e., attendance at business meetings, committee meetings, or forums).

 

NAR Directors are voted on by the Delegate Body at the Delegate Body meeting at the State Convention. This year’s convention is being held October 1-3, 2014 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place, with the Delegate Body meeting on October 3rd.   

 

Anyone with questions regarding NAR Directors should contact Shelley Albert at  517-372-8890, ext. 561.

 




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