2012-2013 Class

Elizabeth Blair, REMAX Achievers

A graduate of Franklin University with a BA in Business Administration, Elizabeth has been a licensed agent since 2003. She served on the Education committee of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® from 2005-2009, was a membership chair for AmSpirit in 2011 and currently serves on the CBR Government Affairs and Sales Award committees. She is also the vice-president of the Gahanna Area Realty Association.

Patti Brown-Wright, Real Living HER

A former OAR Director and current CBR Director, Patti has been a licensed agent since 2002. An active member in her community, she had an instrumental role in the re-organization of the Powell Chamber, growing the number of members from 0 to 300. She has served on the CBR Sales Advisory committee for the past nine years and the CBR Education committee for the past four years. Patti is also a current board member of Historic Downtown Powell, Inc.

“If you know yourself and seek self-improvement consider the Columbus Board of REALTORS® Leadership Academy!”

Jeff Buroff, Keller Williams Consultants Realty

The 2011 Hilliard Area Realty Association president, Jeff has served on a number of CBR committees, including CORPAC and REALTOR® Care Day. He currently serves on the Builder REALTOR® Alliance committee (BRAC) and the CBR Foundation Fund. He also served on the HARA Scholarship committee in 2011, and has an extensive knowledge of the new homes market.

"Dive into the deep end of the pool of professional development. It is not just real estate facts and information that you will learn about. You’ll learn a lot about yourself!”

Leslie Cady McFadden, HER Real Living

After serving in the U.S Army, Leslie got her real estate license in 2005. Since becoming an agent, she has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit of a REALTOR® and says she takes pride in helping people accomplish the American dream. She currently serves on the CBR Standard Forms Committee and has been a booster for Thomas Worthington High School since 2009.

“You get what you give, and I plan on giving a heck of a lot more. Such an inspiring program!”

Debora Collier, Keller Williams Consultants Realty

Since becoming a licensed agent in 1989, Debora (Deb) has closed over $80 million in sales. She is currently the president of the Greater Dublin Realty Association and an active member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the CBR Sales Award, REALTOR® Care Day, and Keller Williams Growth committees.

“The Leadership Academy will unlock the Leader that lives within you.”

Jill Fergus, RE/MAX Impact

With a BS in Journalism from Ohio University and a Master’s in Public Administration from The Ohio State University, Jill has been practicing real estate since 2005. She was instrumental in creating Fairy Godmothers, and served as its president. She is the current vice-president of the Worthington Women’s Club and is involved in various real estate associations throughout central Ohio.

“Hands-down the best way to develop a greater understanding of how REALTORS® can fit into the Columbus community and make it a better place for everyone. A great way to develop deeper, long-lasting relationships with REALTORS® from different companies as you learn and work together to improve each other’s skills and knowledge. (Plus, huge fun!)”

Mekel Henderson, Equity Central

After graduating high school, Mekel leaped into the industry and got her real estate license. Today, she owns her own company and is a motivational speaker for Columbus city schools. She served on the Greater Linden Housing Partnership from 2005-2007 and was a Chaplin for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers from 2008-2009.

“The Leadership Academy truly gave me a leadership edge!”

Susan Mullenix, Real Living HER

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Visual Communication, Susan began her real estate career in 1997 with Real Living HER and is now the regional vice president. A past OAR Director, she currently serves on the CBR Standard Forms and REALTOR® Care Day committees. She has been a Meals-On-Wheels volunteer since 1990 and is a member of the Upper Arlington and Grandview Chamber of Commerce.

“If you are looking to run your business, a committee, or an organization in an effective manner, then consider this series of classes. These enrichment sessions are designed to develop emerging leaders and to enhance personal and professional growth.”

Joann Rasmussen, Keller Williams Capital Partners

After graduating Cum Laude from Youngstown State University and working a number of years in HR, Joann decided to make a change. In 2005 she received her real estate license and says her greatest achievement has been the transition from being an employee to being self-employed. She has served on the CBR REALTOR® Care Day committee since 2009, is the secretary of Amspirit Worthington and is treasurer for Pi Beta Phi/OSU House Corp.

“The CBR Leadership Academy showed me many ways and avenues to strengthen my leadership skills. These range from becoming involved in various charity groups, to making my business stronger and healthier and also becoming involved with the lawmakers to protect our businesses and our clients. When you are involved in the community in these ways, it will help build the leadership skills that will improve our businesses and our personal lives.”

Emmanuel Remy, Coldwell Banker King Thompson

A graduate of Adrian College where he served as student body president with a BBA in Business Management, Emmanuel believes the key to success is to never stop learning. In 2009, he joined Carlton Realty and was named Rookie of the Year. He currently serves on the CBR Government Affairs committee and the Agent Rating Task Force. He is also president of the Clinton Estates Civic Association and the Northland Community Council.

“The CBR Leadership Academy is a well thought out, well executed program for any member that is interested in leadership or may already be a leader. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a more effective leader.”

"The leadership academy has opened the door for me to what might have never been opened. I now know where to go for answers to certain problems or issues that arise in my day to day work. "

Sheila Straub, Coldwell Banker King Thompson

A trusted advisor, negotiator and problem solver, Sheila has been a licensed agent with Coldwell Banker King Thompson since 1983. She has served on the CBR Standard Forms committee for the past 20 years and has served in numerous roles with the Bexley, Eastmoor,Berwick Realty Association since 1985, including vice-president and president.

“I believe leadership in your personal as well as your professional life builds a strong environment for a productive life. We all need to learn from each other’s strengths which ultimately bring harmony for everything you do.”

Jay Zollars, Commercial One Realty

An Ohio University graduate, Jay started his own real estate company at the age of 24 and was nominated for NAR’s 30 under 30 program in 1995. He was president of IREM in 2010 and is the current president of CCIIR. He has served on numerous CBR committees, all of the commercial committees, and as Chair of the C/I Steering committee.

“Most diverse experience of meeting important, interesting, and diverse group of leaders in our community. The opportunity to meet people and learn about their jobs and organizations was invaluable and will be remembered for the rest of my life.”