2014-2015 Class | Columbus Realtors

The Columbus REALTORS® Leadership Academy aligns with the association's commitment to strengthening central Ohio’s real estate community by building highly skilled leaders within the industry and community. The Academy curriculum consists of nine sessions, seven of which are intensely focused full-day programs designed to help students develop their expertise in business, public speaking, leadership, government, outreach and, of course, the real estate industry. More information on the Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy Class of 2014-2015

Joy Barney, Keller Williams Classic Properties

Upper Arlington native Joy has been practicing real estate since 2003. She is a graduate of Otterbein University and is a 2014 recipient of Columbus REALTORS® “10 Under 40” Award. She has served as President of the Northwest Area Realty Associates and has been a member since 2003. She has been involved with the Junior League of Columbus since 2007 and served as the New Member Coordinator, served as the Docent for the Kelton House Museum and Gardens, works with the Mayan Families Foundation, is the Head Coach of the Girls on the Run Program at Barrington Elementary and is a member and held various positions at First Community Church.

"Leadership Academy introduced me to other REALTORS® whose paths I might not have crossed otherwise. The friendships I have grown with them will last a lifetime."

Bill Benninghofen, RE/MAX Premier Choice

A graduate of Otterbein University, Bill has been practicing real estate since 1990. He holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations. Bill is the recipient of Columbus REALTORS® Lifetime Achievement Award, Columbus REALTORS® $25 Million Dollar Award, and OAR 2014 Award of Distinction recipient. He is a member and past president of the North Area Real Estate Association, and member of the Midtown Area Real Estate Association and Columbus Southwest Area Realty Association. Bill also serves as a host parent for NACEL Open Door Exchange Program, House Manager and Alumni Advisor for Sigma Delta Phi Fraternity, and on the Pool Committee for the Sycamore Hills Residents Association.

"The Leadership Academy is an amazing experience which helps you to develop a knowledge of what the Columbus REALTORS® does as an association, how we affect the community by not only helping families with housing but helping those in need, and to supply input to the government agencies which serve the community about how they impact the areas of housing and shelter. Being a leader begins by being a well-rounded person and I believe the Leadership Academy provides that foundation for us to build upon. And it creates an incredible group of friends!"

Shari Carroll, Keller Williams Capital Partners

Shari was born and raised in Columbus and has been practicing real estate since 1987. She also holds the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations. Shari is a past president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and received its Member of the Year Award in 2003. She has also received Columbus REALTORS® Lifetime Achievement Award, its Volunteer Service Award in 2007, and was named its Salesperson of the Year in 2014. Shari was 2014 President of the Charity Newsies organization, previously served as Chair of the Clintonville Chamber of Commerce and also as a Big Brother/Big Sister.

"The Leadership Academy opens your mind to what being a true leader means…being a servant leader and one who listens and understands the word TEAM…together-everyone-achieves-more."

Sarah Eagleson, Keller Williams Classic Properties

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Sarah has been practicing real estate since 1990 and is co-owner of Keller Williams Classic Properties. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) designations. She is also a past president and current member of the local chapter of Women’s Council of REALTOR® and the founder and member of the Central Ohio Luxury Home Network. Sarah is involved with the Capital Area Humane Society, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Museum of Art, Sessions Society, Junior League of Columbus and Grandview Heights Arts Council.

"What an extraordinary way to experience Columbus! You gave us access to people and places we never would have on our own. And even as a lifelong resident, I discovered things about Columbus I never knew. Thank you to opening our minds to so many possibilities. Through this program we have witnessed the results of leaders who have come before us and have learned lessons that will help us go forward to do our part."

Missy Ellis, RE/MAX Premier Choice

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education, Missy has been a real estate professional since 1991. She holds the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations in addition to being inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Missy has served as the Vice President of the North Area Real Estate Association and is a member of Columbus REALTORS® $25 Million Dollar Club. She is also a member of the Greater Worthington Realty Association, and volunteers at Our Lady of Peace Church.

"An excellent opportunity to explore the many good ways to be involved in our community."

Jodee Gallagher, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services / Calhoon Company

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in English, Jodee has been in real estate since 2007. In that time, she earned her relocation certification, membership in the Columbus REALTORS® Five Million Dollar Club and has served as the Secretary of the Hilliard Area Realty Association. Jodee volunteers and fundraises for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is a member of the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce and has been a Special Olympics Coach.

"Thank you Leadership Academy for gently nudging me outside of my comfort zone! My prayer is that I use it for the good of others, our community, and our industry!"

Mic Gordon, Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realty

Mic is a second generation REALTOR® and a Westerville native currently residing in New Albany. He has worked in the real estate industry since 1987 and holds the Certified New Home Sales (CSP) and Certified New Home and Marketing Professional (CMP) designations. Mic received the BIA of Central Ohio Sales Manager of the Year Award twice and has earned membership in the Columbus REALTORS® $25 Million Dollar Club. He currently serves as Columbus REALTORS® Treasurer as well as Treasurer of the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation. Mic is a Trustee of the Plain Township Swim & Dive Team, Commissioner of the Greater Columbus Swim League, Vice President of the Hampsted Village Communities HOA and has served as a member on the Franklin County Land Bank Advisory Task Force.

"The Leadership Academy is an amazing program that will inspire leaders at all levels of experience."

Michelle Groff, RE/MAX Impact

A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Elementary Education, Michelle has been practicing residential real estate since 2003. She has earned membership in Columbus REALTORS® Million Dollar Sales Award Club and is a member of the Greater Worthington Area Realty Association and the Westerville Area Realty Association and served on the RE/MAX Impact Social Committee. Michelle is a volunteer and Sunday school teacher at the Vineyard Church.

"The Leadership Academy experience exposed me to so many new people, places and ideas -- all of which could prove to be quite valuable as a real estate professional, a citizen, and a future leader."

Ben Hemmert, HER, REALTORS®

A graduate of Miami University with a degree in Business and Marketing, Ben has been practicing residential real estate since 2003. He was a recipient of Columbus REALTORS® 2014 ‘10 under 40’ award and holds relocation and new build specialist designations. Ben was one of the lead sponsors and organizers of the New Albany Independence 5K Run and Walk, and is involved with the New Albany Classic Family Day, Children’s Ballet Theater, the Montessori School, and Pelotonia.

"What an amazing opportunity to learn so much about Columbus REALTORS®, and the community in which we live and work! The Leadership Academy is a once in a lifetime experience!"

Todd Jarvis, Howard Hanna Realcom Realty

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Business-Communication, Todd has been practicing residential Real Estate since 2002. He holds the Certified Distressed Properties Expert (CDPE) and Residential Relocation Specialist (RRS) designations and has earned membership in the Columbus REALTORS® $25 Million Dollar Club. Todd was president of the board for Manors of Cross Creeks Condo Association, is a member and past Vice President of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and was involved with establishing the Charter School, Columbus Collegiate Academy.

"WOW! The tools you will learn and the contacts you will meet are priceless! Not to mention the bond you will have with your fellow leadership class is incredible!"

Stacy McVey, Keller Williams Classic Properties

A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Stacy has been practicing real estate 1992 and holds the Certified New Home Sales (CSP) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations. She has received the Columbus REALTORS® $25 Million Dollar Club and its CORPAC Major Donor Award. Stacy serves on the Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors, and is a member of the BIA. She is a member of First Community Church, serving as a committee member on the Akita Council, and donates to the Upper Arlington Civic Association.

"The Leadership Academy is a great way to learn more about not only our Association, but our city, our Government, and the opportunities for Leadership roles beyond your real estate career."

Rebecca Miller, Kohr Royer Griffith

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Environmental Science, Rebecca has been practicing real estate since 1999. She specializes in property management and holds a Certified Property Management (CPM) designation. Rebecca has been recognized by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) with the 2012 Shining Star Award and the 2013 Forward Thought Leader award. She is a member and past president of the Columbus Chapter of IREM and is also a member of Columbus Real Estate Women (CREW).

"Exceeded my expectations! The people I met and the knowledge I gained has been a great boost on my journey to become the best person I can be both personally and professionally."

Dustin Ultican, HER, REALTORS®

Dustin received his bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Charleston and has a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ohio University. He has been practicing real estate since 2011. Dustin is a recipient of the Leadership Award for the Floyd Wickman Program, served as social chair of AmSpirit of Canal Winchester, is a member of Toastmasters International, and has served as part of Pickerington Local Schools Young Gents Program.

"The Leadership Academy is a great program for anyone looking to increase or enhance their leadership abilities. The exposure provided and the expertise of the professionals at each session is well worth the price of the course and much more."