2015-2016 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.

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Leadership Academy Class of 2015-2016

Bethany Alexander, Broker/Owner, Mills Realty & Management Co.

Bethany is a Lancaster resident and businesswoman who has been in real estate since 2006. Although she specializes in investment and residential real estate, Bethany is currently concentrating on training/mentoring agents, and managing a growing brokerage with a strong focus on serving the community. She is a 2015 recipient of Columbus REALTORS® “10 Under 40” Award, served as co-chair of the Young Professionals Network for the Lancaster Board of REALTORS®, and currently serves as a Director for the Lancaster Board of REALTORS®. Bethany is the founder and president of The Key to Giving – a non-profit organization designed to mentor individuals, businesses, schools and communities in creating their own passion projects.

''You attract what you reflect" And like my mom always said "Jump in! The waters fine!"

Jodi Beekman, Keller Williams Capital Partners

Jodi is a Lewis Center resident and businesswoman who has been in real estate since 2002. She specializes in residential real estate, serves on the Columbus REALTORS® Standard Forms Committee and, for nine years has served as a member of the Scholarship Committee. Jodi has served in many volunteer positions with Olentangy Local Schools for the last eleven years, and currently serves on the Olentangy Local Schools Attendance Boundaries Committee.

“The Leadership Academy was the most amazing experience of my career! I was blown away by our experiences each and every day of the program. The opportunities to explore our community in greater detail, learn about new ways to give back, and meet our leaders of today and tomorrow is one I will never forget, and will always cherish. Stop what you are doing right now, and apply today!”

Katherine “Katie” Davis, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Calhoon Co., REALTORS®

Katie resides in Upper Arlington and is a Northwest area businesswoman. Licensed since 2007, Katie specializes in residential real estate. She is a 2015 recipient of Columbus REALTORS®’ “10 Under 40” Award and is a 2015 Spotlight on Community Service honoree. Katie is also a member of the Hilliard, Northwest and Tri-County area realty associations and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. She served as the 2014-2015 vice-president of the Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, volunteers for the Decorator’s Show House benefitting the Columbus Museum of Art, and is a member of the Upper Arlington Women’s Club and former volunteer for Flying Horse Farms.

“Leadership Academy is a wonderful and unforgettable experience where you will laugh and learn more than you could have ever imagined!”

Elizabeth “Liz” Finchum, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Leading Edge

Liz resides in South Charleston, Ohio and is a London, Ohio businesswoman. She has been in residential real estate since 2007, and holds the Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) and Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) professional designations, as well as the National Association of REALTORS® e-PRO (technology) Certification. She currently serves as a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Committee and is a past member of the Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors and of its REALTOR® Care Day Committee. She has been recognized several times for her sales volume by RE/MAX and the Ohio Association of REALTORS®. She was honored by the Ohio Senate for Outstanding Achievement in 2011 and, in 2010, was selected Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Director “Member of the Year”. Liz is a past president of the Madison County Area Realty Association, a past president and current Director of the London Lions Club, volunteer for Saint Patrick's Catholic School London, Coover Society member, and a board member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Fundraising Committee.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. This experience was one of those moments!”

Mandy Harless, Era Real Solutions

Mandy is a Lewis Center resident and a Westerville businesswoman who has been in residential real estate since 1988. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Foreclosure Intervention Specialist (FIS) and the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) professional designations, as well as Columbus REALTORS® Certified Affordable Housing, REALTOR® (CAHR) Certification. She is a recipient of Columbus REALTORS® Lifetime Achievement Award, a member of its 25 Million Dollar Sales Award Club, and currently serves as a member of the Governmental Affairs, Professional Standard and Residential Standard Forms committees. She is a past member of the Affordable Housing, Builder/REALTOR® Alliance, Business Technology, Grievance and Sales Advisory committees. Mandy is also a current member and former vice president of the DKLM (Delaware Knox Licking Morrow) Suburban Area Realty Association, is a founding member of the Central Baptist Church, an American Red Cross blood donor and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

“Leadership Academy was an incredible adventure. I had the opportunity to grow as a REALTOR® and leader in a variety of ways. The time & investment in this program will pay dividends in my personal life and career for years to come. The friendships made with the 11 other candidates is priceless.”

Brian Kemp, Keller Williams Capital Partners

Brian is a resident of Pleasantville, Ohio and a Worthington businessman. He has been in real estate since 1988, specializing in residential sales, luxury homes and lakefront properties. He holds the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) professional designations. He is currently serving a three-year term on the Columbus REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee and as a member of the Benevolence and Governmental Affairs committees. He’s a past member of the Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors, a recipient of the Columbus REALTORS® Lifetime Achievement Award and, in 2008, was selected as Columbus REALTORS® Salesperson of the Year. Brian also serves as vice president of the Board of Directors for the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, has served as Chair of Worship and Arts at First Community Church, and as a Board member and Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"Leadership Academy completely exceeded my expectations. The experiences, knowledge and most importantly the friendships, were priceless. Every experience was very well planned and orchestrated. I would highly recommend the academy!"

Lory Kim, RE/MAX Connection, REALTORS®

Lory is a Blacklick Ohio resident and a central Ohio businesswoman who has been in residential real estate since 2007. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) Designation and is a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Million Dollar Sales Awards Club. She currently serves as a member of Columbus REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Committee and as a member of the Young Professionals Network (YPN). Lory is also a past member of the Gahanna Area Realty Association, and serves as a member of the Gahanna Chamber of Commerce and of Columbus Young Professionals. She’s a team lead for the America Brain Tumor Association and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Kost Team Softball and Macedonian Women’s Group.

“Make a move and try something new.”

Holly Lockett, Keller Williams Consultant

Holly is a Dublin resident and businesswoman who has been in residential real estate since 2010. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) professional designations, is a member of Columbus REALTORS® Ten Million Dollars Sales Award club and is currently serving a three-year term on the Recognition and Sales Awards Committee and as a member of the Foundation Fundraising and Governmental Affairs committees. She has served as a trustee of Columbus REALTORS® Foundation and as a past co-chair of its Fundraising Committee. Holly is a volunteer on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board, was previously Membership Chair on the Woody Hayes Celebrity Golf Outing Committee, and is co-founder and co-chair of the hospital’s annual Holiday Party. She is also a volunteer/fundraiser for the Flying Horse Farms and a past volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club of America.

“In leadership – character is more important than strategy!”

Matthew Long, HER, REALTORS®

Matt is a Worthington resident and Worthington businessman who has been in real estate since 2001, where he specializes in residential real estate and property management. He’s a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Five Million Dollar Sales Award Club and has served on the Affordable Housing, CORPAC Fundraising and the Residential Standard Forms committees. Matt currently serves as a Board member of the Scott Sellers Memorial Fund, is a coach for the Worthington Youth Boosters, and a volunteer fundraiser for Our Lady of Peace Church.

“This program was inspirational as well as educational. I learned more about myself and my community in eight months than in my previous 40 years.”

Mary Sguerra, HER, REALTORS®

Mary is a Columbus resident and Westerville businesswoman who has been in residential real estate since 1981. She’s holds the At Home With Diversity (AHWD) and the Certified Affordable Housing, REALTOR (CAHR) professional certifications, is a recipient of Columbus REALTORS® Lifetime Achievement Award, a member of its 25 Million Dollar Sales Award Club, and a Spotlight on Community Service honoree. She is a current member of the Affordable Housing, Governmental Affairs and REALTOR® Care Day committees, and is a past chair of the Residential Member Services Committee. Mary is a recipient of the City of Columbus Outstanding Volunteer Award, 2012, and currently serves as an area representative and on the Public Relations Committee for Forest Park Civic Association, is a volunteer at St James the Less Church and for Meals on Wheels.

“The Leadership Academy has allowed me to improve and to strengthen my knowledge of Greater Columbus, our government and the community in which I live and work. It has enhanced my personal and professional leadership and communication skills. It has made me more aware of the many organizations and the volunteer opportunities that are available here in the Central Ohio area.”

Koretta Tennant, Keller Williams Capital Partners

Koretta is a Columbus resident and Worthington businesswoman who has been selling residential real estate since 2012. She holds the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Designation and is a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Five Million Dollar Sales Award Club, a 2015 Spotlight on Community Service honoree and a 2014 recipient of its “Rising Star of the Year” Award. She also currently serves as a member of Columbus REALTORS® Foundation Fundraising, Governmental Affairs and REALTOR® Care Day committees, and is a past member of Columbus REALTORS® Builder/REALTOR® Alliance (BRAC) Committee. Koretta has also served on the Board and as chair of the Facilities Committee for Camp Mary Orton and as a Captain coordinator and board member for myTeam Triumph. She is also an instructor for Keller Williams City Wide.

“A program you will be proud to say you graduated from.”

Kelly Thacker, HER, REALTORS®

Kelly is a Lithopolis resident and businesswoman who has been in residential real estate sales since 2004. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) Designation and is a current member of Columbus REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Committee, a past member of its Communication Committee, a CORPAC and REALTOR® Care Day participant, and a past member of the Southeast Area Real Estate Association. Kelly is secretary of the Bloom Carroll Kiwanis Club, Co-advisor to the Bloom Carroll Key Club, chair/volunteer for the Lithopolis Honeyfest, and volunteer at Crossroads Church.

“Leadership Academy is so much more than a ‘training class’! From the people I met, to the places we visited and the things that I learned, it was an amazing experience from Day 1. I was worried about missing a day of business, but I actually looked forward to it each month.”