The National Association of REALTORS® has named 20 participants for its 2027 Leadership Academy, a 10-month program designed to prepare Realtor volunteers for future association leadership. Representing 16 states, the incoming class will study NAR’s structure and operations as it develops skills for service at the local, state and national levels.
Key takeaways
- The 2027 class includes 20 Realtors from 16 states, with more than 13 years of real estate experience on average.
- The program runs from January through November 2027, concluding at NAR NXT.
- Since the academy began in 2008, more than 300 people have graduated, with many moving into association leadership roles.
The academy is intended to help participants understand how NAR works and prepare them to contribute to the association’s future.
A pathway to association leadership
The Leadership Academy has developed a substantial alumni network since its launch in 2008. More than 160 graduates have chaired an NAR committee or volunteer group, 98 have become state association presidents and 39 have served as NAR regional vice presidents.
Several members of NAR’s current leadership team are also alumni, including Immediate Past President Kevin Sears, President-elect Christine Hansen, Vice President of Advocacy Asa Fleming and First Vice President Colin Mullane.
Program begins in January
Participants will explore NAR’s history, organization and operations during the 10-month program. The academy is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and wrap up in November at NAR NXT.
NAR President Kevin Brown said the class brings experience and perspectives from communities across the country. He said the association expects participants to use those strengths to serve members, help shape NAR’s future and support the industry.
Meet the 2027 class
The 20 Realtors selected for the program represent states across the country. The class members are:
- Melissa Atchley (Texas)
- Michelle Braat (North Carolina)
- Robert Carney (Virginia)
- Keianna Carty (Florida)
- Annie Caruso (Indiana)
- Joel Cooke (Texas)
- Jade Crow (Arkansas)
- Tiffany Harris (Maryland)
- Katey McGrath (Pennsylvania)
- Theresa Miller (California)
- LaurieAnne Minoff (Florida)
- Tamar Myers-Moffatt (Virginia)
- Lisa Nguyen (Colorado)
- Kyla Niewinski (New Jersey)
- Aline Pitney (Colorado)
- Brian Sharp (Ohio)
- Christopher Tanner (New Mexico)
- Wendy Uzelac (Minnesota)
- Carrie Vos (Michigan)
- Robin Wallace (Montana)
With an average of more than 13 years in real estate, the incoming participants bring established industry experience to a program focused on preparing volunteers for broader leadership responsibilities.
