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Like most of you, as I enter the fourth quarter of the year, I get nostalgic about all that has been accomplished. But I’m also contemplating what has yet to be achieved before the new leaders take the helm. During this hectic time of year, we work simultaneously to satisfy the goals of existing leadership while planning for our new leaders and their goals.
As I look back on 2008, I’m pleased with the progress and actions of the AEs who’ve served on workgroups, task forces, advisory groups, committees and subcommittees. I’m humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve as the chair of the NAR Association Executives Committee. This role has tempered me, challenged me, encouraged me to see different points of view, and taught me to listen to all of you—the paid warriors and leaders of this organization.
The AEC accomplished many things this year. (See the list on p.11) And I want to thank the special AE friends and leaders who guided the AE community through myriad important issues and decisions this year. Thanks also to the many who serve as AE liaisons to NAR committees to keep us informed and up-to-date on NAR issues.
Every AE knows we are only as good as our volunteers and staff. One of the best things about being the AEC chair is the opportunity to work closely with the NAR AE Leadership Development staff. Cindy Sampalis, with her sage counsel and even temper, keeps even the wildest of us AEC chairs on track. Working daily with Cindy are Cynthia, Laurie, Renee, Julie Ann, Krystal, Rita, Debra, Dolores and Bobbie, who prepare our work groups and committees, and then ensure that our goals and objectives are implemented. They are unbelievably knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. Gar Anderson, recently joined by Alice Martin, spent much time in the field with our associations to ensure that we know about future trends and issues. And of course, this whole group is competently led by Janet Branton.
What many don’t realize is that NAR leadership appoints to us an AE liaison. I’d like to thank Elizabeth Mendenhall, a REALTOR® from Missouri, who did a superb job not only of listening to and understanding our issues, but also of relaying our message back to the NAR leadership and being our advocate.
I’d like to thank Dale Stinton, our fellow AE “at the top” for his incredible openness and caring about our issues. Believe me, Dale understands the AE world! The opportunity to sit with NAR leadership and talk about our position on issues is another privilege of being AEC chair; Dick Gaylord and Charles McMillan were an absolute pleasure to work with, both of them respect our views and our profession.
Gary Clayton, with his mild, even-tempered, and kind manner, has been a great sounding board for me this past year. He’ll be a wonderful leader of the AEC in 2009, so look for great things to come.
Last, but most important; I’d like to thank all of you who served, wrote, opined (sometimes complaining), and helped. Your friendship and leadership has meant so much to me. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to have served as your 2008 AEC chair.
Diane M. Ruggiero, rce, cae
2008 AEC Chair
CEO, Kansas City Regional
Association of Realtors®
& Heartland MLS
913/498-0018 Ext. 313
dianerug@msn.com