Because we C.A.R.E.

Meet the Maryland REALTORS® Staff, which delivers Connections, Advocacy, Resources, and Expertise for its members

BY JACKY MUECK

Connections. Advocacy. Resources. Expertise. (CARE)

More than four simple words, these are the foundational pillars of Maryland REALTORS®’ Strategic Plan. Follow the QR Code above to learn more about the Strategic Plan that guides the Association’s work.

Maryland REALTORS®’ dedicated staff refers to these four pillars continuously in work for the Association. Our events, webinars, classes, forms, legislative actions—everything we do points back to CARE.

Our staff does a lot to keep our members prepared with accurate and up-to-date information and resources, and we love what we do. We asked staff members to share with us their favorite parts of their positions in the association, what keeps them motivated, or what some of their favorite memories are from the association.

CEO

Our CEO, Chuck Kasky, leads the association and our staff while engaging with members, other associations, and affiliates through webinars, panels, your local events, and more.

Chuck Kasky

“Supporting our members with forms, training, and guidance to get through the practice changes required by the NAR settlement agreement has been one of our most important initiatives for as long as this association has been in existence.”

Operations

Our Operations Department keeps things running smoothly in the office to help us serve you best. They keep everything behind the scenes moving, from membership achievement to committee selection and organization.

April Sheesley, Director

“I enjoy working alongside of our members on the Awards Committees to determine recipients of each award. It is a pleasure to recognize our outstanding members during the annual installation with their colleagues, friends, and family in attendance.”

Joanne Gleason, Administrative/ HR Generalist

“My motivation comes from the feeling that my work at Maryland REALTORS® makes a difference by having a positive impact and showing a strong commitment to our members.”

Kristina Kemokai-Harris, Receptionist/ Administrator

“I love being able to share the knowledge that I have, to serve our members daily. Being able to help them and providing solutions keeps me motivated.”

Legal

Legal creates and updates our forms and runs the Legal Hotline, giving you the tools and expertise you need to learn and work in an ever-shifting industry as new laws and guidelines go into effect.

Kimberly Link, Director

“My favorite part of my job is working with the association’s committees. This teamwork allows us to create impactful programs and initiatives that directly benefit our members by addressing their needs and enhancing their experience. Members gain access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a supportive community.”

Diamond Smith, Associate Counsel

“My favorite memory of working with Members happened this past year at the 2024 Innovate Commercial Symposium. The Members on the committee experienced a lot of different twists throughout the planning process, and yet they were able to adapt and provide thoughtful solutions at every turn. It resulted in a great event that brought a wider network of professionals together.”

Taylor Kitzmiller, Associate Counsel

“As the Staff Executive for the Statewide Forms Committee, I was directly involved in the revision and creation of forms that complied with the NAR settlement. We held brokerage meetings, webinars, videos series, etc., to ensure that our members were properly educated on the use of the forms following the NAR settlement.”

Cleopatra Pappas, Senior Associate Counsel

“After 20 years of experience ‘in the field’ as General Counsel/Manager and also as an active Agent/Associate Broker with a Harford County brokerage, what motivates me the most in helping serve our members is providing practical guidance on the legal matters that challenge them every day, that they can utilize immediately. The real estate business is becoming increasingly legally complex, and members crave understandable and feasible guidelines to best assist their clients.”

Professional Development and Member Engagement

Our PDME Department is where you go for continuing education classes, certifications, and designations, from Leadership Academy to Housing Opportunity Certification. They also uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics for our members and continue work on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Susan Yashinskie, Director

“I had the privilege of working on this year’s presidential initiative on financial literacy. It was such a fun project devoted to advancing homeownership educational opportunities in high schools. We developed supporting videos and educational materials, culminating in an event at Camden Yards for 50 local high school financial teachers.”

Sandi Frazer, Professional Standards Administrator

“My favorite memory has to be the annual conference. It’s when we all come together with members to put on an amazing conference.”

Dyana Quinzi, Administrative Assistant

“I truly love my job! My coworkers love to help each other succeed, and our members benefit in big ways! We were able to offer ABR and GRI twice this past year, as well as offering all required CE courses at our annual conference twice, not to mention CIPS and MRPM! The amount of education we offer wouldn’t be possible without our whole team working together.”

Advocacy

Advocacy works to make your voice heard in Annapolis, working with legislators and members to protect private property rights in Maryland while fighting housing issues, like supply and zoning.

Lisa May, Director

“This year we passed a statewide housing supply bill, which even just a few years ago seemed would never happen. Attending the Governor’s bill signing for that legislation, along with then-President Chris Hill, our advocacy staff, and other housing advocates, was very fulfilling.”

Christa McGee, Grassroots and Policy Advocate

“My role with Maryland REALTORS® has allowed me the opportunity to connect local legislative committee chairs and government affairs directors with their counterparts in other associations throughout the state when navigating an issue, saving them time and moving us all forward.”

Jacky Mueck, Advocacy and Communications Administrator

“I’ve really enjoyed being able to work on the Maryland REALTORS® website and our consumer site, MarylandHomeownership.com, to share valuable resources and information with our members and consumers. I was also so moved by all the members who showed up for Lobby Day this year to advocate for housing supply issues and I’m so excited to organize the event again in February!”

Strategic Communications

Our Strategic Communications department works hard to put on events from our Regional Roundtables to our Annual Conference. They make the resources that keep Maryland REALTORS® prepared and knowledgeable, from scam alerts to consumer toolkits. The department’s outreach efforts include media relations, website, magazine, webinars, newsletters, video, social media, and events.

Dan Patrell, Senior Director

“It is an absolute joy to watch in real time how our communication efforts proactively impact our members, the media, and consumers. We collaborate with the entire staff to make sure that what we put out is valued, trusted, and reliable.”

Angel Brandt, Program & Events Manager

“As the Programs & Events Manager, I get to plan the events Maryland REALTORS® hosts for its members. The members benefit from the events because they are informational, offer opportunities for continuing education, and the members enjoy the opportunity to socialize with each other and staff.”

Kelli Beard, Content Specialist

“My favorite part of my job is designing/creating print materials, social posts, and other marketing assets. I love that these materials can help our members be a resource for their clients and allow them to demonstrate their expertise and professionalism. Communicating effectively with members in turn helps to champion what we stand and who we serve.”

IT

IT is essential to every organization, and our IT department keeps Maryland REALTORS® running smoothly with everything we need to best serve you, our members.

Michael Cunningham, Director

“Though most of my job involves supporting the staff, I always look forward to teaching opportunities with members. I love being in front of a classroom when members first grasp a concept and you can see the change in their eyes. “

Accounting

Accounting does the important work of making sure money goes where it needs to, from paying our instructors to printing and shipping magazines.

Patti Schmitt, Vice President

“My goal each year is to ensure our departments have the funds to implement the member programs.”

Kimberly Knopp, Assistant Controller

“I would say my favorite memories come from conference. It allows me the opportunity to match names with faces of people that I’ve talked to in the past and worked with on RPAC.”

Victor Pessima, Membership Administrator

“My favorite part of my job is maintaining Maryland REALTORS® membership database system. Members get relevant information on request, answers to their membership inquiries, and the timely processing of their Maryland REALTORS® membership application.”

Deja Grider, Junior Accountant

“Motivation comes from self, and I feel pleased when I help our members with financial relief. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Jacky Mueck is Advocacy and Communications Administrator for Maryland REALTORS®.