1. What inspired you to serve on a regulatory board, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member? I was asked about serving on the NC Home Inspectors Licensure Board. When approached, I was first, flattered and honored.  I was a small part of this board being formed back in the late 90’s.  Our Association was approached by some home inspectors wishing for our help to form a board similar to the NC Real Estate Commission.  With a team lead by Cady Thomas and other staff and Realtors, the board was formed.  I served on the initial board. I am honored to have been the first woman to serve on the board and I think the only one.  I served two terms as the only female Vice Chair and two terms as the only female Chair.

2. As a woman in real estate, what challenges have you faced, and how have you worked to overcome them? I can honestly say, I don’t feel I have faced any challenges different from anyone else. When I started in the industry, it was still a predominately male membership.  In the market that I started in, I was fortunate that everyone was willing to help a green agent.  Challenges are learning experiences. You look at a challenge as an opportunity to make yourself better.

3. What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles in real estate or serve on state boards and commissions? My advise to women has always been, be professional and you will be respected as a professional.  Act the part, dress the part, speak the part.  Serving on a state board is time consuming, in increments.  For me, I did alot of research and studying before my state board meetings. I would ask questions and dive into the meat of the subject.  While serving on the NCHILB, they have a language that comes differently than those of a Realtor.  We look at an inspection one way, the consumer another and the inspector another.  There was terminology that I had to learn and understand.  In some of the educational meetings there would be discussions about panel boxes, HVAC units, water heaters, etc.

4. How do you see women shaping the future of real estate in North Carolina, and what progress still needs to be made? As a member of NCR, I can without a doubt testify that we have the absolute best staff and leaders.  Our leadership is visionary and keeps us moving forward. I have seen women become more boots on the ground in the volunteer arena over the nearly 39 years I have been a member.  Women are taking the lead in molding the future of our Association and our industry.  There is still a need to get more members involved.  We need more members active because some of us are getting old!!! YPN has helped with this in huge ways.  The William C Bass Leadership Academy has brought in some outstanding leaders.  I feel we need to find a way to hold on to the “one and done” group.  These are local association members that do their time and then we do not see them on the state or national levels anymore.  There needs to be a retaining program designed to keep these members engaged and involved.

5. Who is a woman—past or present—who has inspired your career, and why? WOW that is a tough one.  There have been so many.  I think in my early career, it would have been Bea Newton and Sarah Gray Lamm from Wilson.  They taught my orientation class.  These were the smartest, classiest and most professional women I had ever met.  I am pretty sure they didn’t know, but I watched how they ran their business.  I tried to mimic what they did.  They were involved in the community as well as the board.  I contribute a large part of how I do business to them.  As for my involvement in the Association, that was 100% De De Carney.  She encouraged me to get involved and stay involved.  The rest is history. I have enjoyed much success, friendships, recognition and life experiences.  By the grace of God, my life as a real estate broker has been as close to perfect as anyone could ask for.

1. What inspired you to serve on a regulatory board, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member? I never originally planned to step into a leadership role. For years, I was focused on working 60+ hours a week as an appraiser, balancing my professional and personal life. One day, I caught myself complaining about an issue in the industry and realized I had two choices: continue to complain or take action. I chose the latter. I got involved at the local Association/MLS level, and I’ve never looked back.

Now, as a member of the North Carolina Appraisal Board, my goal is to contribute to a group of professionals working to keep the appraisal profession strong. After more than 30 years in this field, I’m at a stage where I can give back to an industry that has given me so much. Serving on the board allows me to help shape the future of the profession and support appraisers in North Carolina.

2. As a woman in real estate, what challenges have you faced, and how have you worked to overcome them? When I started my career, the appraisal profession was very much male-dominated. However, I never let that hold me back. I focused on working hard, developing my expertise, and proving my value.

Looking around today, it’s incredible to see the progress women have made. There are now many female appraisers and leaders at both the state and national levels. The Appraisal Foundation and the Appraisal Institute—two of the most influential organizations in the industry—are both led by women. The industry has changed so much in the past 30 years, and I’m proud to have been part of that shift.

3. What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles in real estate or serve on state boards and commissions? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Every leader you admire has had support along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, seek out opportunities to learn, and step outside your comfort zone.

If you see something that needs to change, don’t just talk about it—get involved. That’s exactly how my leadership journey began. I realized that if I wanted to see progress, I needed to be part of the solution. Whether it’s at the local, state, or national level, there are so many ways to make a difference in this profession.

4. How do you see women shaping the future of real estate in North Carolina, and what progress still needs to be made? Women are playing an increasingly influential role in real estate, both in appraisal and beyond. We now hold leadership positions in various organizations at the state and national levels, and our voices are shaping the policies and standards that guide our industry.

That said, there’s always room for progress. Continued mentorship, professional development, and advocacy are key to ensuring that women not only enter the field but also advance to leadership roles. Representation matters, and the more we support one another, the stronger our profession becomes.

5. Who is a woman—past or present—who has inspired your career, and why? The woman who most inspired my career was my mentor, Pattie Tennille, MAI, SRA. When she became an appraiser in the 1970s, female appraisers were few and far between. Yet, she earned both her MAI (commercial designation) and SRA (residential designation) through the Appraisal Institute—an impressive achievement, especially at that time.

Pattie emphasized the importance of professional involvement, which led me to become a candidate for designation with the Appraisal Institute. Today, I hold the SRA designation as well as the AI-RRS (review designation), and I owe much of that to her guidance. She opened the door for me to be part of this profession, one that has been incredibly rewarding, and I will always be grateful for the foundation she helped me build.

1.       What inspired you to serve on a regulatory board, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member? I love the Great State of North Carolina, and believe strongly in the appraiser’s role in protecting the public trust. We need a robust and fair appraisal profession to support consumers and other users of appraisals in North Carolina. It is an incredible honor to be a member of the NC Appraisal Board. I have found the board to be extremely well-functioning and always mindful of our important role for the people of North Carolina. The greatest impact any board member can have, and what I hope my impact will be, is to be fair to all involved. This does not necessarily make a noticeable impact, per se, but we definitely notice when this is not happening. A well functioning board can be pretty quiet on the impact front and the successes look easy, but it takes a dedicated team to achieve this. We have a fantastic staff who helps make it all possible.

2.       As a woman in real estate, what challenges have you faced, and how have you worked to overcome them? I started appraising right out of college, at the age of 22. I felt immediately embraced and supported as I began my career and cannot say that I faced many external challenges in becoming a real estate appraiser. However, it was personally challenging for many years as I balanced pregnancies and motherhood, all while striving to be my best self and support my family as the primary breadwinner. It was not easy, but I think the challenge actually focused me, and I tell all mentees not to wait to have families if they want them. Having young ones who mean the world to you can be the greatest inspiration for success. I will say I later experienced challenges as a woman as a member of a national board of directors. Even in the 2020s, some do not like when women are in leadership positions. I personally experienced attempts to intimidate and coerce me, which I found shocking. Other women I have spoken with experienced the same when in leadership positions, while our male counterparts did not. Sometimes we find ourselves on committees where the Chair actively excludes the women from project teams or input – that sort of thing. This happens, thankfully more rarely than not, but it does happen. We must continue to persevere for our daughters, for the future of America, and all the ideals we hold dear. We overcome by not backing down.

3.       What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles in real estate or serve on state boards and commissions? I would suggest that you challenge yourself every day to grow and learn. Do not sign up for continuing education solely to tick off a requirement, but instead to be the best you can be (you may even take more hours than required!). Volunteer, show up, make it a career and not a job. There are great rewards waiting for those who are willing to immerse themselves in their career. Leadership roles are a natural progression once you view your job from this perspective.

4.       How do you see women shaping the future of real estate in North Carolina, and what progress still needs to be made? Women are obviously a huge part of the future in real estate in North Carolina, as are men. Back to the idea of fairness – no one should be treated differently because of their gender. I can attest to the fact that progress still needs to be made and I do not think it will happen fast, unfortunately. We need women to continue to be in leadership positions and to persevere through the challenges we face.

5.       Who is a woman—past or present—who has inspired your career, and why? These are not appraisers, but a few attorneys I have worked for over the years were incredibly inspiring to me. One is Phyllis Turner, who was formerly with the NCDOJ. She is always unabashedly Phyllis, with a hilarious personality, but always focused and to the point. The other is Alex Hightower, also with the NCDOJ. She is organized, no-nonsense and highly intelligent. She was the attorney the first time I testified at a deposition and I will never forget her quiet but strong presence. They will both probably be very surprised that I have mentioned them, but both did impact my career. I wanted to be stronger, more determined, and more true to myself after interacting with both of them. As far as appraisers, I have worked with many incredible women in North Carolina – too many to mention really. Overall, I have found North Carolina to be an incredible place to be a woman in business, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities I have had to succeed.

1. What inspired you to serve on a regulatory board, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member? I currently serve on two Boards.

I was appointed to the NC Real Estate Commission in October 2017 by Governor Roy Cooper.  It was a three year appointment that has been renewed twice.   It is an honor to serve as one of nine Commissioners who meet monthly to protect consumer interests in real estate transactions.

We serve to license and regulate practitioners in an ever changing environment.  We have considered the impact of bitcoin and AI as well as standard requirements for holding status as a Broker In Charge (BIC).  We address and review rule changes, education standards for pre and post licensing and continuing education. We review new applications for character and fitness.  We conduct disciplinary hearings after complaints have been investigated, reviewed, and found to merit probable cause.  Since we are consumer oriented and strive for transparency, our meetings and hearings are broadcast on the Commission’s website.

I was honored to serve as Chair of the Commission during my 2020-2021 term.  We did not miss a meeting although some were conducted via Zoom due to COVID 19.  During that time the NCREC was among the first real estate commissions in the country to develop and post a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement on the front page of our website.  We became a model for other state level commissions to follow.  We were among the first to designate and hire a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

We continue to make inroads in many aspects of housing and real estate as it affects consumers, commercial entities, property and vacation rental management, and professional education for those involved in the practice of real estate.

My other appointment is to the City of Greensboro’s Planning and Zoning Commission.  I was appointed as a member at large in 2019.  I have served as a member, Vice Chair, and Chair for a period of 3 years.  North Carolina and Greensboro are growing and attracting many businesses and residents.  It is significant to be a part of a process that integrates housing standards into future growth.

We are mindful of the need to change land use in areas where we can adjust density for responsible growth.  We are challenged to look for appropriate in-fill to control urban sprawl.  Members of Planning and Zoning are keenly aware of the need to balance land use to accommodate all types of commercial, industrial and housing needs that are available and attainable.  This is accomplished in a fair and equitable standard for every corner of our city boundaries.

I must say that my work on either Commission is always in the light of accomplished and professional staff that execute our vision with a sense of mission and purpose.  None of what we do could ever be done without the guidance and commitment of the dedicated employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes to enable volunteer success.

2. As a woman in real estate, what challenges have you faced, and how have you worked to overcome them? I think we all find a way to make a place for ourselves at the table.  We have to continue to educate ourselves and contribute.  We have to speak when we have something worthwhile to contribute.

My approach to challenges has been to strive for excellence.  That comes from learning and networking with experts in our fields.  We need to commend accomplishments and be eager to help others in leadership positions.  We always make room for those we are bringing along.  We join in, we don’t limit ourselves from fear of failure, and continue to contribute as our skill and talents allow.

3. What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles in real estate or serve on state boards and commissions? If we are selling the communities in which we live, work and play, it  is critical that we know the community from the inside out.  There is no better way to do that than to volunteer and be involved in things that make out communities work so that we can welcome everyone to live and participate there.

I think it’s necessary to understand that there are many places where our leadership can be effective.  The greatest compliment one can receive is that she made a difference.  So, I would advise other women to identify areas of interest where they can commit themselves and make a difference.  Let those responsible for appointments know of your interest and skills.  Ask!  Then, be unstoppable.  With effective contributions, your skill will be recognized and your leadership will evolve.

4. How do you see women shaping the future of real estate in North Carolina, and what progress still needs to be made? Women do hold up half of the sky.  I think we bring our own brand of insight and empathy to our profession.  We identify areas for change and then dive in to effect those changes.  We understand that business has to be conducted with fairness and equity and that there is room for many allies to work together to create our future.

We need to put our leverage to work.  We need to use our power to influence as well as our financial ability.  We need to collaborate and focus on what is best for all.  I really believe that real estate is a relationship business and women are excellent at developing relationships.

5. Who is a woman—past or present—who has inspired your career, and why? I have been very fortunate to have strong mentors along the way.  My mother insisted that I work on being tactful, my debate coach in High School never let me quit.  My life partner has always encouraged me to try anything, especially what I thought I could not.  We all end the day with the obligation to become a mentor for other women in our lives.  We pay it forward.

1. What inspired you to serve on a regulatory board, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member? I am currently on the board for the NC Housing Finance Agency.  I requested a service position here as I have a background in financial services prior to real estate-so I love bonds-and I am passionate about housing solutions that can create accessibility in all 100 counties. This board gives me a chance to bring a voice from both a financial and real estate/property rights perspective.
2. As a woman in real estate, what challenges have you faced, and how have you worked to overcome them? Our profession is majority female, which speaks to how women have unlimited opportunities to create wealth in many ways in real estate. I’ve seen no challenges in selling houses or in building my brokerage.  The challenges I have faced have been in the leadership side, where I’ve more frequently had issues with other women instead of men.  I’ve worked hard to encourage as many wonderful leaders as possible to step up and showcase their own talents instead of trying to drag anyone else down.
3. What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles in real estate or serve on state boards and commissions? Know your strengths-and those strengths may be in or outside of professional real estate.  Do you have great management skills?  Perspective from a building and developing standpoint? Property management experience? Were you a schoolteacher in a past career?  A stay at home mom?  Take a look at your own story and spotlight where you have found your passion-then go into leadership with something to offer. When I’ve been in leadership roles-I truly can place those who say ‘I’m great at ‘x” but the ones who say ‘put me anywhere’, that’s harder. Know and defend your strengths.
4. How do you see women shaping the future of real estate in North Carolina, and what progress still needs to be made? I don’t look at life through the binary lens of sex.  I just want to see more great, thoughtful people rise up with ideas that make all 100 counties better.  We just need to have leaders who care more about outcomes than themselves.
5. Who is a woman—past or present—who has inspired your career, and why? Cindy Chandler, past president of NCR and a dominant commercial broker in Charlotte, has always been an inspiration. She taught my pre-licensing class almost 30 years ago and her direct approach to real estate has given me the strength to speak my mind more than she likely realizes.  In fact, I need to call and tell her that again.