Thank you for a Successful 2025 Spring Conference
Let's Recap...
The Washington REALTORS® Spring Conference held April 23-25th in Tulalip was an exciting three-day event packed full of information and networking from members across Washington state.Below is a detailed recap of the conference's highlights and key outcomes:
April 23, 2025
LEGISLATIVE STEERING:After convening the meeting, members engaged in a thorough review of high-priority legislation aimed at promoting pro-housing policies. This included support for HB 1096, which addresses lot splitting, as well as condo liability reforms outlined in HB 1403 and HB 1516. The Committee shifted its stance from neutral to opposed regarding HB 1491, which pertains to transit-oriented development. This change in position was prompted by a missed opportunity to capitalize on density and supply potential within TOZs and existing infrastructure.
The committee addressed fiscal concerns, particularly opposition to proposals that would raise property taxes, expand sales taxes on services, and increase B&O taxes. Additionally, they discussed other significant issues, including their opposition to the rent control bill (EHB 1217).
Support was reaffirmed for various bills aimed at enhancing housing supply, reforming land use, and improving permitting efficiency. The committee received a comprehensive report on the status of all the bills we have been tracking, monitoring, and advocating for thus far.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:
The meeting began with a review of proposed changes to Article 4 of the Code of Ethics, led by Committee Chair, Mike Crowley. Ken Sax provided an overview of best practices for Professional Standards hearings, emphasizing ways to strengthen fairness and efficiency. The group also reviewed a recent NAR case study and facilitated conversation around the big takeaways. They concluded by highlighting the importance of the REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) program and encouraged members to explore this program.
RPAC TRUSTEES:
Committee Chair, Keri McCombs provided an update on the 2025 RPAC fundraising goals, discussing current progress and strategies for the upcoming year. Matt Side, 2025 WR VP of Government Affairs, followed with timely updates from the recent legislative session, outlining important wins and ongoing priorities for Washington REALTORS®. Nick Scarci, NAR Senior Political Representative, also shared national updates, offering a deeper look into RPAC efforts at the federal level.
The committee reviewed REALTOR® Champions Club activities before moving into open discussion, where Trustees shared recent fundraising event updates and asked questions. Final announcements included a reminder about the Major Investor Reception later that evening and the upcoming C3 Conference scheduled for July.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION:
The DEI meeting featured two impactful presentations. First, committee members heard from representatives of the Tulalip Tribe, learning more about the Tribe’s history and long-respected community contributions. Following that, a panel discussion titled "Fostering Diversity in Recruitment: A DEI Perspective" featured Angie Mykel, Tony Lopez, Brooks Glenn, and Jasmyn Jefferson, who shared strategies and their own experiences around promoting diversity within real estate leadership and recruitment. Before adjourning, the committee received updates on activities within Multicultural Associations, upcoming NAR Legislative Meetings, and plans to celebrate various upcoming Heritage Months.
REALTOR® AWARDS CEREMONY:
During the Awards Luncheon, WR recognized award winners in the following categories; REALTOR® of the Year, REALTOR® Achievement, Community Service, Citizen of the Year, Partner of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Life Service Awards, and two education awards, including the Hugh Hawkins and Eddy Awards!
Congratulations to all of our OUTSTANDING award nominees and winners! See the full list and access photos from the ceremony here.
April 24, 2025
MEMBERSHIP CORE COMMITTEE:Committee Chair, Rich Jacobson, called the meeting to order and welcomed Annie Fitzsimmons, Washington REALTORS® Legal Hotline Lawyer, for a discussion on common legal topics she's seeing hit the hotline right now. Members also heard from a panel of experts on fraud detection and prevention, featuring Rick Randall, Jillayne Schlicke, Adriena Clifton, and Annie Fitzsimmons, who shared tips and strategies to help protect REALTORS® and consumers.
Committee reports followed, with updates from Awards Chair Cheryl McDermott, Communications Chair Haydn Halsted, and Education Chair Joshua Shinabarger. Each provided updates on current initiatives and upcoming projects.
OPERATIONS CORE COMMITTEE:
The Operations Committee meeting kicked off with Kathy Berndtson, VP of Operations, providing an update on proposed amendments to the WR Bylaws, then members received a crash course on "Credentialing & Check-in 101" for voting Board Members.
Committee reports followed, with Gina Mosey reporting on Orientation, Katie Copeland updating on YPN, and Ken Sax providing an update from the Professional Standards Subcommittee. Sandy McKenzie then shared updates from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
WR Treasurer Dave Shinabarger called the meeting to order and welcomed Andrew Van Ness of Greenwood Ohlund PS to present the 2024 audit reports, providing an overview of the organization's financial standing. Following the presentation, the Committee reviewed and approved the unaudited WR and REALTOR® PAC financial statements as of March 31, 2025.
Updates were shared on current membership counts and the meeting concluded with Treasurer Dave Shinabarger outlining the timeline for the 2025 budget process and upcoming meetings.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN):
YPN Chair, Katie Copeland kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome before introducing guest speaker Emily Bibby, a member of the NAR YPN Advisory Board. Emily shared valuable info on all things YPN, sparking thoughtful discussions around its goals and mission for 2025-2026. Attendees explored how local YPNs are currently structured and whether there’s interest in launching new YPN chapters within various associations.
The committee then dove into upcoming events, including highlights from the Pre-Conference meet-up and a preview of plans for the WR Fall Conference. There was also a focused conversation on NAR Committee Applications, reminding everyone that the submission window for these positions is open until May 15th.
April 26, 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGLEADERSHIP ELECTIONS:
The Nominations Committee met prior to the conference and approved a motion to finalize the slate of candidates eligible to appear on the ballot for the Friday, April 26th, 2025 election.
The following candidates appeared on the ballot and were elected to serve on the Washington REALTORS® 2026 leadership team:
Kim Piper
2026 Washington REALTORS® Treasurer-Elect
Michele Hunt
2026 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Operations
Garrett Nelson
2026 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Government Affairs
Joshua Shinabarger
2026 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Membership
Congratulations to all! WR is excited to be working with you in 2026 and beyond.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Board of Directors meeting opened with a memoriam to honor those in the Washington REALTOR® family who have passed away recently, followed by words of inspiration, the Pledge to the Flag, the REALTOR® Pledge, and a warm welcome from President John Blom.
CEO Nathan Gorton provided a Board fiduciary orientation, and members received an extensive national update from 2025 NAR President-elect Kevin Brown and Region 12 RVP Candis Dorsch. Elections followed, with voting held for the 2026 Treasurer-elect and Vice President-elects for Government Affairs, Membership, and Operations.
The Board addressed a few important action items, including approving a motion to amend the WR Bylaws to add a Fair Housing Training requirement, and a motion to pay off the WR building loan. Updates were given on the Member Outreach Campaign with Watson Creative, activity and WR participation in REALTORS® Relief Foundation, what members need to know about the 2025 Legislative Session, RPAC activities, and the upcoming Mongolia Trade Mission.
The meeting concluded with special recognitions for outstanding member and staff contributions, important upcoming event announcements, and an invitation to attend national and state conferences later this year. The meeting adjourned after a productive morning of important discussions and decisions.
Thank you for attending the 2025 Spring Conference. We hope to see you in Spokane this fall!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
Washington REALTORS Fall ConferenceSeptember 24-26, 2025
Spokane, WA.
NAR NXT | Annual Convention
November 14-16, 2025
Houston, TX.