The open At-Large Director position will be determined by a vote of all eligible members. Members in the Sunflower and Northland Regions will also vote on their respective Region Chairs.

The candidates have submitted the following comments regarding their interest in and qualifications for the positions for which they are running.  Their comments have not been edited or altered in any way.

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

Charise King Bronson

Every aspect moves towards making a difference in the lives of people I come in contact with. The interaction with the mortgage company, the title company, the appraiser \inspectors, provided invaluable education for me and my clients.  I am driven to do the same for the entire real estate community.  As the KCRAR Director, I am excited about the opportunity to have impact on legislation, improving health care for the KCRAR members and all of areas of real estate that would be impacted politically.

I hold a position on the Grievance Committee KCRAR for the past 3 years.  I am currently the co-chair of the Housing Opportunity Committee KCRAR and next year I will be the chairperson.  I am Certified Workforce Housing Specialist.

During my career, I’ve dealt with people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. This experience has shown me there is an extreme need for consistent, compassionate and dedicated Real Estate professionals that lead by example.  As a leader, I have hosted and facilitated home buying workshops at the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. I am a member of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the NAACP and currently attending CREST.  (Certified Real Estate Sales Training)  In addition, I have my own Real Estate firm where I mentor, develop and motivate new agents including agents returning to the industry.  My leadership skills have been showcased on a more personal level. I have taken the time to assist children in the community with home work to ensure a strong educational foundation.   I am committed to the education and development of my immediate community and of those affiliated with real estate.  Each day, at the forefront of my mind is, How can I make this experience memorable, Am I providing information that will enlighten, uplift or empower?  

Glenda Dethloff

I am a Missouri & Kansas Broker for Reece & Nichols Realtors, Inc. in the newly merged Belton/Raymore office. I was first licensed in 1977 and have seen tremendous growth and change in our industry.  I have always enjoyed serving our Board and MLS as well as being a director for the State of Missouri.  I believe that we are supposed to give our time and attention to the things that really make a difference to our world.  In the past, I have taught CE classes at KCRAR; Ethics, Kansas Broker Core, etc., served on the Education Committee, Professional Standards Committee, Arbitration Board, and the original transition team for all the MLS entities.  I have been President of HMLS twice and still serve on committees as time allows.  I am a member of the State By-Laws Committee and Education Committee.  I am a Certified Lay-Pastor for the Heartland District of the United Methodist Church.  I enjoy watching new agents get their first deal and veteran agents sharing their knowledge with others.  I love music, writing, people watching and spending time with my Grandchildren and my Golden Retriever.  I believe that when we quit learning, we quit living and that there is never a good enough reason to be unkind.  “There is a solution to every situation that allows everyone to maintain their dignity and integrity!”  Please cast your vote for Glenda Dethloff, and I look forward to working with YOU!

Diana Welsh

I began my real estate career approximately 23 years ago.  During this span of time I have worked with professional agents, brokers and clients from Kansas City to Denver, Colorado. 

I witnessed our local organization reach new professional levels a few years ago with the merger of the two boards. I am honored to be a part of the KCRAR and I believe that it is my time to give back to a profession that has served me so well since 1984. 

I have served on the First Time Home Buyers Committee and teach the First Time Homebuyers class with other real estate and mortgage professionals at Johnson County Community College through KCRAR. I leave each time feeling that we have helped educate the next generation of home-buyers. After attending the class, they have at least put behind them their initial fear of purchasing a home. An educated base of knowledge has been established and they are ready to begin the process.

For the past 5 years I have also served on the Grievance and Arbitration Committee through KCRAR.  I have been so fortunate to serve with dynamic people who hold our profession to such high standards.  Residing at these hearings have made me a better broker and a better agent.

Currently, I own a company located in Brookside.  It has been an experience second to none. I am a member of the South Plaza Association, the Urban Core, and was recently appointed to serve on the Diocesan School Board, a passion of mine for many years.  I have 10 years teaching experience and a lifetime certificate in the state of Missouri. 

I promise to represent the needs of the agents in cooperation with the Kansas City Regional Association as we continue to raise the level of our profession.

REGION CHAIR CANDIDATES: SUNFLOWER REGION

Lee McClelland

I would like to serve as the Sunflower Region Chairman because I believe in smart growth for our association. The business world is constantly changing and we need to stay informed to be at the top of our game. By creating value for our members; we can all be more successful. I have been licensed since 1996 and an Associate Broker since 2003. I have my ABR and e-Pro designations. I currently help manage a team of 6, with 4 of us being family. I am currently a KAR Director and serve on the Good Neighbor award task force. I am Chair for the Member Services and Technology Group and Vice-Chair of the Government Affairs committee. I am a member of the KAR “Right Track” class of 2007.  I attend the NAR meetings in Washington DC each year and the annual KAR convention.

I am on the Board of Directors for the Harmony South Homes Association for the last 4 years and currently serve as Vice-President. I am an active member of the Prince of Peace Catholic parish and the Knights of Columbus. I also Chair the committee for the Knight’s annual golf tournament. I am a past board member for LEAPS (Lower Extremity Amputees Providing Support). I am a Peer Counselor for the Amputee Coalition of America. I lost my left leg in an automobile accident in 2001 and believe in helping other amputees who are going thru the same thing. Before real estate; I was a Paramedic, Firefighter and Police Officer for 13 years here in the Metro area. Several of those years were at Supervisor and Upper level management positions. My training allows me to remain calm in stressful situations and to think outside of the box.

Andy Sprehe

Andy Sprehe has been in the mortgage banking and real estate business for over 33 years.  While devoting much of his time in personal production of home loans and construction loans, Andy has been a consistent supporter of the Realtor profession, serving on the Board of Directors and as the Education Committee Chairman for the former JOCO Board.  In addition, he has served on the Education Committee and Realtor EXPO for KCRAR.  Andy Sprehe has held a Brokers license in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and was awarded the designations of GRI and CRB.

Professional involvement includes serving in 2007 on the Board of Directors for MBA and  Member at Large with the Kansas WCR Chapter.  In addition Andy serves as Membership Coordinator for the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  At the end of August,  Andy will again serve as Event Coordinator along with Pat Tholen, ReMax First Realtors, on the 4th Annual Charity Tennis Tournament benefiting St. Luke’s, The Children's SPOT developmental program for children.

Andy continues to conduct many Finance Seminars for Realtors, educating them on all phases of loan programs, construction loans and costs as well as Home Buyer Seminars. With a degree in Management and Marketing and Economics minor, Andy consistently puts forth an extra effort to plan, organize and implement various events, task forces and educational programs for the benefit of industry related professionals.

The Realtor profession is a unique industry and it is vital to not only educate the Realtor but to build relationships with your peers through involvement in social events, RPAC, friendly competition at sporting events and growing the profession.  It would certainly be an honor again to build relationships within the Realtor community as a Chairman of the Sunflower Region for KCRAR.

REGION CHAIR CANDIDATES: NORTHLAND REGION

Carter Buschardt

As a member of the Board since 1994 I am licensed in Missouri and Kansas.  My participation in various KCRAR educational classes and social events has given me the opportunity to network with my fellow realtors on a business and social level.

I have been a member of KCRAR entertainment committee, and Master of Ceremonies from 2001-2007.  Prior to real estate I was a musician for 18 years and Comic for 10 years.  Real estate is somewhat like performing in using comedy skills to defuse highly emotional situations when people are involved in the largest investment of their life.  I love putting people and homes together through my networking in real estate and my community involvement.

Fourteen years experience as a Team Manager and Marketing Director for Northland New Homes Subdivisions has given me the leadership ability to make executive decisions, delegate, mediate conflicts and issues, mentor new agents and lead by example  I was the 2002 Top Sales Agent (unassisted) and have been in the Top 10 Sales Awards since 2003.  I live in the Northland and volunteer for a multitude of charity organizations.

Participating in North Branch has given me an education on the vast changes in the real estate market, and re-enforces how important it is for realtors to be involved a the local and state level in order for quality and productive changes to take place.

I want to have a voice in the way things are done with KCRAR, MLS and various other procedural activities within our industry.  I can contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience from my previous experience in the entertainment industry that is not generally recognized in the conservative procedures of the real estate industry.  I would be honored to represent my real estate colleagues as a Northland Regional Director for 2008-2009.

Linda Cone

I desire to serve on the KCRAR Board of Directors as the Chairman of the Northland Region.  I want to be involved to continue the progress and growth that the last two years have brought to the Region.  I feel the Regions are very vital for the involvement of the members to foster leadership at the grass root level, thus making the organization stronger as a whole!

Experience and Involvement in Real Estate

I have been a licensed REALTOR since 1991, obtained my Broker license in 2004.  I have been a MAR Director for a total of 4 years, most recently 2005-2007.  I was Rookie Salesperson of the Year in 1993 and REALTOR/Salesperson of the Year in 1997.  I am a supporter and contributor to RPAC and believe it is very important for other members to see the value and understand how important RPAC is to our group!  I feel in this position I could help fellow REALTORS see the value and make a difference for RPAC.

Women’s Council of REALTORS has also prepared me for a leadership role.  I have held officer positions in the organization to include most recently President of the Northland Chapter, 2005-2006 and before that I held the President’s position for the 1996-1997 year. 

Experience and Involvement in the Community

I am an active member in my church.  I am a board member for Heartland Habitat for Humanity along with being a supporter and contributor to that organization.  I am a supporter and contributor to the North Kansas City School District and Park Hill School District.  Education is very important in my life.  Knowledge is power and what you can pass on to another builds a better foundation!  

Thank you for the opportunity.  I would appreciate your vote!