RIAR/MLS Committees & Taskforces
RIAR Committee Chairs and Staff Liaisons
Each year, REALTORS® from across the country make a difference by volunteering at their local, state, and national REALTOR® associations.
As a member-driven organization, The Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® (RIAR) relies on volunteer leaders to guide decision-making and pursue the strategic objectives of the organization. Getting involved in leadership is a great way to give back to the profession while gaining connections and insights that will raise your own career profile to a higher level.
Please take a moment to learn about our committees and the work they do. If you have an interest in serving on any of the committees below, please contact RIAR at [email protected].
| Board of Directors | Chris Whitten, President Philip Tedesco, Staff Liaison |
| The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association empowered by the bylaws to lead, and ultimately be responsible for, the corporation. | |
| By-Laws | Mary Shekarchi, Chair Monica Staaf/Heather Setters, Staff Liaison(s) |
| The By-laws Committee will review and prepare RIAR by-laws amendments that may be mandated by NAR, or suggested by the RIAR Board of Directors, to be voted on by the membership. RIAR By-laws amendments mandated by NAR policy only need approval by the Board of Directors and do not need membership approval. | |
| Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee | John Dolan, Chair Kerry Park, Staff Liaison |
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The purpose of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of RIAR is to develop and recommend strategies and actions that will identify, engage, recruit and mentor future leaders that represent the diversity of our markets and the membership of our Association; recommend policy and action regarding the inclusion of diversity in the Association’s membership and governance; foster awareness and understanding of issues related to race, ethnicity, disability, and other protected classes in real estate, and; educate members to serve their diverse clientele sensitively, equally, and professionally. See brochure. |
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| Finance | Crystal D'Agostino, Chair Philip Tedesco/Claudia Chappelle, Staff Liaison(s) |
| Reviews the financial reports of the association’s operation, assists in preparation of annual budget;monitors the financial health and investment direction of the association. The finance committee receives the annual audit presentation, and assists in the planning of the annual budget. | |
| Forms Committee | Ryan Antrop, Chair Monica Staaf/Heather Setters, Staff Liaison(s) |
| Creates and updates model real estate forms and contracts to meet the needs of REALTORS®. Updates existing forms to comply with legal and legislative changes and to meet the changing demands of the market. | |
| Global Business Council | Agueda Del Borgo, Chair Kerry Park, Staff Liaison |
| The purpose of the Global Business Council of RIAR is to further enhance opportunities for REALTORS® to conduct business globally and to participate successfully in real estate transactions with international clients and customers by providing REALTORS® with education, information, and networking resources. The council will also identify avenues to promote and market Rhode Island’s commercial and residential real estate opportunities internationally through increased outreach, and participation in international activities. | |
| Government Affairs Committee | Susan Martins-Phipps, Chair Trevor Chasse, Staff Liaison |
| Positions the association as a community leader and opinion shaper as we try to strategically lead the state on legislative issues. Advocates on behalf of REALTORS® to preserve, protect and promote private ownership, transfer and use of real property and to advocate for a legislative and regulatory climate in which REALTORS® are able to conduct their business at the state and local level. | |
| Grievance Committee | Mary Baron, Chair Heather Setters, Staff Liaison |
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Conducts a preliminary review of disciplinary complaints to determine whether the complaint should be forwarded to a hearing panel of the professional standards committee (training required to serve on this committee). REQUIREMENT: Must serve on local Grievance or Professional Standards Committee for a minimum of three (3) years. |
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| Nominating Committee | Sally Hersey, Chair Monica Staaf/Heather Setters, Staff Liaison(s) |
| Responsible for recruiting at least one (1) qualified candidate for each vacant Officer, Director, and NAR Director position to be filled, as well as recommends Honorary Life Member candidates to the Board of Directors. | |
| Past Presidents’ Council | Sally Hersey, Chair Philip Tedesco, Staff Liaison |
| The Past Presidents’ Council provides input to the current President and Officers as needed and requested by the current RIAR President. | |
| Professional Development | Dean deTonnancourt, Chair Jennifer Beylard, Staff Liaison |
| Recommends courses and presentations that are pertinent to the industry and current trends for our membership’s knowledge and growth in professionalism and financial success. The Education committee also recommends new classes and curricula for REALTORS®, and is responsible for assisting with the coordination of the education programs offered by the association. | |
| Professional Standards Committee | Duane Boucher, Chair (2nd three-year term ends in 2026) Heather Setters, Staff Liaison |
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Oversees mediation, hearings, and procedures related to commission disputes and/or alleged violations of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics for REALTORS® and members of the public when members from more than one local association are involved. REQUIREMENT: Must serve on local Grievance or Professional Standards Committee for a minimum of three (3) years. |
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| Public Policy & Political Advisory Coordinating Committee | TBD, Chair Trevor Chasse, Staff Liaison |
| The Committee shall have supervision and control over the Issues Mobilization and Legal Action Fund and determine the methods of promoting REALTOR® positions on public policy issues and when funds will be disbursed. | |
| RPAC Fundraising Committee | Michael Pereira, Chair Trevor Chasse, Staff Liaison |
| Coordinates with local RPAC Fundraising Committees to educate and encourage REALTORS® and REALTOR®-affiliates to invest in RPAC. Assists with fundraising events, major donor events, outreach, and broker awareness campaigns. Responsible for ensuring that the state meets national and state fundraising goals. | |
| RPAC Trustees | Jennifer Hilton, Chair Trevor Chasse, Staff Liaison |
| Identifies and disburses funds to candidates for state and local office who support REALTOR® goals and private property rights using objective criteria. Also assists with candidate evaluation and development, community outreach development, issues mobilization, lobbying, member political mobilization and education and RPAC fundraising. | |
| REALTOR® of the Year (ROTY) Taskforce | Agueda Del Borgo, Chair Philip Tedesco/Heather Setters, Staff Liaison(s) |
| Selects the State REALTOR® of the Year from among the Rhode Island local Associations of REALTORS® annual REALTORS® of the Year. The Chair of this committee is the previous year’s State ROTY recipient. | |
| REALTOR® Risk Management Committee | Sandi Warner, Chair Monica Staaf, Staff Liaison |
| Monitors risk trends, and educates REALTORS® about the risks. Oversees the development of risk management educational programs, products, and services. | |
| Young Professionals Network | Jason Boulay, Chair Tricia Charves, Staff Liaison |
| Provide the tools and encouragement for young real estate professionals to be actively engaged in the Association, and provide them opportunities to excel in their careers through activities such as social events, volunteering and education. YPN also assists the Association in communicating the value of the Association to young members. |