2025 Achieve

Nancy Merdzinski

• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Jan 29, 2025

  [Add-on] Professional Standards Workshop

Doug Merriam

Realtor® Party Advocacy Director

Michigan Realtors®

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

Amy Taylor

West Michigan Regional Director

Michigan Realtors®

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

Brian Westrin

General Counsel

Michigan Realtors®

Brian Westrin is General Counsel for the Michigan Realtors®. He helps facilitate both the Public Policy Committee & Legal Action Committee. He regularly presents on legal and policy issues, often working directly with local associations on emerging concerns. Brian is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Michigan State University College of Law.

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

• 9:20 - 9:50 AM, Jan 31, 2025 Salon B & C

  Amplify 2.0

• 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Jan 31, 2025 Salon B & C

  Best Practices for Leadership

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

Shannon Harner

CEO

Southeastern Border Association of Realtors®

Shannon Harner has 22 years of Association Management experience becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the Southeastern Border Association of Realtors (SEBAR) in 2019, where she brings her passion for community development and leadership to advance the real estate profession. With extensive experience in association management, Shannon has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among real estate professionals, promoting ethical standards, and enhancing member services. Under her leadership, SEBAR has strengthened its advocacy efforts, expanded educational opportunities, and championed initiatives that positively impact housing and economic growth in the region. Known for her innovative thinking and dedication to excellence, Shannon has earned the RCE Designation, C2EX Endorsement, AHWD, e-PRO and is Alliance Certified (ALLY).

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Jan 30, 2025 MCC 1 & 2

  Breakouts by Local Mega/Large

Brian Westrin

General Counsel

Michigan Realtors®

Brian Westrin is General Counsel for the Michigan Realtors®. He helps facilitate both the Public Policy Committee & Legal Action Committee. He regularly presents on legal and policy issues, often working directly with local associations on emerging concerns. Brian is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Michigan State University College of Law.

• 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  Practice Changes & MLS Enforcement Panel

Kay Kossen

Attorney

Kreis Enderle

• 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  Practice Changes & MLS Enforcement Panel

Anton Letica

CEO

MichRIC

Anton has been the CEO of MichRIC, a regional database and product provider serving over 13,000 members and owned by 12 REALTOR Organizations, for the past five years. Under his leadership, MichRIC is dedicated to delivering innovative products and service to its members while advancing the organization with a clear and strategic vision.

Anton holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from WMU Cooley Law School.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Taylor, their 10-month-old son, Freddie, and their golden doodle, Marshall.

• 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  Practice Changes & MLS Enforcement Panel

Karen Kage

CEO

Realcomp II Ltd.

Karen Kage serves as the CEO of Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, Realcomp, where she leads an organization that supports over 14,700 MLS subscribers. Under her leadership, Realcomp has become a pivotal resource in Michigan's real estate industry.
Recognized as a Notable Woman in Real Estate by *Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine*, Karen's contributions to the field are widely acknowledged. She currently oversees a team of approximately 30 employees, guiding the operations of Realcomp.
Beyond her professional role, Karen is an active member of her community. She serves on the Board of Trustees at Lifepoint Christian Church and The Well of Waterford.
On a personal level, Karen is passionate about reading, music, and sports and most importantly, spending time with her family. Those who know her well quickly recognize three key qualities: her natural leadership abilities, her love for life, and her unwavering integrity.

• 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  Practice Changes & MLS Enforcement Panel

Rebecca Berke

Director of Legal Education

Michigan Realtors®

Becky Berke serves as the Director of Legal Education for Michigan Realtors® . She began her role in 2016 after acting as a legislative and legal intern for the Michigan State Senate. Becky earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan Technological University and her law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law. In her role at Michigan Realtors® , Becky conducts legal and legislative research on issues that affect the real estate industry. She also assists in developing content for legal continuing education. As an advocate of Fair Housing education and outreach, Becky also serves as the staff liaison to the Fair Housing Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

• 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Jan 31, 2025 Salon B & C

  Best Practices for Leadership

Brad Ward

Vice President, Public Policy & Legal Affairs

Michigan Realtors®

Brad Ward serves as Vice President of Public Policy & Legal Affairs for the Michigan Realtors®. He has worked for the Michigan Realtors since 2001, starting as director of legal affairs and a liaison to local Realtor® associations in mid and northern Michigan. Since 2013, Ward has been the association's head lobbyist.

• 10:35 AM - 11:45 PM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  ABC's of RPAC

Robert Kennedy III

President of Kenntik Kommunciations

Kennetik Kommunications

Robert Kennedy III wants to live in a world where people are no longer afraid to confidently tell their stories...and they can also eat Reese's Peanut Butter cups for every meal without any repercussions.

His work as a keynote speaker and trainer in the area of leadership communication has led him to work with organizations such as the US Coast Guard, Barnes & Noble, Social Security Administration, Panda Restaurant Group, AARP, T-Mobile, and UNCF as well as appearances on Fox, CW and other networks.

He is involved in his community through various boards including the school boards, Association for Talent Development Maryland Chapter, youth leadership programs and helping non-profits conduct mock interviews.

He is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association. Ladies & Gentlemen, Robert Kennedy III

• 9:15 - 10:15 AM, Jan 30, 2025 Salon B & C

  Unlocking Personal Connection: The Secret to Impactful Leadership

Amanda Lankerd

Chief Executive officer

Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors

Amanda Lankerd became the Chief Executive Officer for the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS® in December 2017.

She has over 20 years of business and non-profit management experience and has been responsible for the acceleration of early stage and start-up companies, community engagement for city-wide initiatives, administration of grant and public art programs, co-development of an arts incubator, business recruitment and retention, expansion of Marshall’s 700-acre industrial and research park and more.

Amanda earned her B.A. from Western Michigan University with a major in finance and minor in general business. She is also a Harwood Certified Coach by the Harwood Institute of Public Innovation.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Jan 30, 2025 MCC 3 & 4

  Breakouts By Local Medium/Small

Frances Jackson

Frances Jackson, PhD, RN, PRP

Frances Jackson joined the Detroit Unit – National Association of Parliamentarians in 1996. In 1997, she passed the NAP membership exam. Currently, she is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP).
Nationally, she served on the Education Committee of NAP, and twice she was elected to the Commission on Credentialing. At the state level, she was president of the Michigan Unit of Registered Parliamentarians from 2020-2022. Currently, she is the President of the Michigan State Association of Parliamentarians. She has a full parliamentary practice and has given numerous presentations on parliamentary procedure at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Professionally, Dr. Jackson is retired university professor. She taught nursing for 30 years at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Dr. Jackson has been married since 1972 to Frank W. Jackson, III, an attorney in private practice. They have two children and four grandchildren.

• 10:20 - 11:00 AM, Jan 31, 2025 MCC 1 & 2

  Breakouts: The Point of Parliamentarian Procedure

Joe Kras

Communications & Marketing Director

Michigan Realtors®

Joe Kras serves as the Communications & Marketing Director for the Michigan Realtors®. He oversees all Michigan Realtors® publications, social media and legal video series.

• 9:20 - 9:50 AM, Jan 31, 2025 Salon B & C

  Amplify 2.0