Mainstreet Organization of Realtors announces new president and board of directors
On Sept. 12, 2024 Mainstreet REALTORS® announced Connie Vavra as its president for 2024-2025.
Located in Round Lake Beach, and part of the RE/Max American Dream Group, Vavra has spent more than a decade in the real estate industry. She is deeply involved in the Realtor community at the state and national levels, working with the National Association of Realtors Young Professionals Network Advisory Board Region Seven and serving as chair for the Illinois REALTORS® Professional Standards.
As she looks forward to her tenure as the organization's president, Vavra noted that it's been a challenging time in real estate.
“These challenges aren’t obstacles — they’re opportunities. Just like helping someone achieve their American Dream requires dedication and perseverance, so does meeting the challenges of our profession. We will use these moments to improve, to serve our clients with more transparency, more integrity and a renewed sense of purpose,” she said in her installation speech.
Vavra also holds numerous certifications. She is a Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor and Military Relocation Professional. She is also e-Pro Certified, recognizing that she has mastered advanced digital marketing techniques, and At Home with Diversity Certified, giving her the ability to work within rapidly changing multicultural markets.
“Together, we are more than just Realtors. We are builders of communities, facilitators of dreams and stewards of futures. By working together with integrity, pushing boundaries, and constantly striving to improve, we can create lasting, meaningful change for our clients, our colleagues and our communities,” Vavra concluded.
Vavra took over for Tim Ryan, immediate past president of Mainstreet REALTORS®, who co-founded Real People Realty, Inc., and now oversees a family-owned real estate portfolio.
“In addition to ranking as a top performer in real estate, Connie is a passionate, selfless, forward-thinking leader,” said Tim Ryan, Mainstreet REALTORS® immediate past president. “I am proud to pass the torch to an amazing colleague and friend. I know, under her stewardship, Mainstreet will continue to advocate for Realtors and consumers, so more people can achieve the dream of homeownership.”
In addition to installing Vavra as its next president, Mainstreet REALTORS® welcomed the following board members, who will serve the organization over the next year:
Kinga Korpacz, president elect, Exit Realty Redefined, Rolling Meadows
Tim Ryan, immediate past president, Real People Realty, Mokena
Greg Phillips, treasurer, Baird & Warner, Arlington Heights
Sheena Baker, Keller Williams Innovate, Aurora
Dave Carlin, Carlin Realty, Naperville
David Ferrel Jr., Su Familia Real Estate, Bolingbrook
Karen Kramford, Century 21 Circle, Naperville
Harriet Kubicz, HomeSmart Realty Group, Orland Park
Carrie Little, CarMarc Realty Group, West Chicago
Leslie Levy, @Properties, Christie's International Real Estate, Highland Indiana
Shirin Marvi, Shirin Marvi Real Estate, Lemont
Quin O'Brien, 4 Sale Realty Advantage, Grayslake
Brian Palm, Palm Real Estate Ventures Inc., Naperville
Annette Panzek, Annette C Panzek LTD, Carol Stream
Debbie Prodehl, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Shorewood
Jennifer Sjoblom, Baird & Warner, Frankfort
Tigi Tasso, john greene, Realtor, Naperville
“Connie loves the real estate industry and prides herself on educating others, whether they are new to the job or a 10-year veteran,” said John Gormley, CEO of Mainstreet REALTORS®. “I am proud to welcome her as our next leader and look forward to working with her, our board and 19,000 members to continue advocating for our industry, the consumers we serve and thriving local communities.”