Dear Members:
I am thrilled and honored to serve as your Board President this year alongside a stellar set of Directors including Sabina Alieva, Herb Alston, Walt Baczkowski, Lauren Bensinger, Marc Dickow, Nina Dosanjh, Rob Edwards, Vanessa Gamp, Jodi Halldorson, Dan Hershkowitz, Steven Huang, Amanda Jones, Ashley Klein, Damon Knox, Randall Kostick, Cathy Scharetg, Andrea Swetland, Rebecca White and Jeffery Woo. My sincere thanks to these individuals who are volunteering their time to benefit the greater San Francisco real estate community.
The San Francisco Association of Realtors® has given so much to me over the years. Since my real estate career began in 2009, I have been a part of small brokerages. As such, the toolkit of technology solutions, professional education, and networking opportunities provided by the Association have been incredibly valuable to me and my business. So, I have been determined to give back. I served on the Forms Committee for two years starting in 2012, then transitioned to the MLS and Technology Committee in 2014 for a six-year run, and joined the Board of Directors in 2018. Also, I am proud to have been elected as the San Francisco Women’s Council of Realtors® President in 2016 and I continue to serve as a California Association of Realtors® Director as I have done since 2019.
Throughout these roles, I have been energized by the talented Realtors® and affiliate members who bring unique perspectives to vibrant committee and board discussions. I have stayed up-to-date on San Francisco’s ever-changing real estate issues and, most importantly, I have made lasting friendships which I treasure. So, I encourage all of you -- please consider getting involved in your Association. Join a committee! Attend events! It’s been a worthwhile experience for me, both professionally and personally, thus far.
Now, to 2022. I have a few key priorities for our Association:
- Leverage our 4,500+ strong Association membership to promote homeownership, protect the rights of homeowners, and improve fair access to affordable housing through public policy. Our Government Affairs Committee will lead this charge, including informing us on how to participate in the four elections slated for San Francisco in 2022. Let’s mobilize our collective voices and the power of our networks to make a difference on these important issues that affect our business.
- Cultivate the leadership pipeline within the San Francisco Association of Realtors®, with special attention to encouraging members from communities and backgrounds not already represented to join us. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will be instrumental in this effort. Our goal is for the Association leadership to reflect the wonderful diversity of the entire San Francisco Realtor® community.
- Ensure you have superior technology tools, education, and information at the ready so that you can shine with your clients! Our committees and staff are ready to deliver on what members need in 2022. Let’s also work together on data integrity within the SFARMLS, so that listing details are accurate and the best interests of our industry and our clients are served. Cultivating a strong and positive reputation for Realtors® and the service we provide is important to us all, and it starts with how we enter data into the MLS.
As you know well, there is never a dull moment in real estate. Every client and every transaction presents their own set of unique opportunities and challenges. As Realtors®, we’re ready for it. So, though 2022 is starting out with a few bumps, I am confident that our Association and the San Francisco real estate community will continue to thrive. Please contact me with questions or suggestions. I look forward to a productive year ahead.
Stay healthy and safe,
Jeannie Gant
2022 President, San Francisco Association of Realtors®
