Committee Descriptions
The New York State Association of REALTORS® has more than 30 committees, forums, working groups, and foundations for members to participate in and offer guidance and support for the organization as a whole. We value your volunteerism as we learn new trends and navigate issues that impact the real estate industry. Please consider joining us and volunteering your time.
2024 Committee List
2023 Committee List
Committee Descriptions
Appraisal Committee – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
The Appraisal Committee is an open committee whose objectives are to; enhance the public image of real estate appraisers, provide educational programs for real estate appraisers, enhance the professional standards of real estate appraisers, provide information services to the appraisal industry, and provide recommendations on legislative issues. The chair of the Appraisal Committee will also serve on the Executive Committee and Legislative Steering Committee as the appraisal representative for the respective year.
Article 12A Working Group – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The Article 12A Working Group is a subcommittee of the Legislative Steering Committee and its mission is to monitor New York State legislative policy surrounding Article 12A, the New York Real Estate Licensing Law. The working group reports directly to the Legislative Steering Committee. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the working group is open to all members who request it.
Association Executives Advisory Committee – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
The Association Executives Advisory Committee is comprised of Association Executives from each local board. The AEAC may make recommendations to the Board of Directors on policy issues before the association. The committee will also make recommendations to the state association president and president-elect on Association Executives nominated to serve on key NYSAR committees.
Association Executives Forum – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
The Association Executives Forum provides an opportunity for local board/association executives to discuss items of mutual concern relative to the operation of their respective organization and to plan programs to achieve their effectiveness. They are responsible for the Annual Association Executive Seminar for Executive Officers and Staff Specialists and awarding scholarship(s) to the NAR Association Executives Institute.
Budget & Finance Committee – Staff Liaison: Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
Commercial Issues Working Group – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The Commercial Issues Working Group is a subcommittee of the Legislative Steering Committee and its mission is to monitor and analyze New York State legislative policy surrounding commercial real estate issues. The working group reports directly to the Legislative Steering Committee. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the working group is open to all members who request it.
Communications, Marketing and Technology Forum – Staff Liaisons: Scott Morlock (ext. 208) [email protected] and Sean Dowling (ext. 234) [email protected]
The Communications, Marketing, and Technology Forum provides the opportunity for members to learn about the latest trends in these areas as it relates to the real estate industry. The Forum also encourages members to share ideas for applying what’s learned to enhance business practices. The chair is appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the forum is open to all members who request it.
Co-op Issues Working Group – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The Co-op Issues Working Group is a subcommittee of the Legislative Steering Committee and its mission is to monitor New York State and New York City legislative and public policy developments dealing with cooperative housing. The working group reports to the Legislative Steering Committee. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the working group is open to all members who request it.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Staff Liaison: Annie Friedman (ext. 207) [email protected] & Shylah Addante (ext. 222) [email protected]
The NYSAR Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee shall be comprised of one REALTOR® from every local board who will be appointed by the local board president, a chair, a vice chair appointed by the NYSAR President-elect, and three local board association staff representatives recommended by the Association Executives Committee and approved by the NYSAR President-elect.
Committee Mission Statement: To assist NYSAR, local boards and brokerages achieve greater participation by REALTORS® from underrepresented communities and provide a unified strategy of promoting diversity and inclusion.
NYS Real Estate Education Foundation – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
Education Management Committee – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
The Education Management Committee provides educational services and programs to meet the needs of local boards and members. It develops and provides educational programming for the Annual Conference and business meetings, administers the REALTOR® Institute Program within the mandates of the National Association of REALTORS® and provides for members to earn the GRI Designation. The committee also provides other NAR designation programs to members across the state, including the ABR, CIPS, GREEN, RSPS, SFR, and SRES. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Executive Committee – Staff Liaison: Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
Faculty Development Sub-committee – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
The Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee supports and promotes equal opportunity in real estate through the distribution of information and discussion of established and new concepts. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Global, Resort and Second Home Markets Committee – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
This committee promotes educational and marketing opportunities among REALTORS® specializing in second home, resort, and investment properties in a local, national, or international marketplace.
Grievance Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
A termed committee of five individuals serving staggered three-year terms who receive ethics complaints and arbitration requests to determine if an ethics hearing or arbitration hearing is warranted. All positions are appointed by the NYSAR President.
Housing Opportunities Committee – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
The Housing Opportunities Committee develops a program of coordination, education, implementation, and dissemination of information to acquaint NYSAR members with the benefits of involvement in affordable housing programs and opportunities. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Housing Opportunities Foundation – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
Created by the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of REALTORS® in 2003, the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that promotes safe, decent and affordable housing for citizens of New York State. With the goal of assisting individuals in becoming homeowners, the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation identifies outside partnership opportunities with organizations that facilitate homeownership and also provides direct support in the home buying process to low-to-moderate income families. Members serving on the Foundation Board are appointed by a nominating committee selected by the HOF President and the NYSAR President.
Investment Committee – Staff Liaison: Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
Issues Mobilization Committee – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The Issues Mobilization Committee is a termed committee consisting of a chair and vice-chair, 12 members appointed by the NYSAR President serving three-year terms (eight regional members and four at-large members), plus the chair of Legislative Steering, and a Local Board/Association Executive Officer Representative. The committee monitors legislative and public policy development at the state and local level identifies issues warranting REALTOR® public advocacy programs and provides funding for specific campaigns of support or opposition.
Leadership Academy Advisory Board – Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
The purpose of the NYS Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy is to identify, educate, and inspire future leaders in a professional, supportive environment. The Advisory Board seeks applicants representing a cross-section of the profession. In addition to their real estate and REALTOR®Association activities, these leaders and potential leaders should be active in; business, education, the arts, government, community organizations, ethnic or minority groups, or real estate specialty areas, and will reflect the diversity of the NYS Association of REALTORS®. The Leadership Academy Advisory Board assists NYSAR with oversight of the NYS AOR Leadership Academy. Leadership Academy Advisory Board helps identify emerging REALTOR® leaders and encourages them to sharpen their leadership skills so that they may exert a strong positive influence on the future of the local, state and national associations and boards, as well as their profession. The Advisory Board reviews previous class evaluations and provides input on future Leadership Academy content and curriculum. The Advisory Board reviews applications to the academy and selects individuals to participate.
Legal Action Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
The Legal Action Committee is a termed committee consisting of 12 individuals appointed by the NYSAR President for a term of three years. The NYSAR Secretary/Treasurer is also a member of the committee. It maintains a watch on legal issues arising throughout the state which could have an effect on the membership and the real estate industry, communicates legal information of importance to the local boards/associations and the membership, and administers the Legal Action Fund for proactive and reactive legal matters.
Legislative Policy Forum – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The Legislative Policy Forum advises the Legislative Steering Committee on governmental and legislative issues affecting the real estate industry and the membership. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Forum are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Legislative Steering Committee – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
This is a termed committee consisting of a chair and vice-chair, eight regional representatives, eight at-large members (four of which are the respective chairs of the legislative working groups), one commercial practitioner, one appraiser, one local board Government Affairs Director, and a local board/association Executive Officer representative all appointed by the NYSAR President. The chair of RPAC Trustees serves on the committee. The committee establishes NYSAR’s governmental and legislative agenda affecting the real estate industry and the membership and develops and implements strategies to communicate association positions to government officials and the public sector.
Local Board/Association Education Forum – Staff Liaison: Shenita Daniels (ext. 220) [email protected]
This forum provides an opportunity for local board education staff members and volunteers to meet with the New York State Department of State staff and to discuss items of mutual concern. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
The Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee disseminates MLS policy as promulgated by the National Association of REALTORS® and offers discussion on MLS operations and administration. It also provides information and updates on various topics related to the operation and administration of multiple listing services by REALTOR® boards and associations. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
New York City Issues Working Group – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The New York City Issues Working Group is a subcommittee of the Legislative Steering Committee. Its mission is to monitor New York State and New York City legislative policy surrounding real estate issues in the City of New York. The working group reports to the Legislative Steering Committee. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the working group are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Nominating Committee (and alternates) – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
NYSAR Awards Committee – Staff Liaison: Ali Mann (ext. 203) [email protected]
The Awards Committee includes representatives from all regions of the NYSAR along with the immediate past recipient of the REALTOR of the Year award and a Past President. The committee selects the recipient of the annual New York State REALTOR of the Year award. In addition, the Awards Committee selects to three individuals nominated for the NY State Association of REALTORS Community Service Award and one individual for the Alan Yassky Distinguished Service Award. Individuals who serve on the committee are appointed by the President for a one year term.
NYSAR Past Presidents’ Advisory Board – Staff Liaison: Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
The advisory board shall be composed of all former presidents of NYSAR which will serve the NYSAR leadership team and the CEO by providing advice and counsel. They shall meet twice annually during the NYSAR business meetings and at such other times as deemed necessary by NYSAR leadership and/or CEO. The chair shall be the second immediate past president who is able to serve.
Organizational Planning Committee – Staff Liaison: Duncan MacKenzie (ext. 200) [email protected]
The committee drafts the association’s strategic plan, monitors NYSAR’s efforts to achieve the goals of the existing strategic plan and conducts an ongoing review of the association’s structure.
Professional Standards Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
The Professional Standards Committee conducts ethics hearings or arbitration hearings as required on matters of unethical conduct or arbitration as requested by individual members or referred by local boards. It provides procedural training for conducting ethics hearings, arbitration hearings, and mediation as well as information and assistance regarding the understanding of the Code of Ethics and enforcement of professional standards and arbitration matters. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who request it.
Professional Standards Steering Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
This committee is comprised of 20 individuals, the chair and vice-chair of the Professional Standards Committee, and 18 individuals appointed to staggered terms by the NYSAR President. The committee composition includes REALTOR® Principals and non-principals as well as Association Executives including professional standards administrators. The Professional Standards Steering Committee is charged with reviewing professional standards enforcement and code of ethics matters and may meet at any time throughout the year as well as during the NYSAR Business meetings to review issues coming before the NAR Professional Standards Committee, Board of Directors and Delegate Body. The Professional Standards Steering Committee is charged with making recommendations in favor of or opposed to Articles, Standards of Practice, and other policy matters.
REALTOR® Safety Forum – Staff Liaison: Scott Morlock (ext. 208) [email protected]
The REALTOR® Safety Forum provides the opportunity for members to learn about the latest ideas and applications in REALTOR® Safety. The forum also encourages members to share ideas for applying what’s learned to enhance safety procedures. The chair is appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the forum is open to all members who request it.
RPAC Trustees – Staff Liaison: Mike Kelly (ext. 315) [email protected]
The chair and vice-chair of the committee and twelve members serving staggered three-year terms are appointed by the NYSAR President. Eight of these twelve are regional representatives and four are at-large appointments. The committee also consists of the chair and vice-chair of the Legislative Steering Committee, chair of the Issues Mobilization Committee, and a Local Board/Association Executive Officer Representative. It is an independent body that oversees the administration of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee of New York (RPAC). It oversees political funding of state and federal level candidates and committees.
Statewide Forms Committee – Staff Liaison: Anthony Gatto, Esq. [email protected]
The Statewide Forms Committee discusses, develops, drafts, and reviews real estate related forms for use by NYSAR members throughout the state. The committee will work closely with NYSAR’s Legal Services department and local REALTOR® boards to achieve the use of NYSAR provided forms by members throughout New York.
Young Professionals Network (YPN) – Staff Liaison: Annie Friedman (ext. 207) [email protected]
The New York State Association of REALTORS® Young Professional Network (YPN) is chartered and approved by the National Association of REALTORS®. The NYSAR YPN is a member-driven group that gives a voice to NYSAR’s young REALTORS®. The YPN’s mission is to: develop young real estate professionals through association involvement; provide members with new tools, education, and training opportunities; offer networking opportunities; foster idea-sharing among REALTORS® of all ages and experience levels; and encourage community volunteerism.
The NYSAR YPN has a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Immediate Past Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chair are appointed by the NYSAR President. Membership in the body of the committee is open to all members who have submitted their Member Information Form to join the YPN.