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"I don’t think anyone dreams about or plans to become a REALTOR® association executive,” says Sarah Rayne, RCE, CAE, CEO at the Howard County Association of REALTORS®, Columbia, Md. But for Rayne and others, it’s a position that has become a perfect fit.
“The AE role is perfect for me,” says Lauri Rottmayer, EPRO, AHWD, AE at the North Central Board of REALTORS®, Mountain Home, Ark. “I love going 20 directions at once and helping people. I also love the AE community. This is truly the toughest job I’ve ever loved.”
AExperience spoke to Rayne, Rottmayer and several other AEs about why they chose this role, their greatest challenges and— yes—the laugh-out-loud stories that are part of the day-to-day business of leading a REALTOR® association.
Why did you decide to become an AE?
Kim Cox: After my husband and I packed up our three teenage daughters and moved from California to Missouri to start a new adventure and be closer to family, my mother introduced me to an agent friend to help us find a house. After the closing, the agent asked us if we would be looking for work. We both said yes— my husband was in sales, and I was looking for an administrative position. He told me that his local “board office” was hiring. After about 20 minutes, I got a call from the AE [of the Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS®]. Long story short, she interviewed me that Friday, and I started on Monday. After I had worked nine years in education and MLS, my [former] AE retired, and the board of directors asked me to step into the AE position. It’s been almost 20 years since that conversation with our agent. So thankful to have met him!
Rayne: I was a political newspaper reporter when I stumbled across a government affairs director position at an association. The print news industry is tough, so I literally had nothing to lose. I ended up loving the work and wanted to see where it would take me. I’m proud of myself for where I’ve ended up, and I’m grateful to the REALTOR® family for the opportunity.
Allison Woodham: I worked at my local newspaper for three years and had hit a lull in enjoying what I was covering every day. A friend of mine sent me the job description for the then-communications/events director at my association, and I went in just to see what it was about, honestly not expecting much. Two hours later, I left with a job offer. My then-AE said she’d never offered someone a job during their first interview.
That same day, the women at the newspaper took a group photo for a women’s appreciation special publication. Three months later, I was at strategic planning with my association, and on the console table was a publication with that photo on it staring back at me—full circle moment!
Marlene S. Merkle: In 1982, I applied for the AE position in Venice [Fla.] along with a couple of other opportunities. I was offered another job but decided to take the AE position instead. It was almost exactly what I did in my previous role as a director of volunteer services at a hospital: working with volunteers, budgeting, fundraising, public speaking, written and oral communication skills. I also have a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a minor in psychology and a master’s in counseling—I have used these skills a lot in working with members and the public.
The funny thing is that when I took the position, I had no idea that being a REALTOR® was different than being a licensed real estate agent. This is such a common misconception within the public. I am happy to say I quickly learned the difference.
Share a memory or situation you think back on where you tell yourself, “This is why I’m an AE.”
Michelle Pointer: That would have to be when my members in Marshall, Mo., packed the city council meeting during which council members were trying to pass an ordinance that was not good for our home sellers or buyers: requiring a city inspection and additional conditions for transfer of ownership following a third-party inspection. The presence in that room was impressive, and the council thought so, too. Then I filed for the Transforming Neighborhoods grant for $20,000 to help the city with the issue of maintenance of occupied dwellings. That was the first time I had seen the powers that be and REALTORS® working together for the greater good of American homeownership.
Cox: I once had a really frustrated member come into my office to talk through a scenario she was facing. The agent was consumed by self-doubt and frustration but clearly wanted to do right by her clients. It almost seemed like she just needed someone to hear her out and really listen. We talked about some of the rules and regulations that applied to her situation, forms that she’d need to ask her broker about, and the Code of Ethics. At the end of the conversation, it seemed like she just needed a reminder that “the right way to do things” is what truly separates REALTORS® from the rest and that she needed to wear [her credentials] like a badge of honor. The agent thanked me for always being a resource and avid supporter and for sharing my time.
Rayne: Mentoring my staff is my favorite part of this job. Whenever I support them in accomplishing something big and I see how proud they are of themselves, I remember why I’m an AE.
Rottmayer: I’m newly returned to my role as AE. I left to be a real estate agent, something I always wanted to do because my dad was in the business. It wasn’t for me, and I missed my AE job every day. I was so happy when it became available again and I was able to be back where I belong.
Woodham: I have a folder in my email titled “Feel Goods,” and it’s full of “good jobs,” words of wisdom or something funny I’ve received from a member or staff. Anytime I’m having a bad day, a quick scroll through those not only brightens my mood but reminds me why I do what I do.
"My members packed the city council meeting during which council members were trying to pass an ordinance that was not good for our home sellers or buyers. ... The presence in that room was impressive, and the council thought so, too."
