Louisiana REALTORS® Leadership Graduates
LOUISIANA REALTORS • September 28, 2018
Pictured left to right: Ricky Tucker, Betsy Birdsong, Kimberly Hayes, Leo Desselle, Tim Skinner, Jonathan Cerruti, Macon Mayeaux, Caroline Freeland, Donna Harris, Tressie Buckhaulter, Jay Dardenne, Lori McGrew, Kendra Novak, Dru Ellender, Vanessa Hackleman, Kayla Walker, Leigh Moss, Taylor Gagneaux, Mark Boline, James Hebert, Tahira Abdul-Rahman.
Baton Rouge, La.— Louisiana REALTORS® graduated 20 REALTORS® practicing in markets around the state from the LRLeadership program, an initiative dedicated to broadening and enhancing the REALTOR® volunteer within our communities and within association leadership.
The program was started in 2000 and has graduated over 250 REALTOR® professionals. Requirements consists of four sessions that focus on: leadership skill development, the Louisiana legislature and advocacy, diversity, community service, communication styles, and team-building.
The program is facilitated by Amy P. Fennell, MPA and featured speakers for the program include: Harold Suire, Education, Research, and Information Services, Inc., Baton Rouge, La.; Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, Baton Rouge, La.; Evan Fuchs, 2017 National Association of REALTORS® Professional Development Chair; Norman Morris, CAE, RCE, CEO, Louisiana REALTORS®, Baton Rouge, La.; and Amy Jones, Founder of Burning Stick Creative, Lafayette, La.
“It is such an exciting thing to see how many bright and dynamic leaders emerge from this program every year. These professionals are dedicated to the real estate industry, their clients, and are committed to becoming stronger leaders in their communities,” said Norman Morris, CEO.
This year’s graduates include the following:
Tahira Abdul-Rahman, Tahira & Associates Realty Inc – Shreveport, LA
Betsy Birdsong, Birdsong Realty Group -Metairie, LA
Mark Boline, New Orleans Relocation, LLC- New Orleans, LA
Tressie Buckhaulter, Diamond Realty & Associates LLC- Bossier City, LA
Jonathan Cerruti, Jack Stumpf & Associates, Inc. - Harvey,LA
Leo Desselle, Pennant Real Estate- Baton Rouge, LA
Drusilla Ellender, Coldwell Banker Gallerie- Sulphur, LA
Caroline Freeland, Keller Williams Realty Services – Mandeville, LA
Taylor Gagneaux, Moffett/Latter & Blum Realtors- Lake Charles, LA
Vanessa Hackleman, Diamond Realty & Associates - Bossier City LA
Donna Harris, Shirley Kirby & Associates-Denham Springs, LA
Kim Hayes, Cunningham Appraisals -Pineville, LA
James Hebert, Latter & Blum Inc/REALTORS- Thibodeaux, LA
Macon Mayeux, KELLER WILLIAMS, RED STICK PARTNERS -Baton Rouge, LA
Lori McGrew, Keaty Real Estate Company- Lafayette, LA
Leigh Moss, Keller Williams Realty First Choice- Prairieville, LA
Tim Skinner, Keaty Real Estate Company- Lafayette, LA
Kendra Novak, Novak Realty LLC - Baton Rouge, LA
Ricky Tucker, EXP Realty LLC- Lake Charles, LA
Kayla Walker, Century21 Buelow-Miller Realty- Alexandria, LA
The program’s graduation took place Tuesday, September 18 at the Chateau Saint Denis in Natchitoches, La during the REALTORS®’ annual governance meeting.
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
