Georgia REALTORS® Form the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force

GAR has created the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force to evaluate and implement a long-term strategic plan to manage, integrate and sustain efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within Georgia REALTORS®. The task force will work to raise awareness of the organization’s goals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and membership, while facilitating an Association-wide discussion about how GAR can become the diverse, inclusive community of members it envisions.

Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. Diversity brings together ideas from people of varying backgrounds and experiences in order to grasp a fuller, broader range of thoughts, feelings, and interactions among members of a community. Diversity means representation, 

Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. It is when everyone has access to the opportunities necessary to satisfy their essential needs, advance their well-being, and achieve their full potential. Equity does not mean everyone receives the same, but rather that everyone has the same access to shared resources. Equity means access. 

Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It means everyone can participate and everyone belongs. Inclusion recognizes our universal similarities and interdependence. despite our differences. Inclusion means belonging. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION TASK FORCE COMPOSITION:

 

CHAIR:                     Bobbie Sandford, DeKalb Association of REALTORS®

VICE CHAIR:          Rodney Rawls, Savannah REALTORS®

VOTING MEMBERS:                    

Region 1 Representative: Norm Kennedy, Cobb

Region 2 Representative: Susan Kliesen, Northeast Atlanta Metro

Region 3 Representative: Ennis Antione, Atlanta

Region 4 Representative: Vickie Butler, Fayette

Region 5 Representative: Ryan Brashear, Greater Augusta

Region 6 Representative: Annie Harris, Troup

Region 7 Representative: Eugene Witherspoon, Thomasville

Region 8 Representative: Cherise Cartwright, Golden Isles

Region 9 Representative: Brigitte Shaken, Hinesville Area

At-Large: Matt Buck, Savannah

At-Large: Deborah Gilmore, Cobb

At-Large: Diane Hohenberger, DeKalb

At-Large: Tim Hur, Atlanta

At-Large: Raquel Lavender, Metro South

At-Large: Jackie Leonard, Columbus

At-Large: Joyce Turner, DeKalb

At-Large: Akia White, Savannah

Local Board President: Jenea Kennedy, Cobb

Local Board President: LaFonya Hughes, Hinesville

Local Board President: Cherilyn Davis, West Georgia

Local Board President-elect: Mike Holloway, NE Georgia

Local Board President-elect: Richard Moore, Columbus

Local Board Association Executive: Dee Sims, DeKalb

Local Board Association Executive: Elizabeth Hiett, Newnan-Coweta

GAR Regional Director: Brent Ellis, Region 1, Cherokee

GAR Regional Director: Brianne Drake, Region 4, Metro South

GAR Housing Opportunity and Diversity Chair: Tammy Noll, DeKalb

GAR Housing Opportunity and Diversity Vice Chair: Dexter Haynes, Athens

GAR Professional Standards Chair: Barbara Dyer, Metro South

GAR Professional Standards Vice Chair: Carolyn Garrett, Atlanta

NAR 2020 Diversity Chair: Bikel Frenelle, Metro South

NAR 2021 Liaison to Public and Federal Issues: Maura Neill, Atlanta

EX-OFFICIO:           GAR President: Faron W. King, NE Georgia

GAR President-elect: Dorrie Love, Fayette

GAR Immediate Past President: Chris Jiles, Columbus

GAR CEO: Deb Junkin

GAR STAFF:            Staff Liaison: Arica Ratcliff, Communications Coordinator

Senior Director of Communications: Brandie Miner

Director of Legal Affairs: Christina Chow