Jeff Kolbus, President
Debbie Prodehl, President-Elect
Sarah Ware, Treasurer
One need only look to their core purpose to understand the powerhouse team at Illinois REALTORS®: equipping its members with the ability to keep the American dream of homeownership alive for their clients. Understanding that the Illinois housing market is an economic driver for their communities, they work tirelessly to help resolve the state’s housing pitfalls. “This is not something we can do by just snapping our fingers, it takes hard work, persistence and time,” says current president Jeff Kolbus. “We have made significant strides but there’s still more to do.”
More than two years ago, the group kicked off its multi-year advocacy effort to improve Illinois’ housing woes. This past year, they worked with governor JB Pritzker to make creating affordable and available housing a priority throughout the state. “We are striving to achieve greater housing stability and more homeownership because studies have shown it leads to higher educational outcomes, more neighborhood stability, less crime and more economic opportunity,” says president-elect Debbie Prodehl. The association plans to continue working with the governor and state legislature on addressing housing issues. But it also will be working even more closely with local leaders to address their specific community housing needs.
On another front, Illinois REALTORS® is offering even more opportunities for its members to enter into leadership and make an impact on the future of the industry and the organization. “Every day we equip our members with resources including continuing education courses, access to a legal hotline for questions and venue to resolve disputes,” says treasurer Sarah Ware. Former president Tommy Choi points to the association’s core mission, adding, “we work in an industry where every day our members help their clients make one of the most important investments of their lives. Our association is here to help them assist consumers in achieving the American dream of homeownership.”
Not pictured: Tommy Choi, Immediate Past President
