Vermont Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy
Developing the Next Generation of Realtor® Leaders
The Vermont Association of Realtors® has officially launched its first Leadership Academy, a milestone program designed to prepare Realtor® members to step confidently into leadership roles at every level of the industry.
The Academy empowers participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become influential leaders in their businesses, associations, and communities. Through a dynamic mix of expert-led training, networking, and hands-on learning, members are strengthening their ability to:
- Make strategic decisions that drive results
- Lead with confidence and vision
- Advocate effectively for real estate issues and homeowners
- Foster innovation and growth in their businesses
- Create a lasting, positive impact in their communities
Meet Our 2026 Leadership Academy Class
Applications Now Closed
Thank you to everyone who applied for VAR’s first Leadership Academy! Stay tuned for an announcement about our 2026 class!
Becky Alford
NVRA
Chelsea Bevis
WCBR
Kevin Casey
GMAR
Lauren Gaffney Cohen
NVRA
Chris Cummings
SCVBR
Renick Darnell-Martin
NVRA
Michelle Hebert
GMAR
Shannon Kane
NVRA
April Lane
OCBR
Megan Quinn
SVBR
Brooks Reavill
WCBR
Amy Thompson
LABOR
Program Highlights
Participants will engage in interactive sessions with industry experts, connecting with peers through meaningful networking opportunities, and applying lessons in real-world scenarios. Each experience is crafted to help Realtors® unlock their leadership potential while building relationships that will last throughout their careers.
Building the Future
Strong and visionary leaders will shape the future of real estate. The Vermont Realtors® Leadership Academy is more than professional development, it’s a commitment to leadership excellence that benefits members, clients, and communities across the state.
Curriculum and Candidate Requirements
Ready to start your leadership journey? Click the tabs below to learn more about the curriculum and candidate requirements.
Session One
January 7, 2026
10am-2pm
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Montpelier, VT
This introductory session will review the goals for the Leadership Academy, its sessions and a brief overview of the Realtor® organization. We’ll take a deep dive into the Realtor® organization
- The 3-way agreement
- History of NAR
- The Realtor® brand, initiatives, governance, and the role of the local associations
An introduction to a group project will be discussed. Past VAR Presidents and other selected leaders will be invited to join participants for lunch.
Session Two
March 10, 2026
12-6pm
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Montpelier, VT
Inside State Government – This session will coincide with the VAR Legislative Reception at the Statehouse. Participants arrive for lunch and then will spend the afternoon with the VAR’s Lobbyist, NAR legislative representative, and legislators learning about the legislative process. At the end, you will attend a reception at the Vermont Statehouse with members of the Vermont legislature.
Session Three
May 5-6, 2026
9am-4pm
Stoweflake Resort
Stowe, VT
NAR L.E.A.D. program: The L.E.A.D. course, NAR’s premier leadership training course, focuses on developing and elevating essential leadership skills and will also specifically address leadership needs for the REALTOR® association. Participants will be invited to arrive the evening before for an informal dinner and networking session. Overnight accommodations will be provided and are included in the registration cost.
Session Four
July 14-15, 2026
Killington Resort
Killington, VT
This day-and-a-half session will be held in conjunction with the VAR Summer Legal Hoopla. In addition to the Hoopla program, the Leadership Class will meet separately focus on to take the DiSC assessments. The assessment measures your Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness (DiSC) and helps you understand your work style better and how to build more effective relationships. Overnight accommodations will be provided and are included in the registration cost.
Session Five
September 15, 2026
10am-2pm
EastRise Credit Union
Williston, VT
This session will focus on communication skills and media relations. The training teaches individuals to represent their organization or themselves by focusing on developing clear key messages, mastering verbal and non-verbal communication, and handling challenging questions. The goal is to build confidence, credibility, and ensure consistent, strategic communication during interviews and public appearances.
Session Six
October 29-30, 2026
Hotel Champlain
Burlington, VT
The Leadership Academy will conclude during the VAR Annual Meeting at the Hotel Champlain in Burlington, where participants will present their group project and celebrate graduation.
The program will often focus on Realtor® association leadership but is also designed to introduce skills that will affect all facets of your personal and professional life. We keep the class size small to allow for an immersive experience. It is anticipated that no more than fifteen (15) Realtors® members will be accepted.
Candidates Must Meet the Following Criteria:
- Must hold an active real estate license.
- Must be a member in good standing with VAR.
- Letter of recommendation by either your Principal Broker or local board association executive is required.
- Enthusiasm and desire to grow your leadership skills.
- Must be committed and available to participate in all Leadership Academy sessions and attend required events
There will be six in-person sessions (click the curriculum tab above for the schedule). Graduation will be held during the VAR Annual Meeting in November 2026.
To ensure maximum benefit for all participants, you must fully attend all six sessions. Failure to attend all sessions or missing any portion of a session may result in expulsion and loss of your tuition.
Tuition is $500 and must be paid in full upon acceptance to the VAR Leadership Program, and no later than December 31, 2025. Tuition includes all course materials, meals and refreshments during each class, and overnight accommodation for two of the sessions.
To begin the application process, submit your application by November 15, 2025.