Dear AAR Members,

As I conclude the year as your 2025 president, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this association and each of you. This role has been a meaningful chapter in my REALTOR® journey, and I’m deeply thankful for the trust you placed in me during a year defined by purposeful advocacy and progress.

From the beginning, our theme, “Advocates at Heart,” grounded the work we set out to accomplish. It reminded us to keep the REALTOR® member at the center of every discussion and decision — ensuring you had access to clear, accurate tools and practical resources that support the everyday work you do on behalf of your clients. That commitment guided us as we advanced legislation, refined transaction forms, and strengthened the processes that shape our profession.

This was a standout year for advocacy. Together, we achieved a significant amount legislatively, reinforcing AAR’s long-standing mission to protect private property rights and support REALTORS® across our state. The passage of HB230, which clarifies the law regarding buyer agreements and strengthens confidence in the homebuying journey, was a major milestone. We also made meaningful progress on business license reporting and appeals, along with several additional measures that will benefit both our members and Alabama consumers for years to come.

A personal priority for me throughout my presidency was elevating and protecting the REALTOR® brand. As the largest trade organization in the world, our influence is felt from the grassroots conversations in our neighborhoods to advocacy in the halls of the Alabama State House and at the federal level. I’m proud of how our members continue to show up: united, informed, and committed to strengthening the industry.

As I reflect on the close of my term, I’m grateful for how much this journey has shaped me. Serving in this capacity has been an honor, and the support of our REALTOR® family and our executive team has meant more than I can express.

It is now my great pleasure to watch our association continue to thrive under the leadership of your 2026 president, Mary Jane Owen. Her dedication and enthusiasm will serve our members well in the year ahead.

Thank you for your engagement, your encouragement, and the work you do every day to strengthen our communities and our profession. It has been my privilege to serve you.