D. Patrick Lewis, Better Home and Gardens Real Estate Sonoran Desert Lifestyles

Patrick has been a REALTOR® for 11 years. He’s an Arizona native and a fan of ASU football. Prior to embarking on a career in real estate, he was a technical recruiter for large private companies and government agencies.

In 2014, Patrick will chair the Business Services and Technology committee, as well as serve on the Legislative and Political Committee. “I have always been taught to give back to your industry and your community,” said Lewis. He goes on to say that he chose to serve on this committee because he “believes technology has the ability to make business processes more efficient and time management a little easier.” Below are a couple other facts you should know about Patrick:

1. PC or Mac? Mac.
2. Dog or cat? Dogs.
3. If you could be something other than a REALTOR®: Venture capitalist. I would love to be able to enable other entrepreneurs’ dreams.
4. What do you love about real estate? Helping people through the process. A home can mean so many things and people have so many reasons to be buying or selling. It is amazing to be a part of our clients’ paths forward.
5. How can your fellow members assist you? I am always interested to hear about new technologies that would help our members in their daily duties.
6. What’s the next big thing in technology? Data analysis and prediction.

Legislative & Political Affairs Committee

Thomas Sloyan, RE/MAX Excalibur

Thomas has been a REALTOR® for 34 years and has been involved with AAR since 2006 when he served on its Board of Directors. In 2014, he will chair the Legislative and Political Affairs committee focusing on protecting property rights. According to Thomas, he chose to serve on this committee because he is “very interested in politics that affect REALTORS®”.

Here are a few more facts about Thomas:

1. PC or Mac? PC
2. Dog or cat? Dogs
3. If you could be something other than a REALTOR®: A beach bum in San Diego.
4. What do you love about real estate?: Helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals
5. Favorite Movie: The Sting
6. What’s the next big challenge we face in real estate? Keeping the mortgage deduction for homeowners.

Risk Management Committee

Tahona Epperson, Coldwell Banker/Mabery

Tahona has been a REALTOR® since 2004. Hailing from Boston, she first started out working in resorts managing the room night inventory for five properties in the Southwest. In 2014, Tahona will lead the Risk Management Committee’s focus on the implications of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. She says that she joined the Risk Management committee because, “this committee has taught me that real estate is not just about the transaction, but how there are many issues that are involved in the real estate industry.”

Here are a few more things you might not know about Tahona:

1. PC or Mac? PC
2. Dog or cat? Cats. But she’s allergic to both.
3. Why real estate as a career? I love helping people achieve their goals of homeownership and the  flexibility that this career affords.
4. How can your fellow members assist you? Mostly by sharing. Bringing information and ideas to the Risk Management Committee so that we can be sure to stay up-to-date on issues affecting our membership and industry.
5. What is AAR’s biggest benefit to its members? A strong support system. It’s great to have such a wonderful legal team, a proactive professional development team and a cutting-edge technology team!
6. What’s the next big thing in real estate? More green, energy-efficient, solar building.

Professional & Business Development Committee

Lori Doerfler, ABR, CRS, GRI, RSPS, RE/MAX Prestige Properties

Lori just celebrated her first decade as a REALTOR®, starting in 2003.Prior to her career in real estate, Lori worked in sub-contracts administration in the aerospace industry. In 2014, Lori will lead the Professional & Business Development Committee in one of its most ambitious years yet. In the coming year, this committee will focus on the renewed GRI program rolling out on January 1. Another key area of focus will be leadership training and remote delivery that will allow the expansion of REALTOR® education throughout the state.

According to Lori, professional development is her “passion.” She was drawn the volunteering at AAR because of the “extreme professionalism” of the members and she welcomes each members input and time as AAR works towards providing the highest quality education opportunities. Here are a few more things to know about Lori:

1. PC or MAC? Both! My first computer was an Apple IIe, then a PC, then a Mac. Now I work on a PC and an iPad.
2. Team she always roots for: Team 48 Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
3. Dogs or Cats? Dogs… they are most loyal!
4. What’s the next big thing in REALTOR® education? Remote delivery. This will allow for the increased availability of high quality education at a reduced price in a convenient location.