We asked candidates for the 2025 – 2027 Board of Directors to answer the following questions to help members make informed decisions regarding who they choose to lead the Association into the future. These are their responses.
Discuss the industry issues you would CHAMPION if elected to the Board of Directors.
Mike Dedman: With all the recent changes in the real estate industry, I feel very strongly about keeping our members informed and communication channels open. By effectively communicating upcoming classes, and increasing education opportunities we can grow as a member body. The better we are the better the rest of the membership will be.
Kayla Dobson: If elected to the Board of Directors, I would champion increased transparency in real estate transactions to build trust with clients and improve agent-client relationships. I would push for ongoing education and training initiatives to help agents stay competitive and adapt to a rapidly evolving market.
Renee Dwyer: If elected, my focus would be to encourage my fellow REALTORS® to continue their education. This industry is always changing and as professionals, we need to change (through education) with it.
Wanda Williams: 1. The importance of first-time home buyers, down payment resources and the contribution to the local economy; working with the government to get millennials to stay in our area and/or move to our area because of jobs and things to do.
2. Housing Shortage and collaboration with builders, developers, form based zoning; a push in the school system for younger people to become attracted to the trades as opposed to formal college
3. Educating Veterans and Survivors of Veterans on becoming home owners; building rapport with refugees on becoming home owners and maintaining the value of their biggest investment
How do you see the real estate industry SHIFTING over the next 5 – 10 years and what does that mean for our Association?
Mike Dedman: As technology continues to play a huge part in our industry, I can see a time where AI combined with human relationships will play a big part in real estate. Now that more and more people are able to work remotely this could certainly influence the demand for different types of properties, with a potential increase in interest for a more rural type settings. AI will play a much larger part in the way of buyers viewing homes virtually prior to ever setting up an in-person showing.
Kayla Dobson: Over the next 5-10 years, the real estate industry will see significant changes in commission structures, driven by increased consumer demand for transparency and flexibility in how agents are compensated. Legal challenges and market pressures may lead to a shift away from traditional commission models toward flat fees or à la carte services, requiring agents to demonstrate clear value to clients. For our Association, this means providing members with the tools and training to adapt to these changes, ensuring they can thrive in a more competitive and consumer-driven environment. Advocacy for fair compensation and maintaining professional standards will also be key priorities.
Renee Dwyer: I believe the market has been in a state of “shifting” since I got my license in 2015. My perspective is that while I can’t predict the direction of shift I can continually monitor the trends and adapt as necessary. The one area that I am confident about is that the economic development efforts by the Lansing area will continue to make Lansing a great place to live and buy real estate. Our Association and its members will continue to advocate and help members of the public buy and sell to meet their real estate goals in the Lansing area.
Wanda Williams: I see more opportunities for first-time home buyers since this issue is at the forefront of the political realm. I see more communication between REALTORS® discussing cooperative compensation and allowing REALTORS® the opportunity to increase their business as they negotiate contracts successfully. I expect our Association to grow as there will be a need for more REALTORS® to service the consumer and the prices in the Greater Lansing area are still attractive to those running away from high taxes and high housing costs in bigger cities, wildfires, hurricanes, etc. Baby boomers are dying and there will be opportunity for more inventory and/or assisting baby boomers with downsizing.
Tell us WHY your fellow members should choose you to lead the Association.
Mike Dedman: Having 23 years of experience in real estate, I have worked in a few different markets. Early on I knew I wanted to be involved with GLAR so I joined the Grievance Committee and eventually worked my way up to Chairperson. At Keller Williams Realty I served 5 years on the Agent Leadership Council and have attended many of the Keller Williams Realty Trainings, Conferences, and seminars. I have also served on GLAR’s Professional Standards Committee and I am the current MLS Chairperson. I am passionate about our association and bringing value and education to its members and I feel like I have been training for the Board position pretty much my whole career.
Kayla Dobson: I bring a passion for real estate and a deep commitment to helping others succeed in this industry. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a strong work ethic, ensuring that the voices of all members are heard and valued. With experience in navigating market shifts, advocating for both clients and agents, as well as a background in administrative work and file review, I’m well-prepared to guide the Association through future challenges. I’m dedicated to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment where every member can thrive and grow professionally.
Renee Dwyer: I have a proven track record of leadership and board membership, in Lansing and other communities I’ve lived in. I’ve served on Boards as diverse as a homeless shelter to a financial community granting board as well as committees at my brokerage and the association. I’m always willing to consider what is going to serve an organization’s members best and work toward making that happen.
Wanda Williams: I’m a people person and feel comfortable talking with anyone. I’m a problem solver and an advocate for what needs fixing. I talk to our REALTOR® members and get them involved on committees because doing so strengthens our work ethic and our working relationship when we are negotiating together for our mutual clients. I am a graduate of the Michigan Realtors® Leadership Academy with more than 36 years of experience in the real estate industry. As a major RPAC investor … I put my money where my mouth is.