Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
Illinois REALTORS® Matt Difanis, Sarah Ware and Deena Zimmerman were recognized at the NAR Legislative Meetings & Expo in Washington, D.C. this week for serving as 2024 NAR committee liaisons.
Association Leadership Liaison
Difanis, the NAR Association Leadership Liaison, is the broker-owner of RE/MAX Realty Associates, with offices in Champaign, Monticello and Mahomet. He has served on multiple NAR committees since 2013, including chair of the 2020 Professional Standards Committee and chair of the 2022 Professional Standards Interpretations and Procedures Advisory Board. He was the 2018 Illinois REALTORS® president, is a current member of its board of directors, and has been heavily involved in state committees for more than 14 years, chairing several committees, including the 2021 Nominating Committee and the 2020 Performance/Compensation Review Committee. Difanis was a member of the 2014 Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Class. He’s served in numerous leadership positions at the local level, including president and board of directors.
Housing Issues Liaison
Ware, the NAR Housing Issues Liaison, is the principal and designated managing broker of Ware Realty Group, LLC. She has served on multiple NAR committees since 2015, including chair of the Smart Growth Advisory Board (twice), Public Policy Coordinating Committee and Housing Opportunity Committee. For Illinois REALTORS®, she’s served on many committees during the last decade, including chair of the Business Issues Forum and chair of the Housing Opportunity Working Group. She is a 2016 graduate of the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Class. She is the immediate past president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR), is a State Legislative Contact for Rep. Lamont Robinson of Chicago and has served on the board of directors for CAR, Illinois REALTORS® and NAR.
Commercial & Industry Specialties Liaison
Zimmerman, the NAR Commercial & Industry Specialties Liaison, is a principal for Baum Realty Group in Chicago. She has been involved in numerous NAR committees for more than eight years. Zimmerman has served on state association committees, including chair of the Commercial/Industrial/Investment Committee and the Young Professionals Network. She is a former State Legislative Contact and was also a member of the 2014 Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Class.
Find out more about the mission and responsibilities of NAR committee liaisons.
