Annapolis, MD (April 23, 2004) -- Julia Mattis and Jan Waddell-Brown were among eighteen graduates from the Maryland Association of REALTORS^® Leadership Academy honored at ceremonies held recently in Annapolis. Jan Waddell-Brown was also honored with the W.H.C. Wilson Memorial Scholarship, which rewards Jan with full reimbursement of the program's class tuition for being selected as the outstanding student from among scholarship applicants.

The MAR Leadership Academy was formed by REALTORS^® who understand the important role they play in their community and the need to enhance the leadership skills, knowledge, and competencies of fellow REALTORS^® interested in making a difference in their personal lives and in their communities. HCAR, one of sixteen local REALTOR^® Boards/Associations in Maryland, is a strong advocate and recognizes the importance of this program to our association's future.

Included in the curriculum were courses on organizational leadership, communications and public relations, strategic planning, legislative and government affairs, parliamentary procedure and association governance and economic business trends.

"We congratulate you for your commitment and investment of time to the seven-month program," said Gilbert Marsiglia, president of the Maryland Association of REALTORS^®. "And I look forward to your participation as leaders who will energize our Association and the communities in which you live and work," he added.

Martin Edwards, a Tennessee REALTOR^® and Past President of the National Association of REALTORS^®, also addressed the graduates and guests. "I commend your participation in a program that is part of the heritage of this organization." He charged everyone to become more involved in Affordable Housing issues both locally and nationally. "REALTORS^® are America’s community-based volunteers, who have a moral obligation to become a catalyst for direction and resolve to promote homeownership to all," he stressed.

Mr. Edwards and MAR President Gilbert Marsiglia jointly presented awards to the graduates. Sponsors of the 2003-2004 MAR Leadership Academy were recognized for their support: Champion Realty, Inc.; First Horizon Home Loans; Long & Foster REALTORS^®; MD/DC CRS Chapter; MRIS; Monshower, Miller & Magrogan; and RE/MAX 100.

The Maryland Association of REALTORS^® is the largest Maryland professional trade association serving over 23,000 members and is dedicated to preserving the vitality of the real estate market.