HCAR COMMITTEES

At the Howard County Association of REALTORS® (HCAR), our strength lies in the collective passion, expertise, and dedication of our members. By stepping into a leadership role, you not only contribute to the success and direction of our association but also pave the way for its future.

Our committees exist to help create and facilitate a close connection between HCAR's REALTOR® members and Preferred Partners, in order to provide the consumer with outstanding service and products.

HCAR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Accepting a Committee Appointment is a commitment – all members must review and acknowledge the time commitment and duties of their committee. Above all, a committee appointment is a commitment to the future of our Association and our industry. We NEED you!

Why Join an HCAR Committee?

  • Impact & Influence: Play a decisive role in shaping policies, programs, and strategies that benefit our members and the broader Howard County community.
  • Professional Growth: Enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and gain recognition in the real estate community.
  • Commitment to Excellence: Help us uphold the high standards of professionalism and service that HCAR is known for.

Available Volunteer Opportunities:

  1. Committee Chairs & Vice Chairs: Lead various HCAR committees, ensuring their objectives are met and they align with our overall mission.
  2. Committee Members: HCAR Committee Members collaborate on committee-specific goals aligned with the association's mission, attend meetings, offer constructive feedback, adhere to HCAR's policies, and represent the committee professionally, all while leveraging opportunities for professional growth within the real estate community of Howard County.

Qualifications:

  1. Active membership in good standing with HCAR.
  2. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
  3. Ability to think critically and offer constructive feedback.
  4. Commitment to HCAR's mission and the objectives of the specific committee.
  5. Prior experience in a committee or similar group setting is a plus but not mandatory.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment can vary based on the committee's workload but generally includes monthly meetings and additional hours as required by specific projects or tasks. All HCAR committees offer a hybrid meeting option, unless the committee, as a group, decides to meet exclusively in person or online.

Application Process:
Interested members are encouraged to fill out the Committee Interest Form or contact HCAR Staff at [email protected] for more information.

 

2026-2027 Committee Structure

HCAR’s new committee structure is designed to create more meaningful opportunities for members to get involved and make an impact. By organizing our committees around the priorities of HCAR’s Strategic Plan, we’re creating a more focused, collaborative approach to volunteer leadership - one that reduces overlap, strengthens member engagement, and ensures the work of each committee directly supports the Association’s goals.

Whether your passion is professional development, advocacy, member engagement, diversity and inclusion, or community service, there’s a place for you to help shape the future of HCAR and our industry.

Community Outreach Committee

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

Member Experience Committee

Professional Development Committee

Legislative Advocacy Committee

Apply Today

 

2026-2027 Committee Structure Image

The following are the 2027 Committees currently accepting applications, in alphabetical order:

 

  Community Outreach Committee

Mission: Builds relationships with the Howard County community through volunteer service, charitable initiatives, and partnerships that demonstrate the commitment of REALTORS® and Preferred Partners to giving back.

   Responsibilities:

• Identify meaningful volunteer and community service opportunities.

• Recommend charitable initiatives and nonprofit partnerships.

• Encourage member participation in HCAR community outreach efforts.

• Highlight the positive impact REALTORS® make in the communities they serve.

Time Commitment: Year-round committee. Monthly meetings (1 hour/month), and potentially other meetings as needed. Attend and support volunteer events (1 hour/month). Possible independent work in between committee meetings (1 hour/month).

Eligibility: All HCAR members in good standing.

Strategic Plan Pillar(s): Community Engagement

2026 Chair: Heather Shai & Donna Weaver
2026 Vice Chair: Alicyn DelZoppo
2026 Immediate Past Chair: Donna Weaver & Heather Shai

2026 Staff Liaison: Mikesa Ponder

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  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

Mission: To foster a culture within the Association and the real estate industry that values and promotes fairness, representation, and belonging. This committee works to ensure every member feels welcomed, respected, and empowered. Members of this committee:

• Identify and address barriers to equity within the industry and the Association.

• Promote inclusive practices in leadership, membership, and programming.

• Develop educational opportunities and partnerships that reflect the diversity of our communities.

• Oversee the Agent of Change Designation, the Emerging Achiever Scholarship Program, and the annual DEI-focused event.

Time Commitment: Year-round committee. Monthly meetings (1 hour/month), and potentially other meetings as needed. Attendance at DEI Committee events (3 hours/year), and possible independent work in between committee meetings (1 hour/month).

Eligibility: All HCAR members in good standing.

Strategic Plan Pillar(s): Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) | Community Engagement

2026 Chair: Carlene Randolph
2026 Vice Chair: Amylex Conteh
2026 Immediate Past Chair: Carlton Stephenson
Staff Liaison: Robin Lewis
 

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   Legislative Advocacy Committee

Mission: Protects the interests of REALTORS® by monitoring legislation, promoting political advocacy, coordinating RPAC efforts, and educating members on public policy issues.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor local legislative and regulatory issues affecting real estate and property ownership.

• Educate and engage members on public policy issues and Calls for Action.

• Support HCAR’s relationships with elected officials and policymakers.

• Promote RPAC awareness, fundraising, and member participation.

Time Commitment: Year-round committee. During the Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (January-April), this committee meets weekly, on Monday mornings (2 hours/week). The committee meets monthly for the remainder of the year (1 hour/month). Committee members commit to attending Maryland REALTORS® Lobby Day (6 hours/year), HCAR Legislative Events (3 hours/year), and legislative hearings as needed (3 hours/year).

Eligibility: All HCAR members in good standing.

Strategic Plan Pillar(s): Advocacy & Government Affairs

2026 Chair: Tony Zowd
2026 Vice Chair: Joshua Palagyi
2026 Immediate Past Chair: Cory Flere

2026 Staff Liaison: Louie Lujan

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 Member Experience Committee

Mission: Strengthens member engagement by creating opportunities for networking, volunteerism, leadership development, and meaningful involvement for REALTORS® and Preferred Partners.

Responsibilities:

• Recommend strategies to increase member engagement and participation.

• Plan and execute networking and social events.

• Support networking, relationship-building, and member recognition opportunities.

• Identify ways to engage newer members, experienced professionals, and Preferred Partners.

• Encourage participation in HCAR committees, programs, events, and leadership opportunities.

 

Time Commitment: Year-round committee. Monthly meetings (1 hour/month), and potentially other meetings as needed. Attend and support committee events (2 hour/month). Possible independent work in between committee meetings (1 hour/month).

Eligibility: All HCAR members in good standing.

Strategic Plan Pillar(s): Association Development | Education

2026 Chair: Bryce Jackson
2026 Vice Chair: Bill Bloom
2026 Immediate Past Chair: Nicole Cruz

2026 Staff Liaison: Danielle Jacob

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  Professional Development Committee

Mission: Provides strategic guidance for HCAR's educational programming.

Responsibilities:

• Identify emerging educational needs and industry trends.

• Plan and execute educational events designed to help HCAR members grow their businesses.

• Recommend topics for continuing education, business development, technology, leadership, and Fair Housing education.

• Provide feedback on HCAR’s educational offerings and opportunities for improvement.

• Promote member participation in professional development programs.

Time Commitment: Year-round committee. Monthly meetings (1 hour/month), and potentially other meetings as needed. Possible independent work in between committee meetings (1 hour/month).

Eligibility: All HCAR members in good standing.

Strategic Plan Pillar(s): Professional Development & Education

2026 Chair: Michelle Mathews Kalinock
2026 Vice Chair: Vivian Clark
2026 Immediate Past Chair: Bill Bloom

2026 Staff Liaison: Rita Williams

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  Your Voice, Our Future:

HCAR's committees are the heartbeat of our Association. By joining, you don't just fill a role—you help shape our industry's future, amplify your professional growth, and stand out among peers. This is your chance to leave a mark on HCAR and real estate at large.

Apply Today


 

 

 

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