STATE LEADERSHIP TRACK
October 28 - 30, 2025
2026 Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, Issues Chairs, Committee Liaisons, Regional Chairs, Executive Committee, SPF Committee, C.A.R. Staff Coordinators, and Leadership Academy Alumni
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28
Location: Breakwater Hallway
Eric Schwartz, Emcee; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President; Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect; Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.; Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.
Turn up the volume on advocacy as we launch our annual REALTOR® Party of California Training. Together with Emcee Eric Schwartz and the 2026 Officers, we’ll set the tempo for an afternoon centered on leadership, impact, and the power of collective action. This kickoff will highlight why the REALTOR® Party matters, the role every leader plays, and the strength we bring when we show up with one voice.
Speaker: Juan Bendaña, Leadership Expert & Bestselling Author
What if the very challenges that make leadership feel uncertain are actually your greatest opportunities to lead with impact? In this high-energy kickoff, Juan Bendaña will show how confidence, trust, and resilience can transform disruption into momentum – for REALTORS®, for homeowners, and for the REALTOR® Party. With practical strategies and a bold mindset shift, you’ll leave not only inspired but equipped to advocate, influence, and lead with clarity and courage in the year ahead.
Speaker: James Baiseri, 2026 FAMM Advisory Committee Chair; Elizabeth Campbell Chase, 2026 REALTOR® Party of CA Director; David Stark, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer, Bay East AOR
Advocacy isn’t just politics – it’s the rhythm that drives the REALTOR® Party. This interactive session breaks down how government shapes every part of a REALTOR®’s work, from transactions and housing to clients and communities. Speakers will demystify how issues, candidates, fundraising, and grassroots action connect under the REALTOR® Party of California – showing how Vote, Act, and Invest work together as one powerful system. With audience participation and practical takeaways, leaders will leave with the tools and language to champion advocacy back home and engage members with confidence.
Jennifer Svec, VP of Public Policy, C.A.R.; Sanjay Wagle, SVP & Chief Lobbyist, C.A.R.
C.A.R.’s lobbyists pull back the curtain on how Board of Directors actions become lobbying strategy, how issues are prioritized, and why member voices are essential to moving policy forward. Learn how staff and REALTORS® team up to influence lawmakers, connect local relationships to state priorities, and keep the REALTOR® Party agenda strong in California.
Moderator: Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.; Panelists: Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (AD26); Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (SD23)
What do lawmakers really think about REALTOR® advocacy? In this bipartisan panel, legislators will share perspectives on how advocacy influences decision-making, what builds trust and credibility, and the role of member engagement in moving policy forward. Panelists will reflect on their own leadership journeys, highlight lessons learned from other advocacy groups, and discuss what truly moves the needle when REALTORS® show up.
James Baiseri, 2026 FAMM Advisory Committee Chair; Elizabeth Campbell Chase, 2026 REALTOR® Party of CA Director; David Stark, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer, Bay East AOR
Effective advocacy starts with helping others take their first or next step. This session will show leaders how to leverage their REALTOR® skills to become an advocate and how to build advocates by meeting members where they are – from those just beginning to get involved to those ready to lead others. Through understanding your connection to advocacy and real-world practice, participants will learn how to respond to common questions, address objections, and translate advocacy jargon into compelling messages that resonate with fellow REALTORS® back home.
Eric Schwartz, Emcee; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President
The day wraps with a call to action from C.A.R.’s 2026 Officers. They’ll recap the key takeaways, highlight three things every leader can do right away, and connect the themes of clarity, connection, and action. Attendees will leave energized and ready to play their part in advancing the REALTOR® Party of California.
Dinner, cocktails & entertainment
The beat goes on! Close out REALTOR® Party Day with a poolside evening of dinner, signature cocktails, and lively conversation. Enjoy music, dancing, and a few fun surprises as we come together to celebrate the REALTOR® Party of California.
For registered attendees only. Non-registered guests will not be permitted. Badge required for entry.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Location: Breakwater Hallway
Meet at Surf Hero Marketplace (inside the Waterfront Beach Resort)
Get your steps in and start the day on the right foot – literally! Enjoy a casual beachside walk with C.A.R.'s leadership team before breakfast.
Vista Lawn
Fuel up for the day with a full breakfast buffet and time to connect with fellow attendees before sessions begin.
Eric Schwartz, Master of Ceremonies; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President; Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect; Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.; Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.
Kick off Day 2 on a high note with host Eric Schwartz and the 2026 C.A.R. Officers. This music-inspired session will blend stories, rhythm, and audience interaction to strike the right chord for the day ahead. Get to know the leaders behind the titles while setting the tempo for curiosity, collaboration, and leadership growth.
Diana Kander, NYT Bestselling Author & Innovation Expert
Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools association leaders can bring to their work. In this energizing keynote, Diana Kander explores how asking better questions leads to better decisions, stronger resource management, and lasting value for organizations and the members they serve. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, she will highlight how to raise the bar on decision-making, eliminate outdated initiatives, embrace bold innovation over incremental change, and build the right support system for success. Leaders will leave inspired to rethink assumptions and equipped with strategies to guide their associations in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
State leaders play a vital role in shaping how C.A.R. operates and collaborates. This opening session will frame the purpose of the State Track and prepare leaders to step into 2026 with confidence, alignment, and impact. Participants will explore the responsibilities of key roles and the cultural expectations – preparation, inclusivity, and professionalism – that create a strong foundation for success.
Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.
Committee work is where C.A.R.’s mission comes to life. This session will show how strategic priorities connect to committee work, and how agendas can be shaped to maximize impact. The governance process will be demystified – from committee motions to Executive Committee review to final action by the Board of Directors – giving leaders a clear view of how policy moves forward. With insights from current and past committee leaders, the session will also highlight best practices for running meetings that are focused, inclusive, and engaging.
Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect, C.A.R.; 2026 Committee Liaisons: Anthony Andaya (Industry Information & Membership Services), Edward Barrios (Public Policy), Sabrina Brown (Association Leadership), Marilyn Cunningham (Legal Issues & Information), Caleb Gonzalez (Industry Information & Membership Services), Glenn Hellyer (Political), Terry Wunderlich (Public Policy)
Every great performance depends on a team working in sync – and at C.A.R., every leadership role helps keep the show running. Committee Liaisons play a key part in that system, acting as the connectors between officers, staff, and committee leaders. In this “backstage pass” segment, you’ll meet your 2026 liaisons, learn which committees they support, and hear how they’ll help keep communication flowing. Leaders will walk away knowing how to engage with their liaison as a trusted partner, and why that relationship is vital to the success of the entire leadership team in 2026.
Bruce Bishop, PhD, C.A.R. Parliamentarian
The success of any meeting often comes down to the details: how it’s structured, how voices are heard, and how decisions are made. C.A.R. Parliamentarian Bruce Bishop will cover the essentials of parliamentary procedure and meeting management, equipping all association leaders with the tools to lead with confidence. Learn how to set effective agendas, manage motions and amendments, and keep discussions productive and inclusive so meetings drive results and build trust.
Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
Strong committees start with strong connections. This networking session gives incoming committee leaders a chance to meet, build rapport, and begin forming the relationships that will carry their work forward in 2026.
Vista Lawn
Moderator: Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
Panelists: Scott Brady, CEO of Progressive Property Management, Inc.; Jennifer Branchini, VP of Association Affairs, NAR; Jessica Coates, CEO, Sacramento AOR; Jordan Levine, SVP & Chief Economist, C.A.R.
Disruption is reshaping real estate – from consolidation and technology to changing consumer expectations and policy pressures. For REALTORS®, these forces are redefining what support and resources they truly need from their associations. This session invites leaders to look ahead and think differently about how organized real estate can stay relevant. Panelists will explore emerging industry shifts, spotlight where member needs are evolving most, and challenge associations to adapt, innovate, and deliver value in new ways.
Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
Before diving into breakout sessions, President Tamara Suminski will set the stage with an overview of what to expect. She’ll explain how groups are organized, highlight the role of liaisons and staff coordinators, and walk through the planning toolkit designed to guide discussions. This quick orientation ensures every team is ready for productive, goal-driven conversations.
Each Breakout Room Facilitated by Committee Liaisons & Staff Coordinators
Committee leadership teams will gather in small groups to begin shaping their work for 2026. Using the Leadership Toolkit, teams will identify priorities, establish timelines, and start building agendas for the Winter Business Meetings. With support from liaisons and staff, leaders will leave with stronger relationships, greater alignment, and a head start on leading focused, effective committees in the year ahead.
PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEES – Pacific Ballroom B
Facilitated by: Terry Wunderlich and Edward Barrios, 2026 Committee Liaisons
Committees in attendance: Legislative, Local Government Policy, Environmental Sustainability, Transaction & Regulatory, Fair Housing Policy, Federal, Home Ownership Housing, Investment Housing, Public Policy Forum, and Taxation & Government Finance
POLITICAL COMMITTEES – Pacific Ballroom A
Facilitated by: Glenn Hellyer, 2026 Committee Liaison Committees in attendance: CREPAC Trustees, IMPAC Trustees, REALTOR® Party of California Coordinating Committee, REALTOR® Party of CA Fundraising & Member Mobilization (FAMM) Advisory, REALTOR® Party of CA Fundraising & Member Mobilization (FAMM) Forum
INDUSTRY INFORMATION & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (I) – Coastal Ballroom A Facilitated by: Caleb Gonzalez, 2026 Committee Liaison Committees in attendance: Broker Idea Exchange Forum, Global Real Estate Forum, Housing Affordability Fund, MLS Policy
INDUSTRY INFORMATION & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (II) – Tides Ballroom Facilitated by: Anthony Andaya, 2026 Committee Liaison Committees in attendance: Business Technology Forum, Scholarship/Education Foundation, Communications Advisory, Fair Housing & Diversity Forum, and Professional Development & Education Forum, REimagine! Conference & Expo Advisory
LEGAL COMMITTEES – Whitewater Ballroom C Facilitated by: Marilyn Cunningham, 2026 Committee Liaison Committees in attendance: Defense Strategy Advisory, Legal Action Fund Trustees, Legal Affairs Forum, Professional Standards, REALTOR® Risk Management & Consumer Protection Forum, and Standard Forms Advisory + Standard Forms Forum
ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES – Dolphin Room Facilitated by: Sabrina Brown, 2026 Committee Liaison Committees in attendance: Association Executives, Association Presidents Leadership Forum, Diversity Committee, Leadership Academy Selection & Advisory Committee, NAR Directors Forum, and YPN Forum
PROCEDURAL COMMITTEES – Coastal Ballroom B Committees in attendance: Commercial Investment Forum, Credentials, Nominating, and Sergeant at Arms.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – Whitewater Ballroom A
Facilitator: Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
REGIONAL CHAIRS COMMITTEE – Whitewater Ballroom C
Facilitator: Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect, C.A.R.
STRATEGIC PLANNING & FINANCE COMMITTEE – Coastal Ballroom C
Facilitated by: Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.
Facilitated by Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
Committee leadership teams will share highlights from their breakout discussions. Groups will present their key priorities for 2026, giving all leaders a broad view of how committees are aligning with C.A.R.’s mission and with one another, providing greater clarity, unity, and momentum for the year ahead.
Breakwater Terrace
Relax and connect at our Wine-Down Reception! Enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and light bites on the Breakwater Terrace. After the reception, the evening is yours to enjoy — make dinner plans with colleagues, explore Huntington Beach, or take some time to recharge.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
Ease into the final day of EDGE with a continental breakfast featuring fresh pastries, bagels, fruit, coffee, juice and protein options. A relaxed start to connect and refuel before the morning sessions begin.
Meet at Surf Hero Marketplace (inside the Waterfront Beach Resort)
Meet at Surf Hero Marketplace for one final morning stroll with C.A.R.'s Officers. Grab a coffee to go at the cafe, take in the fresh ocean air, share reflections from the week, and set a positive tone for the final day of EDGE.
Brian Manson, SVP & General Counsel, C.A.R.; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.; Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.
State leaders set the standards for how C.A.R. operates and how business gets done. In this interview-style session, C.A.R. General Counsel Brian Manson joins C.A.R. Officers Tamara Suminski and Phil Hawkins to explore the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with leadership, using real-world scenarios and active audience participation. The conversation will cover the Code of Conduct, fiduciary duties, antitrust, social media, and other core obligations of serving as a state leader. Leaders will leave with practical language to address inappropriate behavior, strategies for navigating conflicts of interest, and the confidence to model integrity and professionalism throughout their service in 2026.
Colleen Hauk, CEO, The Corporate Refinery
Committee leaders set the tone for how business gets done. In this high-energy workshop, Colleen Hauk challenges participants to take the “2-Minute Test” and discover how executive presence and confident delivery can transform the way they lead. Through short speaking exercises, live coaching, and practical strategies, leaders will learn how to structure remarks for impact, guide discussions with authority, and handle tough moments with composure. Attendees will leave ready to run their committee meetings with credibility, confidence, and a commanding presence in the year ahead.
Facilitated by Bruce Bishop, PhD, C.A.R. Parliamentarian
Step inside C.A.R.’s governance process in this interactive simulation. Follow a mock motion as it moves from committee debate to Executive Committee review to final action by the Board of Directors. Along the way, leaders will see how officers, chairs, vice chairs, staff, and liaisons each contribute to effective governance, and pick up best practices for running inclusive, well-prepared meetings. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how policy is made and greater confidence to engage strategically in the process.
Eric Schwartz, Emcee; 2026 C.A.R. Officers
This can’t-miss finale brings the EDGE Conference to a high-energy close. Join the 2026 C.A.R. Officers and your fellow leaders as we celebrate the EDGE experience, highlight key takeaways, and look ahead to the year of leadership to come. With reflections, giveaways, music, and momentum, this closing session will leave you inspired and ready to lead.
Please note: attendance and check-in are required of all state track attendees at this final session.