John Bien is an affiliate member of the Berkshire County
Board of Realtors and is the representative for the Western Massachusetts
Division of the Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. Commonwealth is
the oldest title insurance company in existence. In fact, Commonwealth wrote
the nation’s first title insurance policy in 1876. Until 1998, it was headquartered
in Philadelphia. The branch office is located at 73 State Street - Springfield,
MA 01103. John Bien can be reached via e-mail at jbien@landam.com, by
phone at (413) 731-5440 or by fax Fax: (413) 731-7507
Laureen Brazeau, Greylock Credit Union
Laureen, an Affiliate member of the Berkshire County Board of Realtors
has extensive experience in the financial services industry. She is a Mortgage
Loan Officer with Greylock Federal Credit Union and is responsible for
counseling home buyers and assisting Realtors® with their clients for home
purchases. You can contact Laureen at Greylock Federal Credit Union : 150
West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Phone: (413)236-4000 Fax:(413) 445-5912
Michael Britton
Michael Britton is a member of the Berkshire County Board of Realtors as
an Affiliate of the Real Estate Business. He is the has been the Assessor
for the town of New Marlborough since 1989, Assessor for the Town of
Dalton since 1998 and Windsor beginning in 2000. Michael is a member of the
Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers Education committee and hold
the MAA (Massachusetts Accredited Assessor #743) and the RMA (Residential
Massachusetts Assessor #59) designations. Michael has served eight years
in various officer positions on the Berkshire County Assessors Association,
including past President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Millie Calesky. Personal & Professional Coach and
Trainer
A seasoned professional with 28 years' experience as a manager, educator,
and sales representative, Millie Calesky provides clients with the tools,
support, and structure they need to accomplish more. She received her coach
training at Coach University . Millie has a bachelor's degree from McGill
University , is a graduate of the Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing
and the Berkshire Enterprises Entrepreneurial Training Program.
Sandy Carroll, RCE, Epro, Berkshire County Board of REALTORS
Sandy Carroll is the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of REALTORS®
and the Multiple Listing Service and has been with the organization since
1995. Since joining the association, she has served in many capacities
on the local, state and national level. Sandy was chosen as a speaker for
the joint US / Canada Association Executives Institute in Vancouver, where
she spoke on the topic ‘How to Survive and Thrive’ before her peers in
North America. At the state level, she served on the Agency Implementation
Committees, Technology Committee, Issues Grass-roots Work Group, Electronic
Forms Workgroup, Professional Standards Committee and was the Association
Executive Liaison serving on the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®
Executive Committee in 2003. She has earned her RCE (Realtor® Certified
Executive) Designation, ePro Management (Internet Professional Designation),
ITI (Instructors Training Institute Designation) and is certified Professional
Standards Administrator.
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLAPP)
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program was established for the
prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of lead poisoning, including
the elimination of sources of poisoning through research and educational,
epidemiologic, and clinical activities as may be necessary. CLPPP provides
a range of both primary and secondary prevention services to the children
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, their families and others with an
interest in the prevention of lead poisoning.
Andrew Consoli, ABC Training
Andrew Consoli shares the vast knowledge he has acquired as a licensed
contractor, heating system technician, state approved termite inspector,
licensed real estate sales person, licensed air conditioning refrigerant
and recovery technician, DEP septic inspector, 203K FHA / HUD certified
consultant, and licensed state instructor. His seminars will entertain,
educate and help you better understand the complexities of construction,
mechanical systems, environmental issues, liability, disclosure and more.
Steve Eddy, Berkshire Bank
Steve Eddy, an Affiliate member of the Berkshire County Board of Realtors
has over 30 years experience in the financial services industry. He has
been the Mortgage Loan Officer with Berkshire Bank since 1996 and is responsible
for counceling home buyers and assisting Realtors® with their clients for
home purchases. Steve is a Graduate of the University of Vermont with a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and also graduated from
the Center for Financial Training-CT and the Connecticut School of Savings
Banking. He currently resides in Stamford, VT. You can contact Steve at
Berkshire Bank: P.O. Box 1308 - Pittsfield, MA 01202 Office: 413-236-3255
- Toll-Free: 800-773-5601 ext. 3255 - Fax: 413-447-1725 Pager: 800-347-2574
PIN#80589 or E-mail: seddy@berkshirebank.com
Roseann Farrow
Roseann is a highly skilled leader, communicator, motivator and coach
with over 25 years in real estate sales, training, management and consulting.
With her experience in training, marketing, sales management, business
consulting, risk management and sales she strives in assisting individuals
and companies to realize productivity, quality and profit. Roseann is an
energetic and flexible team player who builds loyalty and cares about people.
David Foulis (DEP Wetlands)
David Foulis is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
with a Bachelor of Science Degree in natural resource studies. Since
2001 David has been an Environmental Analyst in the Western Region’s Wetlands
Program. David serves the Western Region in permitting, enforcement, and
outreach, and is responsible for developing regional standards and protocols,
both scientific and regulatory, to better serve the regulated public. He
has over sixteen years of experience in wetland delineation, vernal pool
identification, wetland mitigation design, endangered species issues, aerial
photointerpretation, and coastal ecology.
Susan Gillan (DEP Wetlands)
Susan received her M.A. from the Conway School of Landscape Design in
1988, and a B.A. from Mt. Holyoke College in 1982. Susan has worked for
the Department since 1998. She has served as the Western Region’s Wetlands
Circuit Rider, providing outreach assistance to the Region’s 101 conservation
commissions and other local officials. In addition to providing outreach
assistance, Susan reviews Notice of Intent applications. Susan’s primary
function is to assist applicants and conservation commissions with large-scale
and complex projects by recommending “permitting pathways” that allow projects
to go forward in compliance with the Wetlands Regulations.
Margy Grant, Massachusetts Assocation of REALTORS
Margaret Grant is the Associate General Counsel for the Massachusetts
Association of REALTORS®. “Margy” joined in 2001 and, along with Steve
Ryan has answered thousands of questions on the MAR Legal Hotline since
that time. Margy specializes in Agency implementation, having
Elaine Hoff, RE/MAX Encore
Elaine Hoff, of Wilmington, a state-certified real estate training instructor
and broker with RE/MAX Encore in Wilmington, has been named the recipient
of the 2005 Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year award. The MA
Real Estate Educator of the Year award recognizes REALTORS® for their voluntary
contributions and participation in activities that promote the professional
development and career advancement of fellow real estate practitioners.
Elaine has earned several REALTOR® designations including the CRS, CBR,
and GRI. and is on the faculty of the Massachusetts REALTOR® Institute
and is an instructor and coach for the New Agent Success Plan training.
Nancy Kalodner, ABR, CRS, GRI, CBR, ITI
Nancy Kalodner, Broker-Owner of Benchmark Real Estate since 1980, is
a nationally regarded Professional Standards Instructor and Motivational
Speaker. She has served in critical positions on the National Association
of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee since 1990 and served as
their chair in 1997 and 1999. Nancy chaired the National Professional Standards
Education Subcommittee in 1995 and the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®
Professional Standards Committee for over 8 years. She is certified Mediator,
ITI Certified Instructor and was honored as both the Berkshire and Massachusetts
State REALTOR® of the Year and also Educator of the Year.
Erin Kemple
Erin was a former Executive Director of the Housing Discrimination
Project, a non-profit fair housing organization founded in 1989 that
serves central and western Massachusetts. She graduated from the college
of the Holy Cross in 1981 and attended Suffolk University Law School
in Boston, graduating in 1985. While working for the Western Mass. Legal
Services, Erin represented tenants facing eviction and those who were
about to become homeless. She has facilitated the Fair Housing training
of more than 2,000 Massachusetts Realtors since first conducting the
seminar at the MAR Annual Convention.
Peter Kolodziej, Tri-Town Health Department
Peter Kolodziej has been the Director of the Tri-Town Health Department
servicing Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge since 1974. In addition, he was
appointed to serve on the Executive Committee for Berkshire County Board
of Health Association and is a consulting Health Agent to the towns of
Otis and Monterey. Peter is very active at county and state levels in
Title V matters. He was recently recognized for his tireless work for
property owners in making a key regulation change to allow use of the
“B” layer of subsoil for septic systems and upgrades in Massachusetts.
The potential savings to property owners is significant while ensuring
that ground water stays clean.
Larry Kurber, LL Kurber & Co., Appraisers
Larry Kurber, owner of LL Kurber & Co., Appraisers holds his Massachusetts
Certified General Appraiser License, a Real Estate Brokers license and
is a certified Massachusetts Real Estate and Appraisal Instructor. He has
served in leadership positions for the Berkshire Board of Realtors®, the
Massachusetts Association of Realtors® and the Society of Real Estate Appraisers.
Larry is called on to provide expert testimony on valuation in the region
and has served as adjunct faculty at both the University of Massachusetts
and Berkshire Community College. We are pleased to welcome Larry as a curriculum
instructor for the Board of Realtors® again this year.
Darren Lee, Attorney-at-law - Martin & Oliveira
Darren is a 2000 graduate of Western New England School of Law. His areas
of concentration include commercial real estate, residential real estate,
land use, and Social Security. Darren serves as Vice President on the
Board of Directors of Berkshire Community Action Council, and is an active
Member of the Executive Committee. He serves as an advisor to Wahconah
Regional High School Moot Court Team. He is also affiliated with the Massachusetts
Conveyancers Association and the American Bar Association. Darren can
be reached at Martin & Oliveira at 100 North Street in Pittsfield –
413-443-6455.
Mark Lesswing, Vice President, Center for REALTOR Technology
As the Vice President of the National Association of REALTORS® Center
for REALTOR® Technology Department (CRT) Mark manages a team of programmers,
researchers and techno-geeks. A key part of CRT’s mission is to help members
of the real estate industry stay abreast of new technology tools that can
benefit their businesses. He will explore the new programs and tools in
the marketplace and then select the most effective and bring them to you.
CRT does not endorse any products and generally does not speak on a single
application. It is not CRT's intent to serve in lieu of application education.
It's role is to serve as a technology observer, advisor, and advocate and
that is the focus of our presentations.
John Martin, Attorney-at-law
John is a Certified Public Accountant as well as an Attorney. He was
admitted to practice law in 1986. His areas of concentration include estate
planning, corporate law, taxation and real estate. Upon graduation from college,
obtained his C.P.A. credentials. In addition to his academic and civic-minded
pursuits, John has given numerous technical presentations on financial
and estate planning. John can be reached through the law office of Martin & Oliveira
at 100 North Street in Pittsfield – 413-443-6455.
William (Bill) Mullen
William (Bill) Mullen is both a real estate broker and attorney with Mullen
Real Estate Consultants. He has graced the Berkshire Board with his up
to the minute take on Professional Standards Administration and is considered
an expert in real estate issues in Massahcusetts, especially as it applies
to the Code of Ethics, Agency, general Real Estate practice.
Robert J. Nahigian, SIOR, CRE
Robert J. Nahigian, SIOR, CRE has twenty-nine years of multi-disciplinary
levels of real estate experience with twenty years exclusively in commercial
and industrial. Mr. Nahigian has been a land developer, advisor and broker
of approximately $530,000,000 with 16 million square feet of commercial/industrial
real estate. In terms of all real estate involved, Mr. Nahigian has participated
in a total of $4.0 billion with 20 million square feet. He is a Senior
Lecturer at Boston University, MAR and a certified Massachusetts Real Estate
Instructor. Rob has been a lecturer at Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, Rutgers,
Lehigh and DePaul Universities. Mr. Nahigian has co-authored three real
estate books and over 100 articles in professional publications.
Paul Nietupski Wastewater Management with DEP (Title
5)
Paul Nietupski is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. Paul has
worked for the Department since 1988, initially working in the Drinking
Water Program before transferring to the Wastewater Management Program
(WWMP) in 1991. Since that time Paul has been involved in both permitting
and compliance & enforcement areas within the WWMP. This includes Publicly
Owned Treatment Works, Sewer Extension Permits, Groundwater Discharge
Permits, Biosolids as well as Title 5. Paul is both a Department approved
Soil Evaluator and Title 5 Inspector.
Jody O'Brien , Carlson GMAC Real Estate
Jody is the senior trainer for Carlson GMAC Real Estate, headquartered
in Woburn, MA. This entails training more than 1,250 agents, 230 employees,
and more than 60 locally managed and operated real estate offices throughout
Central New England. Jody specializes in a wide range of topics, from professional
development to Massachusetts specifc regulatory issues.
Sue O'Brien, Berkshire County Board of REALTORS
Sue O’Brien has been with the Board since 1998 in the dual role of Multiple
Listing Service Coordinator and Executive Assistant. Sue is the first point
of contact for all Multiple Listing Service inquiries and is responsible
for the processing of contracts relative to maintaining the accuracy of
the Multiple Listing Service database. She is actively involved in educating
the membership on the system and handles training for the association in
both large and small groups. Sue has also been certified as a Professional
Standards Administrator and handles the processing of Ethics Complaints,
the Arbitration of Business Disputes and Requests for Mediation.
Jerry Posner, The Posner Group
Jerry Posner is a creative, dynamic speaker. Since 1994, he has given
over 450 programs for guests at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires and also
travels around the country as a speaker for conferences and as a trainer
for many corporations and organizations. He is considered an expert in
the field of customer service and is continually researching and developing
new material for his presentations and seminars.
Steve Ryan, Massachusetts Assocation of REALTORS
Steve Ryan is General Counsel for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS and is responsible for all of Legislative Affairs
of the Association. In addition to the legal assistance he provides to
the Realtors and Association staff via the MAR Legal Hotline, Steve also
works diligently to make sure the Realtors are well represented on Beacon
and Capital hill. Steve testifies before the legislature on issues that
affect land use and private property rights, has represented the Realtor®
industry in the creation of the Governor’s Barriers to Housing Commission
Report, travels to Washington to meet with federal legislators to discuss
pending bills and oversees MAR’s Legislative Counsel, Associates Counsel
and legal & legislative aides.
Paula Savard, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, E-PRO
Paula Savard, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, E-PRO is known to many in the Berkshire
County Board of REALTORS®, across the state of Massachusetts and nationwide
as the instructor of choice for agency, professional standards and REALTOR®
business issues. She serves on the National Association of REALTORS® and
Massachusetts Board of Directors, has chaired the NAR Multiple Listing
Policy and Professional Standards Committees, and served on various national
committees, including Real Estate Finance, Legal Action, Membership Policy & Board
Jurisdiction, Board of Choice, Strategic Planning and Dues Administration
Committees and workgroups.
Michael Shepard, Attorney at Law
Michael Shepard, drawing enthusiastic reviews from past teaching experiences
for the Realtor® Association is a practicing Attorney-at-law in Pittsfield.
He and his firm specialize in Real Estate Law, Business and Corporate
Law, Will, Estates and Trusts. A volunteer instructor for the Berkshire Board
of Realtors® since 1998, he is generously continuing to offer his services
and expertise to our members. Mike holds membership in both the Massachusetts
and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, is an approved direct writing attorney
for title insurance companies and represents many national clients in
relocation and real estate law. You can reach Mike at the Law Offices of
Michael Shepard located at 55 Church Street in Pittsfield - 413-499-0316.
Roger Turcotte, Roger Turcotte & Company, LLC
Roger Turcotte is a distinguished real estate instructor with expertise
in association leadership skills and strategic planning. An author, REALTOR®,
and much sought after national speaker, Roger Turcotte has been selected
as Educator of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS®. Roger
is the co-author of the very popular ten-course Leadership Training Series
and Buyer Representation in Real Estate. His presentation skills have received
the acclaim of the Real Estate Educators Association, which has awarded
him the coveted designation of Distinguished Real Estate Instructor
David Wluka, Wluka Real Estate Corp.
David Wluka, president of Wluka Real
Estate Corp. in Sharon, was elected President of the Massachusetts Association
of Realtors® (MAR) in 2006 and participates at all levels of the association's
decision-making process. He represents the association at important meetings
and business functions, and serve as a spokesperson for the association
on various real estate industry-related matters, both in Massachusetts
and in the nation. his primary interest is in Government Affairs and land
use.
Berkshire County Board of Realtors® -
99 West Street, Suite 200 Pittsfield, MA 01201-5845 413-442-8049 Sandra
J. Carroll, Chief Executive Officer - Sue
O'Brien, Member Services Admin - Molly MacGregor, Office Clerk
A seasoned professional with 28 years' experience as a manager, educator,
and sales representative, Millie Calesky provides clients with the tools,
support, and structure they need to accomplish more. She received her coach
training at Coach University . Millie has a bachelor's degree from McGill
University , is a graduate of the Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing
and the Berkshire Enterprises Entrepreneurial Training Program. 
Sandy Carroll is the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of REALTORS®
and the Multiple Listing Service and has been with the organization since
1995. Since joining the association, she has served in many capacities
on the local, state and national level. Sandy was chosen as a speaker for
the joint US / Canada Association Executives Institute in Vancouver, where
she spoke on the topic ‘How to Survive and Thrive’ before her peers in
North America. At the state level, she served on the Agency Implementation
Committees, Technology Committee, Issues Grass-roots Work Group, Electronic
Forms Workgroup, Professional Standards Committee and was the Association
Executive Liaison serving on the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®
Executive Committee in 2003. She has earned her RCE (Realtor® Certified
Executive) Designation, ePro Management (Internet Professional Designation),
ITI (Instructors Training Institute Designation) and is certified Professional
Standards Administrator. 
Roseann is a highly skilled leader, communicator, motivator and coach
with over 25 years in real estate sales, training, management and consulting.
With her experience in training, marketing, sales management, business
consulting, risk management and sales she strives in assisting individuals
and companies to realize productivity, quality and profit. Roseann is an
energetic and flexible team player who builds loyalty and cares about people. 
Margaret Grant is the Associate General Counsel for the Massachusetts
Association of REALTORS®. “Margy” joined in 2001 and, along with Steve
Ryan has answered thousands of questions on the MAR Legal Hotline since
that time. Margy specializes in Agency implementation, having 
Elaine Hoff, of Wilmington, a state-certified real estate training instructor
and broker with RE/MAX Encore in Wilmington, has been named the recipient
of the 2005 Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year award. The MA
Real Estate Educator of the Year award recognizes REALTORS® for their voluntary
contributions and participation in activities that promote the professional
development and career advancement of fellow real estate practitioners.
Elaine has earned several REALTOR® designations including the CRS, CBR,
and GRI. and is on the faculty of the Massachusetts REALTOR® Institute
and is an instructor and coach for the New Agent Success Plan training. 
Nancy Kalodner, Broker-Owner of Benchmark Real Estate since 1980, is
a nationally regarded Professional Standards Instructor and Motivational
Speaker. She has served in critical positions on the National Association
of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee since 1990 and served as
their chair in 1997 and 1999. Nancy chaired the National Professional Standards
Education Subcommittee in 1995 and the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®
Professional Standards Committee for over 8 years. She is certified Mediator,
ITI Certified Instructor and was honored as both the Berkshire and Massachusetts
State REALTOR® of the Year and also Educator of the Year.
Robert J. Nahigian, SIOR, CRE has twenty-nine years of multi-disciplinary
levels of real estate experience with twenty years exclusively in commercial
and industrial. Mr. Nahigian has been a land developer, advisor and broker
of approximately $530,000,000 with 16 million square feet of commercial/industrial
real estate. In terms of all real estate involved, Mr. Nahigian has participated
in a total of $4.0 billion with 20 million square feet. He is a Senior
Lecturer at Boston University, MAR and a certified Massachusetts Real Estate
Instructor. Rob has been a lecturer at Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, Rutgers,
Lehigh and DePaul Universities. Mr. Nahigian has co-authored three real
estate books and over 100 articles in professional publications.
Jody is the senior trainer for Carlson GMAC Real Estate, headquartered
in Woburn, MA. This entails training more than 1,250 agents, 230 employees,
and more than 60 locally managed and operated real estate offices throughout
Central New England. Jody specializes in a wide range of topics, from professional
development to Massachusetts specifc regulatory issues.
Sue O’Brien has been with the Board since 1998 in the dual role of Multiple
Listing Service Coordinator and Executive Assistant. Sue is the first point
of contact for all Multiple Listing Service inquiries and is responsible
for the processing of contracts relative to maintaining the accuracy of
the Multiple Listing Service database. She is actively involved in educating
the membership on the system and handles training for the association in
both large and small groups. Sue has also been certified as a Professional
Standards Administrator and handles the processing of Ethics Complaints,
the Arbitration of Business Disputes and Requests for Mediation. 
Jerry Posner is a creative, dynamic speaker. Since 1994, he has given
over 450 programs for guests at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires and also
travels around the country as a speaker for conferences and as a trainer
for many corporations and organizations. He is considered an expert in
the field of customer service and is continually researching and developing
new material for his presentations and seminars. 
Steve Ryan is General Counsel for the Massachusetts Association of 
Paula Savard, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, E-PRO is known to many in the Berkshire
County Board of REALTORS®, across the state of Massachusetts and nationwide
as the instructor of choice for agency, professional standards and REALTOR®
business issues. She serves on the National Association of REALTORS® and
Massachusetts Board of Directors, has chaired the NAR Multiple Listing
Policy and Professional Standards Committees, and served on various national
committees, including Real Estate Finance, Legal Action, Membership Policy & Board
Jurisdiction, Board of Choice, Strategic Planning and Dues Administration
Committees and workgroups. 
Michael Shepard, drawing enthusiastic reviews from past teaching experiences
for the Realtor® Association is a practicing Attorney-at-law in Pittsfield.
He and his firm specialize in Real Estate Law, Business and Corporate
Law, Will, Estates and Trusts. A volunteer instructor for the Berkshire Board
of Realtors® since 1998, he is generously continuing to offer his services
and expertise to our members. Mike holds membership in both the Massachusetts
and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, is an approved direct writing attorney
for title insurance companies and represents many national clients in
relocation and real estate law. You can reach Mike at the Law Offices of
Michael Shepard located at 55 Church Street in Pittsfield - 413-499-0316.
Roger Turcotte is a distinguished real estate instructor with expertise
in association leadership skills and strategic planning. An author, REALTOR®,
and much sought after national speaker, Roger Turcotte has been selected
as Educator of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS®. Roger
is the co-author of the very popular ten-course Leadership Training Series
and Buyer Representation in Real Estate. His presentation skills have received
the acclaim of the Real Estate Educators Association, which has awarded
him the coveted designation of Distinguished Real Estate Instructor 
David Wluka, president of Wluka Real
Estate Corp. in Sharon, was elected President of the Massachusetts Association
of Realtors® (MAR) in 2006 and participates at all levels of the association's
decision-making process. He represents the association at important meetings
and business functions, and serve as a spokesperson for the association
on various real estate industry-related matters, both in Massachusetts
and in the nation. his primary interest is in Government Affairs and land
use.
