Meet REALTOR® Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, who was recently elected to serve a two-year term (2024-2025) on the PSAR board of directors.

After a successful 19-year career in banking, Charmaine had a simple reason for switching to real estate in 2016.

“At first, it was a scary transition, but I was motivated to be more involved and make a bigger impact on other people’s lives,” she said. “What better way to do that than to help people with the biggest investment of their lives.”

Charmaine grew up in San Diego and graduated from Morse High School. “Right out of high school, I started working as a bank teller,” she said. “After moving up the ranks to management, I was promoted to sales development consultant with a territory that stretched from the border to La Jolla to Alpine.”

Charmaine said she joined PSAR at the start of her real estate sales career.

“I felt intimidated at my first rally-and-ride pitch session. I can be very shy in unfamiliar environments,” said Charmaine. “Fortunately, a friendly person approached me and welcomed me to PSAR. Later, we met for coffee and one month later he referred me to a client. I ended-up doing four deals with that same client, who later referred me to another four clients. It’s my fairytale, Cinderella story, all because of making just one connection at a PSAR pitch session.”

Charmaine said she became more involved with PSAR in 2019, starting with PSAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) group. First, she was a YPN Committee member, followed by Co-Vice Chair in 2020 and Chair in 2021.

She also has served with PSAR as the Chair of the planning committee for the R.E.A.L. (Real Estate Achievement and Leadership) awards celebration event the last two years.

A couple of years ago, she was approached about serving on the PSAR board of directors.

“I was tapped on the shoulder and encouraged to run for a board position, but I wasn’t ready at the time. The timing wasn’t right,” Charmaine said. “Last year, I was tapped on the shoulder again and decided to go for it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board in 2024. I’m super excited.”

Today, the roles are reversed and she’s doing the “tapping on the shoulder,” encouraging PSAR members to get involved.

“There’s not a better way to get involved in supporting the industry than serving on a PSAR committee,” she said. “I’m always approaching our members and encouraging them to get involved. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the nuts-and-bolts of our industry and develop a deeper connection to our careers, including supporting property rights and homeownership. And, you never know whom you will meet and how they can help you.”

Charmaine also says she appreciates the supportive culture and sense of community she feels as a member of PSAR and when she attends PSAR events.

“I would encourage all of our PSAR members, especially newer agents, to attend as many events as possible and get involved, the earlier the better,” she said. “The connections with peers and colleagues are so important in this business."

Charmaine said one of the reasons she chooses to be a member of PSAR is because it is member-driven and member-centric, supported by an incredible staff. “The PSAR staff backs-up what they say with their hard work. They really do care. They serve the members in the best ways and everyone succeeds. I will always stay loyal to PSAR.”

Meet REALTOR® Monica Greenwood, who was recently elected to serve a two-year term (2024-2025) on the PSAR board of directors.

Monica began her real estate career in 2005 with a mortgage loan company after earning her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. She earned her real estate sales license in 2009, and her broker’s license in 2021. The Pacific Palisades native has lived in San Diego for the past 20 years. 

Monica speaks fluent French. She attended the Université Catholique de l’Ouest (UCO) in Angers, France, and College International de Cannes. She graduated with degrees in art history and language in 1987.

“I have French-speaking clients and I enjoy helping them,” Monica said. “Many of my family members live in Manchester, England, where I plan to visit this year.”

Monica said she was attracted to PSAR because of the excellent customer service. “Shortly after joining PSAR, I was so impressed with the ease of getting my questions answered. The office staff is so helpful. Also, I really enjoy the educational classes.”

Monica is a member of the Agent Leadership Council at the Keller Williams Realty San Diego East Foothills brokerage in El Cajon. She also is the brokerage’s risk management director and assists with agent education and training as chair of the Education Committee. She teaches weekly classes to agents, in addition to mentoring agents in the brokerage.

Monica has an in-depth knowledge of exactly what is involved in getting a real estate transaction closed. Her background in accounting and finance also helps her keep close attention to detail. 

“I’m serving on the PSAR board because I care about helping other agents and improving our industry for the benefit of homeowners. It’s part of my philosophy of life to do good in the world,” Monica said. “I always want to encourage homeownership for everyone and look out for the best interests of homeowners.”

She also has earned the highly-respected Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) professional designation, which means Monica understands about alternatives available to homeowners facing financial hardship. CDPE holders have a thorough understanding of complex issues in today’s turbulent real estate industry and knowledge of foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. CDPEs can provide solutions, specifically on short sales, for homeowners facing market hardships.

“It’s important to me that I have completed comprehensive training so I can solve any foreclosure crisis one homeowner at a time,” said Monica. “Unfortunately, many homeowners often proceed through the financially and emotionally devastating prospect of foreclosure without any guidance. This is unnecessary because there are tools available to help homeowners find the best solutions for their unique situations.”

In recent years at PSAR, Monica is currently serving on the Grievance Committee. She also has been active with PSAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) group and enjoys going to these events. 

“It’s important for me to give back to our industry and make sure everyone has a voice, that’s why I ran for the board,” she said. “I always want to encourage our members to get involved, join a committee, and lend your voice. Your voice matters just like everybody else’s. There are many good committees that our PSAR members can join.”

She also has served as a board member and education director for the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), San Diego chapter. VAREP’s mission is to increase sustainable homeownership, financial literacy education, and economic opportunity for the active-duty and veteran communities. The VAREP San Diego chapter was founded in July 2013.

In her spare time, Monica said enjoys playing golf, skiing, hiking, and boating.

“The next thing I want to try is pickle-ball,” she said. “It looks like a lot of fun.”

Meet REALTOR® Jim O’Donnell, who was recently elected to serve a two-year term (2024-2025) on the PSAR board of directors.

Real estate sales is a second career for Jim, a Long Island native. He previously spent 27 years working in the banking industry in New York and San Diego with Bank of America and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. His jobs in banking included talent acquisition, recruiting military veterans, and various training and human resources assignments.

One of his favorite roles in banking consisted of creating homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income families by serving as a program manager for a community revitalization program. The program featured the bank re-gifting foreclosed homes to nonprofit organizations. Then, the nonprofits would remodel the homes and keep the proceeds from the home sale.

“It was the best job in the bank to give away homes to nonprofits,” said Jim. “It was a win-win opportunity for all parties. Building community partnerships that transformed neighborhoods was just so incredibly rewarding.”

Jim left the banking industry in 2017 and started his full-time real estate sales career in August 2018. The Mount Helix resident has lived in San Diego County since 1996.

“I really love real estate because we’re helping everyday people with the biggest investment of their lives, matching the right buyer to the right seller,” said Jim. “Homeownership is an investment that will lead to preserving and growth wealth over generations.”

Jim is known by the vehicle he drives, a recognizable 1965 Volkswagen bus, sometimes called a “hippie bus” made popular during its heyday as a counterculture icon of the 1960s.

“I see people smile when they see me driving down the road,” said Jim. “Other drivers honk their horns and give me the peace sign.”

Jim, also continues to serve as a member of PSAR’s Government Affairs Committee and Grievance Committee.

“I like to be engaged in the conversation and have a seat at the table when it comes to advocacy, which is why I enjoyed Government Affairs,” said Jim. “Also, the Grievance Committee was a natural for me with my human resources background.”

Jim admires PSAR and appreciates the family's feelings at PSAR events.

“At every PSAR meeting, I notice a sense of community, open communication, a welcoming team spirit, and support for each other,” he said. “I’ve been around long enough to size up the culture of an organization because I’ve seen how a vibrant culture can make everyone more successful.”

One of Jim’s new roles at PSAR is co-hosting the PSAR East County Pitch, a weekly marketing pitch session held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the PSAR East County Event Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon. Laurie MacDonald, 2024 PSAR President, is the other co-host.  

“PSAR values its members, who, in turn, value their clients,” he said. “When you put your client’s best interests first, then your personal needs will be realized beyond your greatest expectations.”

The Recognition Committee will consist of The past recipients of REALTOR® of the Year, the Broker Manager of the Year and Affiliate of the Year, the Affiliate Director, members of the Association Council, the Chair of Professional Standards, and the Chair of the Grievance Committee. 

Save the date! Winners will be announced at the REAL Awards on March 1st, 2024 at the Sycuan Casino Resort. At least one runner-up will be announced.

PSAR Distinguished Service Award. The ultimate recognition for the dedicated PSAR REALTOR^® who has always set themselves apart as a leader. REALTORS^® who receive the award have shown exceptionally meritorious service to PSAR for at least 10 years and have been recognized as local leaders whose performance and involvement in political, educational, and community activities have been extraordinary.  This award may or may not be granted every year because the bar is set that high.

PSAR  Community Service Award. Recognizes active REALTOR^® members who are making an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work. Nominees are judged primarily on the level and impact of personal contribution. Nominees should have made a significant contribution of personal time, but contributions of money, materials, and other resources may also be considered by the awards task force as well.

The Recognition Committee will consist of The past recipient of REALTOR® of the Year, the Broker Manager of the Year and Affiliate of the Year, the Affiliate Director, members of the Association Council, the Chair of Professional Standards (if a PSAR Member), and the Chair of the Grievance Committee. Winners will be announced at our upcoming REAL Awards in  2023. At least one runner-up will be announced.