PSAR Announces Its 2026/27 Board of Directors and Officers

Posted by PSAR Communication on Jun 27, 2025 11:01:14 PM

2026 President-Elect
Jim O'Donnell

11


2026 Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

Michael Dullea


The Election Winners for the 2026/2027 Director Term

Jaimie Kurtz
Jaimie Kurtz

Alma CooganAlma Coogan

Monica Greenwood
Monica Greenwood

Jim Long
Jim Long

Mike ShenkmanMike Shenkman

 

The 2025 Board of Directors and Officers will remain and serve PSAR until December 31st, 2025.

Your Board of Directors Team for 2026

Claudia Zaker, 2026 President

Jim O'Donnell, 2026 President-Elect

Michael Dullea, 2026 Secretary-Treasurer

Yvonne Cromer, Immediate Past President

Mike Anderson, 2025/2026 Director

Robert Cromer, 2025/2026 Director

David Fletes, 2025/2026 Director

Valerie Gardner, 2025/2026 Director

Oscar Vega, 2025/2026 Director

Jamie Kurtz, 2026/2027 Director

Alma Coogan, 2026/2027 Director

Monica Greenwood, 2026/2027 Director

Jim Long, 2026/2027 Director

Mike Shenkman, 2026/2027 Director

Phana Par, 2025/2026 Affiliate Director

________________________________________________

PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Thank you to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. Great things are expected from the elected candidates and those serving on PSAR's committee leadership roster.

Topics: Leadership

Good Neighbor: Kenny Patrick – A Voice for the Community

Posted by Communications on Jun 3, 2025 9:08:43 AM

Kenny PatrickKenny Patrick has spent most of their life in San Diego and can't imagine living and thriving anywhere else. Driven by a deep-rooted sense of community, Kenny engages in various ways to give back. Connection to community, paired with a commitment to service, has earned Kenny the right to be known as a standout Good Neighbor Award finalist for the first quarter of 2025. Kenny’s involvement knows few bounds and stretches across organizations and neighborhoods, always striving to make life better for others.

When the Youth Assistance Coalition was launched (YACSD.org is an organization supporting homeless youth in San Diego), Kenny was among the first to step in. Through volunteering, donating personally, and procuring outside donations, Kenny helped extend vital services to an underserved and vulnerable population. In the iconic Normal Heights neighborhood (where Kenny lives), you'll find Kenny being of service as a board member on the Normal Heights Community Planning Group, working to ensure that local voices are represented. This commitment evolved into the role of Chairperson of the (not yet open) Normal Heights Community Garden. You'll often find Kenny walking door-to-door, sharing important community information with residents who can’t always attend meetings. Kenny is also a board member with a preschool called Includ(Ed) - serving non-neurotypical and neurotypical children. Growing IncludEdSD.org into a self-sustaining preschool is one of the most rewarding and challenging things Kenny will ever do.

Kenny Patrick is more than a neighbor - you'll experience Kenny as a connector, an advocate, and a steady presence in civic spaces that shape the future of San Diego communities. Employing thoughtful local leadership skills ensures that diverse perspectives are placed squarely in front of elected San Diego officials. Vulnerable community members of San Diego will always have a voice because of Kenny and many others with similar passions for civic equity. By modeling inclusive, proactive involvement, Kenny reminds us that being a good neighbor means showing up, speaking out, and helping everyone feel like they belong.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

Good Neighbor: Amy Saflar - A leader of Community and Heritage

Posted by Communications on Jun 2, 2025 11:16:09 AM

The Alpine Woman’s Club stands as a cornerstone of Alpine's community spirit, dedicated to fostering social, civic, educational, and cultural advancement. At its heart beats the Historic Town Hall, a cherished symbol of heritage and unity, meticulously preserved through the tireless efforts of volunteers like Amy Saflar.

Good Neighbor Amy SaflarSince 2012, Amy Saflar has been at the forefront of the Alpine Woman’s Club's mission, serving as Grant Administrator and Secretary with unwavering dedication. Her pivotal role has not only expanded the club’s membership and fundraising prowess but has also raised over $140,000 in vital funds. Amy’s commitment extends far beyond administrative duties; she actively participates in fundraisers, monthly activities, and chairs luncheons, all while spearheading initiatives that have significantly bolstered the club's impact in the community.

Amy’s influence transcends financial contributions; she embodies the spirit of community through her generosity and hands-on support. From providing cash donations to supplying food for events and donating household goods, Amy's contributions have ensured the success of numerous endeavors, including the Annual High Tea and Attic Treasures Sale.

Amy Saflar7Central to Amy's impact is her proficiency in securing crucial funding through grant writing initiatives. Her strategic approach has facilitated essential maintenance of the Historic Town Hall and enabled necessary upgrades to ensure accessibility and aesthetic appeal for all visitors.

Beyond her organizational prowess, Amy's inclusive leadership has fostered a culture of engagement within the club, encouraging diversity and community involvement. Her efforts have strengthened the bonds among members and preserved the Historic Town Hall as a vital hub for community gatherings and celebrations.

Amy Saflar's steadfast commitment to the Alpine Woman’s Club and the preservation of the Historic Town Hall exemplifies the power of individual initiative in enhancing community life. Her contributions ensure that Alpine remains a place where heritage thrives and community spirit flourishes.

Amy Saflar and the Alpine Woman's Club

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

Good Neighbor: Doreen Smith – Champion for Senior Dogs at Frosted Faces Foundation

Posted by Communications on May 29, 2025 8:59:07 AM

Doreen Smith

 

Doreen Smith has made it her mission to ensure that senior dogs are not forgotten. As a dedicated volunteer for Frosted Faces Foundation (FFF), a nonprofit organization that provides loving homes and comprehensive veterinary care for aging pets, Doreen’s compassion has become a lifeline for many dogs in need. Her ongoing commitment has earned her a well-deserved place as one of the first-quarter Good Neighbor Award finalists.

Frosted Faces Foundation relies on community support to carry out its mission, and Doreen’s involvement touches nearly every part of the organization. She regularly volunteers her time atDoreen Smith 4 events and open houses, fosters and adopts senior dogs - five so far - and contributes both funds and supplies to help meet the foundation’s needs. Doreen also uses her voice to spread awareness, promoting FFF’s cause on social media, sponsoring their local chamber membership, and encouraging others to get involved. Thanks to her efforts, more volunteers have stepped forward, and more people in the community now understand the critical need to support senior pets.

Doreen Smith 5Doreen’s dedication to Frosted Faces Foundation has had a lasting impact on both the organization and the dogs it serves. Her generosity, advocacy, and hands-on support exemplify what it means to be a good neighbor. Through her work, Doreen has helped ensure that many senior dogs find comfort, care, and companionship in their golden years, showing that it’s never too late for a second chance at love.

 

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

Here is the Board Slate of Nominees for 2026/2027

Posted by PSAR Communication on May 23, 2025 10:00:00 AM

blogbanner_PSAR_Election_Slate_2026
The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors respectfully submit the following slate for the 2026/2027 Officers and Directors Annual Election. Elections will begin electronically on June 20th and end on June 27th at 5 p.m..

President-Elect
Jim O'Donnell

Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

Directors (Vote for 5 Two-Year Seats)
Alma Coogan
Monica Greenwood
Jaimie Kurtz Prowse
Jim Long
Mike Shenkman
Abraham Vargas
___________________________________________

Elections will begin on the morning of June 20th and end on June 27th at 5 p.m.

 

Topics: Leadership

Veronica Hosey Honored as Good Neighbor Award Finalist for Transforming Lives Through Housing Solutions

Posted by Communications on Mar 1, 2025 11:47:22 AM

 

Veronica HoseyCongratulations to PSAR REALTOR® Veronica Hosey, a PSAR Good Neighbor Award quarterly finalist! Her dedication to helping those in need through Multi Family Moguls has provided life-changing housing solutions for individuals and families displaced by recent natural disasters in San Diego.

As the founder of Multi Family Moguls, Veronica has taken a proactive approach to addressing homelessness by bridging the gap between temporary displacement and long-term stability. Her organization collaborates with key partners, including the San Diego Housing Commission, VASH, ADJOIN, Home Start, Interfaith, the American Red Cross, STOP, Youth for Justice, and the Jewish Foundation. These partnerships allow for a holistic approach, ensuring that vulnerable individuals not only receive immediate shelter but also have access to critical support services.

Veronica Hosey2In 2024 alone, MULTI FAMILY MOGULS has successfully housed over 350 individuals. Beyond securing shelter, the organization provides referrals to credit repair agencies and financial assistance programs to help residents regain financial independence. By focusing on both housing and economic stability, Veronica’s work fosters long-term success for those facing hardship.

Her efforts exemplify the spirit of the PSAR Good Neighbor Award, which recognizes REALTORS® who go above and beyond in their communities. Veronica’s work reminds us of the power of real estate professionals to make a meaningful impact beyond transactions—helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

PSAR REALTOR® Terri Dillon: Making a Difference for Rescue Animals

Posted by Communications on Feb 28, 2025 4:24:28 PM

Congratulations to PSAR REALTOR® Terri Dillon, a quarterly finalist for the PSAR Good Neighbor Award!

Terri Dillon pupRescue Fenix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer, all-breed rescue dedicated to helping animals in need. Driven by compassion, the organization rescues animals that are in danger, sick, abused, or neglected. Every rescued animal receives medical care and rehabilitation before being placed in a loving, permanent home. Rescue Fenix operates solely on donor support and does not receive government funding.

Terri is a passionate advocate for pet adoption and foster care, consistently opening her home to dogs in need. While the number of animals she has helped is immeasurable, her dedication to the cause is evident in her ongoing efforts within the community. In addition to her work with Rescue Fenix, she volunteers at various events and programs for other organizations whenever needed.

Support Terri’s mission by visiting Rescue Fenix, or reach out to her directly to learn how you can help by caring for one of the dogs in her care.

Visit Rescue Fenix A.C. https://www.rescuefenix.org/ to support Terri's advocacy. 

Good Neighbor Information and Nominations can be found HERE

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD: Sean & Martine Hillier, 17 years of non-profit causes

Posted by Communications on Feb 28, 2025 4:24:21 PM

Congratulations to PSAR REALTOR® Sean and Martine Hillier, recipients of a PSAR Good Neighbor award.quarterly finalist.

Sean and Martina HillierREALTORS®, PSAR members, and Good Neighbor Award nominees Sean and Martine Hillier have been active in educational and non-profit causes for nearly 17 years. They started out wanting to help senior citizens. This led them to become volunteers for San Diego’s Meals on Wheels in June 2008, delivering meals to seniors across East County once or twice a month. In June 2024, Sean expanded his Meals on Wheels involvement, joining the staff as a paid Site Coordinator and Driver. That same summer, Martine was hired at the non-profit group Oasis, which offers dozens of classes for seniors.

Martine, a native French speaker and also fluent in Spanish, is now on her third semester of teaching Beginning and Intermediate French at Oasis’ Grossmont Center campus.    

Sean and Martina HillierIn addition, Sean has spent many years volunteering in various roles to help his fellow real estate agents and brokers. Sean spent six years hosting PSAR’s weekly East County broker caravan, plus two years as an elected member of PSAR’s Board of Directors.

Sean and Martine also spent four years on PSAR’s East County Government Affairs Committee. Sean was a panelist on several educational forums for agents at Windermere Real Estate SoCal. And Sean remains chairman of the Broker Independent Group (B.I.G.), a twice-weekly meeting of Southern California smaller brokers he co-founded in 2021. 

 

Good Neighbor Information and Nominations can be found HERE

 

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

PSAR Government Affairs Committee Meets with Senator Brian Jones

Posted by Rick Griffin on Jul 31, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Facebook_ Gov Affairs with Senator Jones-1

All PSAR members should be proud of how PSAR Government Affairs Committee members have been actively advocating for homeownership during meetings with elected officials from throughout San Diego.

Recently, PSAR members met with California State Senator Brian Jones, who has represented the 40th Senate District since 2018. He is currently serving as Senate Minority Leader.

The major topic discussed at the meeting with Jones is the housing shortage. High home prices and mortgage rates have created a chilling effect on the housing market, frustrating aspiring first-time buyers and homeowners looking to move. Adding to the misery, the low housing supply has kept prices up, even as elevated borrowing fees bite into purchasing power and affect affordability. 

Also, prospective sellers are deterred over concerns about the mortgage rate they would incur with their next home, creating a “lock-in effect” that constrains the market. The lock-in effect occurs when homeowners who secured ultra-cheap mortgages when interest rates were low now feel trapped in their current property and reluctant to relocate, thus, limiting the number of existing homes available for sale.

Sen. Jones told PSAR members he believes there are ways to increase the inventory of single-family homes to first-time buyers by making it easier for older homeowners looking to downsize.

In addition, PSAR members heard Jones's request for the Association’s assistance with researching San Diego County homeowners, ages 55 and older, who might be interested in downsizing.

Jones said he believes more homeowners would be receptive to relocating to smaller homes, giving more options to first-time buyers, if benefits were available that still offered attractive living amenities.

One idea is to examine the incentives currently available for subsidized rentals and then apply those same incentives toward the creation of entry-level ownership housing. Another idea is to make it easier for developers to build entry-level homes by offering the same programs that benefit for-profit and non-profit builders of rental housing.

Overall, PSAR members described the meeting with Jones as “productive” and “enlightening.” PSAR members thanked the Senator for his continued partnership in looking for solutions to the housing shortage. 

The 40th California State Senate District includes more than 1 million residents of East and North San Diego County. The 40th Senate District includes the cities of Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Santee and San Diego City communities of Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley and University City, along with the San Diego County unincorporated communities of 4S Ranch, Alpine, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Rainbow, Ramona and Valley Center.

Jones grew up in the 40th District. He attended Santee Elementary, Cajon Park Middle School, and Santana High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Jones served eight years on the Santee City Council followed by three terms (2010-2016) in the State Assembly before his first election to the Senate in 2018. PSAR endorsed Jones in his 2022 reelection bid.

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

Amy Saflar, PSAR VOLUNTEER HAS IMPACTED 15,500 PEOPLE

Posted by Rick Griffin on Jul 18, 2024 11:00:00 AM

_Amy-Safla

PSAR congratulates PSAR broker Amy Saflar for being named a finalist for the Champions of Home Impact Award by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

Amy was selected for her dedication to the Alpine Woman’s Club, which has 100 members. Her roles have included board secretary, trustee, luncheon hostess, and grant writer. From January 2023 to February 2024, Amy contributed more than 340 volunteer hours, impacting approximately 15,500 people.

Over the past 12 years, Amy’s grant writing has secured over $126,000 in grants for the Woman’s Club. These grants, from San Diego Gas & Electric and the County of San Diego’s Community Enhancement program with support from District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson have been used to maintain the Alpine Historic Town Hall and provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Alpine.

“I have a service heart and love to volunteer,” Amy said. “I’ve supported food nonprofits, Soroptimist International, and school PTAs, but my longest service has been with the Woman’s Club.”

Amy’s nomination included this testimonial:

Amy Saflar’s steadfast dedication over the past 12 years has enhanced our community. Her efforts in preserving and improving the Historic Town Hall of Alpine. A pivotal hub for community engagement, have been instrumental. Her leadership and commitment to the Alpine Woman’s Club have ensured the sustained maintenance of this cherished landmark.

Amy’s resourcefulness in securing funding has made the Town Hall a vibrant center of activity and a source of community pride. She has strengthened the bonds that unite Alpine’s residents, enriching the community for generations to come.”

The Champions of Home Impact Award honors California REALTORS® who significantly impact their communities through volunteer efforts. This year, C.A.R. received 75 nominations, and Amy is one of nine finalists. One winner and two honorees will be selected and announced in mid-August.

The winner will receive a $5,000 donation for their nonprofit, a trophy, and will be featured in California Real Estate magazine. The two runner-ups will receive a $1,000 donation for their nonprofits, framed certificates, and will also be featured in the magazine. All three will have their travel expenses covered for C.A.R.’s REimagine Conference, the annual fall real estate conference and expo.

Topics: Announcements, Leadership