2026 Executive Committee
Russell Brazil
Russell is an associate broker with RLAH @properties, licensed in 18 states and founder of District Invest Group, a team of REALTORS® dedicated to helping investors build long-term wealth through real estate. As a D.C. metro area resident for nearly two decades, he began his career as an investor before transitioning into full-time real estate sales over 11 years ago.
Committed to the real estate community, he currently serves as the 2025 GCAAR President-Elect, a member of the GCAAR Board of Directors for five years, has served on the Public Policy Committee for eight years, Director for the National Association of REALTORS® and recently elected as At-Large Director for Maryland REALTORS®. His industry leadership is matched by consistent professional recognition named Top Producing Agent by Washingtonian magazine, Bethesda Magazine and Virginia Living magazine, along with Rising Star by D.C. Metro Real Producers magazine.
In addition to his brokerage and leadership, Russell is a frequent speaker at REIAs and investment conferences. He is a strong advocate for real estate professionals, homeowners and investors, focusing on the intersection of equity issues and housing policy.
Jacqueline Bennett
Jackie Bennett is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence Realty, doing business in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. She has been a long-standing member of GCAAR since inception. Over the years, she has served on various GCAAR committees, including Grievance, Legislative/Public Policy, Forms, as well as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee. Jackie is a 2014 alum of the Maryland REALTORS® Leadership Academy and also served on several Maryland State Association committees, including recently, as the 2023 Chair of the Global Business Council. She is also a member of the Global Business Alliance committee at the National Association of REALTORS®. She holds the CIPS, AHWD, MRP, SRS designations and is C2EX certified. Jackie is a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Maryland and has served as the Maryland State Network President, Governor and currently as its State Liaison.
Jackie is a United States Army Veteran. She has an appreciation for service to country, community and our industry. She is a strong believer in a member-centric association that actively encourages member involvement. She looks forward to continuing to serve GCAAR and its membership.
Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda
Ileann is a highly accomplished REALTOR® with a 24-year track record of serving clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She's a member of the Long & Foster Chevy Chase office and actively volunteers within the local real estate community.
Her commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate is evident through her leadership roles. In 2023, she chaired GCAAR’s DEI Committee, building on her co-chair role in 2022, and appointment in 2021. Ileann also served as a D.C. board member with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance in 2022 and 2023. She is currently on the GCAAR Board of Directors, serving through 2025.
As one-half of the renowned Sepulveda Team alongside partner Hector Sepulveda, their partnership has earned many awards and recognition.
Ileann's love for the Washington, D.C. area is apparent in her appreciation for its unique blend of community, politics, architecture and culture. She actively supports the community through organizations like The Sitar Arts Center. Ileann's unwavering dedication to building inclusionary communities in the DMV is a testament to her personal and professional journey as a REALTOR®.
Marilyn Emery
Marilyn Emery, with RLAH @properties, has been a REALTOR® for 20 years, licensed in Maryland and D.C. She started as an investor with her husband, buying, fixing and selling/renting distressed properties. As her children grew older, she transitioned to working with investors and homebuyers. She’s a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist and a Probate Specialist.
She has served on the GCAAR Board of Directors for three years, on GCAAR’s Grievance Committee for three and Professional Standards Committee for one. At RLAH, she heads a team with five other agents. They’ve been among RLAH’s top agents for the past three years; named Washingtonian Top Producer and Best of Bethesda in 2021 and Best of Washington in 2022 and 2023; and recognized by Real Living and Homeservices of America as the leader of one of the top 50 teams nationwide.
Marilyn volunteers with her church and is on the board for the village of Kensington. She’s active in her neighborhood association and has participated in her children’s school and sports teams. She enjoys gardening, beekeeping, walking her dog and doing photography.
Samantha Damato, Esq., MPH, SRS
Samantha has been an active GCAAR member since becoming a REALTOR® in 2013. In 2017, she was named GCAAR Rookie of the Year and has had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors since 2020. From 2021-2023, she served on the executive committee first as treasurer, then secretary.
Committee membership has been a cornerstone of Samantha’s GCAAR involvement through the Community Service Committee and the Forms Committee. She also served NAR on the Fair Housing and Land Use Committees. Mentorship and education are the foundation of her business practice.
In late 2021, Samantha had the opportunity to take that passion for mentorship and her legal background to a new role as a settlement attorney with RGS Title. Working in partnership with the brokerage, she now has the pleasure of working side by side with agents from all experience levels as they navigate the ins and outs of local real estate. Her unique and varied experience as a REALTOR® and as a Title Officer add a new perspective to GCAAR’s leadership and future.
2026 Board of Directors
Bruce Cotting
Although born and raised in Guam, Bruce is a 40+ year resident of Silver Spring, where he resides with his wife, Jennifer, and raised their four children. His client-centric approach is fueled by the desire to eliminate his parents’ stressful experience of moving their family halfway around the world, exacerbated by the pressures of finding a home and simultaneously getting their children into schools. As a referral-based REALTOR®, his personable, consultative customer service combined with great energy and enthusiasm for his clients’ goals earn him consistent referrals.
Bruce served on the GCAAR Education Committee from 2014-2019, led the Professional Development Subcommittee in 2018 and is a current member of the Grievance committee. He maintains his GRI, ABR, SRS and MRP designations. Bruce has been a member of the Fr. Rosensteel Council Knights of Columbus since 2012 and was elected as Grand Knight in 2017. In addition to his volunteer efforts in the Catholic community, he has been a member of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce since 2013 and selected as the 2023 “GSSCC Volunteer of The Year”.
Dan Cumberland, (Non-voting affiliate)
Dan Cumberland serves as the Marketing Director for Moyer & Sons Moving & Storage, where he has proudly led the company’s marketing strategy and business development since 2018. Born and raised in Montgomery County, he has known the Moyer family his entire life, making his transition to the moving industry a natural fit.
In his role, Dan oversees marketing initiatives, account management, project evaluation and research efforts, while contributing to business development and sales team training. His leadership and dedication have earned him numerous industry recognitions, including GCAAR's Affiliate of the Year and serving twice as chair for GCAAR's Community Service Committee.
Dan lives in Gaithersburg with his family and outside of work, he enjoys traveling and occasionally pretending to play golf.
Christopher Darby
Christopher B. Darby is a founding member of Counselors Title, LLC. He is also the co-managing attorney of the Counselors Title Dupont Circle Office. Prior to founding Counselors, Darby served as a settlement attorney, office manager and the director of D.C. operations for Universal Settlements.
A native of the Washington area, Chris entered into the title business in 1998 after receiving his law degree from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the District of Columbia and Maryland Bar Associations and enjoys regularly teaching continuing real estate education courses for local REALTORS®, as well as a Real Estate Transactions Law class at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Chris is also an active member of the local real estate community, with service to and membership in the D.C. Land Title Association and the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR), where he has served on the Forms Committee (formerly Contract and Clause Committee) since 2001. Chris was honored by GCAAR as its 2007 Affiliate of the Year for his service to the real estate community. Licensed to conduct closings in D.C., MD and VA, he is experienced in residential and commercial real estate transactions and the resolution of contract issues.
Nelson Fuentes
Nelson is a dynamic, tech-savvy real estate agent proudly serving the MD, D.C. and VA areas, born and raised in the DMV. His deep local knowledge allows him to navigate the region like the back of his hand. And as a bilingual agent fluent in Spanish, he’s passionate about helping families achieve their dreams, often guiding them to possibilities they never thought were within reach.
Beyond his role as an agent, he is an educator in his community, empowering friends and clients with knowledge about real estate and investment opportunities. He’s also a business owner and investor, bringing a multifaceted perspective to his clients’ journeys.
In his spare time, Nelson is an active participant in the DMV comedy scene, performing stand-up at renowned venues like DC Improv, Hotbed Comedy Club, Virginia State Theatre and The Port Comedy Club in Baltimore. With him, you can expect a vibrant, engaging experience—your journey will be anything but dull!
Yves Jean Baptiste
Yves Jean Baptiste, a first-generation Haitian American, embodies the work-hard, play-hard balance. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Frostburg State University with a degree in business administration, Baptiste discovered his passion for real estate after purchasing his first home. This experience ignited his interest in the investment side of real estate, leading him to become a successful agent at Keller Williams Capital Properties in the D.C. metro area.
Baptiste’s commitment to his clients is unparalleled. He treats every client like family, understanding their journey as he has been in their shoes. His dedication earned him the title of a top-producing agent, and he is a 2024 GCAAR Gold Recognition Award winner. Baptiste is also the founder of The Baptiste, focusing on real estate development and sales.
Outside of real estate, Baptiste enjoys working out, playing basketball, watching football and spending time with his two children and wife. A trailblazer in his field, he continues to inspire and lead by example, making a significant impact on the lives of his clients and community.
Hank May
Born and raised in Montgomery County, Md., Hank began his real estate career as a full-time REALTOR® in 1999. With over 26 years of experience, he strives to contribute to the real estate industry in a positive manner. He specializes in traditional real estate and land transactions, where he helps evaluate vacant land and its potential uses, assess property conditions and work with affiliated partners to ensure smooth transactions. In addition to his experience, he has earned the SRS, ABR, SRES and AHWD designations.
He has served on GCAAR’s Forms committee for over 20 years and the Grievance committee. In his spare time, he’s worked as an election judge in Montgomery County for over 15 years, serving in several capacities with the Board of Elections and is the secretary of the Board of Directors for his church.
Hank is a United States Army Special Forces, Special Operations Veteran who served two tours in Vietnam and awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation medals. He lives in Colesville on a small farm with his four cats and assorted barnyard critters.
D'Ann Melnick
After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in communication studies, D’Ann began her real estate career with a production home builder before obtaining her real estate license in 2003. In 2005, she earned her broker's license and relocated to the D.C. metro area. Since moving to eXp Realty in 2021, she’s earned the prestigious ICON award (2022, 2023, 2024) and was placed in eXp’s Top 250 Individual Agent within eXp Realty nationwide for the last three years. She has been named a Top Producer by Bethesda and Washingtonian magazines, D.C. Metro Real Producers (Top 250) and one of D.C.'s Best Real Estate Agents by Modern Luxury.
D'Ann has earned the Real Estate Collaboration Specialist – Divorce designation and the Military Relocation Professional certifications. She is also a member of the Residential Real Estate Council and a Certified Residential Specialist. Over the years, she has served on various GCAAR committees, including Community Service, Grievance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Professional Standards committee.
Theresa Nielson
Theresa Nielson serves as the Managing Broker for the Montgomery County, MD offices of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Licensed in MD, D.C. and VA, Theresa began her career in marketing at a boutique architecture and development firm before shifting to real estate in 2003. Since then, the offices she has led have consistently ranked among the top-performing in the region.
A native Washingtonian, Theresa loves traveling with her family and their two dogs. She is committed to the community she serves and supports a variety of non-profit organizations. Currently, Theresa serves on the Board of Glen Echo Park, as well as Transformer, a visual arts organization that supports emerging artists and art leaders in the D.C. area.
Theresa is also actively involved with the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR), where she supports initiatives that advance professional development, ethical standards and advocacy for the real estate community. Her commitment to elevating the profession aligns with her passion for mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals and promoting excellence across every facet of the industry.
Jessica Olevsky
Jessica is a staunch advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship and economic prosperity for REALTORS®. While she prioritizes elevating professional, ethical and profitability standards to build a stronger industry, Jessica's passion lies in supporting others in achieving their goals. She seeks to enhance GCAAR's offerings in education, financial resources and mentorship for agents and brokerages.
Her exceptional communication skills and focus on fostering professional collaboration underscore her commitment to transparent and open dialogue. Jessica's empathetic approach creates an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected, ensuring a positive impact on both the industry and the community.
Jessica is a “roll the sleeves up” person and has successfully volunteered with multiple organizations including currently serving as a member of the GCAAR Board, Past President of Residential Real Estate Council (RRC/CRS) Maryland/D.C. Chapter, NAR Professional Standards and Housing Affordability Committee, Maryland Grievance and Housing Affordability committees and GCAAR Education, Events and Grievance committees. She also holds the C2EX endorsement, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion suite and is a graduate of the Maryland Leadership Academy.
Tim Phelps
With over a decade of real estate experience, Tim is dedicated to guiding, counseling and educating his clients to achieve their real estate goals across Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. As an associate broker, Tim is a seasoned problem-solver who thrives on exploring all perspectives and possibilities to find innovative solutions. His project management and estimating background equips him with the skills to expertly navigate negotiations and foster strong client relationships. Additionally, Tim holds the Certified Negotiation Expert designation, further showcasing his expertise in the field.
A Washington, D.C. native, Tim deeply understands the D.C. community and embodies his clients' values and aspirations. He is actively engaged in professional development and serves on the GCAAR Professional Standards Committee. Tim's commitment to the real estate industry extends beyond client transactions; he is passionate about mentoring and training real estate professionals of all levels.
Tim enjoys an active lifestyle outside of work, engaging in hobbies such as hiking, snowboarding, soccer and motorcycle-racing. His dynamic approach to work and life is reflected in his dedication to his clients and adventurous spirit.
Christopher Rhodes
A native Washingtonian, Chris began his real estate career with Long & Foster in 1999 and in 2000, he was named Rookie of the Year for the D.C. Metro area for Long & Foster. In just a few years, he became a Top Producer for the company and at the top 1% of the nation in real estate sales. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a consummate professional and knowledgeable and a reliable resource for the countless buyers, sellers, investors and developers whom he's helped to realize their unique real estate goals.
Chris' unparalleled expertise, service, market/pricing insight and negotiating skills are what ensure utmost success with every deal. He is licensed in MD, D.C., VA and DE. He is a GCAAR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion and has served on GCAAR’s Grievance committee for two years.
Chris also enjoys serving his community where he has volunteered his time and talents to the homeless, feeding the less fortunate and organizing community donations to help the poor through various non-profit organizations.
Monique Van Blaricom
Monique Van Blaricom is a passionate and dedicated REALTOR® licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia with a proven track record of success for her clients. Monique thrives on helping clients navigate the complexities of the real estate journey, blending modern strategies and client-focused service.
Her dedication to the real estate community is evident through her active participation in GCAAR. Since 2021, Monique has served on the Community Service Committee and currently leads as the chair. While on the committee, she has facilitated dozens of volunteer opportunities for members, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact in the local community.
Monique’s dedication to excellence was recognized early in her career when she was named 2022 GCAAR Rookie of the Year. In addition, she was named as one of NAR's 2024 30 Under 30 honorees, reflecting her leadership, dedication and influence in the industry. She has a deep passion for serving the community and the real estate industry.
Kirsten Williams
Kirsten began her real estate career in the Washington, D.C. area in 1997 and quickly became a top-producing agent and respected industry leader. She currently serves as Managing Broker of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty’s Chevy Chase office, overseeing 60+ agents. Known for her professionalism, deep market knowledge, and personal approach, Kirsten enjoys providing guidance to her agents, buyers and sellers alike.
A dedicated real estate professional, Kirsten is passionate about elevating the industry and advocating for her colleagues and clients. She is committed to continuing her service and would be honored to serve two more years on the GCAAR Board of Directors.
Kirsten currently serves on the Forms and Professional Standards committee and has previously chaired the Grievance and Forms committee. She actively volunteers with local organizations, serves on the Chevy Chase Historical Society board, Chevy Chase United Methodist Church Leadership Board and enjoys tennis, biking, and time with her husband, two daughters, and their Labrador, Flounder.
Michele Young
NAR Directors
Jacqueline Bennett
Jackie Bennett is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence Realty, doing business in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. She has been a long-standing member of GCAAR since inception. Over the years, she has served on various GCAAR committees, including Grievance, Legislative/Public Policy, Forms, as well as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee. Jackie is a 2014 alum of the Maryland REALTORS® Leadership Academy and also served on several Maryland State Association committees, including recently, as the 2023 Chair of the Global Business Council. She is also a member of the Global Business Alliance committee at the National Association of REALTORS®. She holds the CIPS, AHWD, MRP, SRS designations and is C2EX certified. Jackie is a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Maryland and has served as the Maryland State Network President, Governor and currently as its State Liaison.
Jackie is a United States Army Veteran. She has an appreciation for service to country, community and our industry. She is a strong believer in a member-centric association that actively encourages member involvement. She looks forward to continuing to serve GCAAR and its membership.
Russell Brazil
Russell is an associate broker with RLAH @properties, licensed in 18 states and founder of District Invest Group, a team of REALTORS® dedicated to helping investors build long-term wealth through real estate. As a D.C. metro area resident for nearly two decades, he began his career as an investor before transitioning into full-time real estate sales over 11 years ago.
Committed to the real estate community, he currently serves as the 2025 GCAAR President-Elect, a member of the GCAAR Board of Directors for five years, has served on the Public Policy Committee for eight years, Director for the National Association of REALTORS® and recently elected as At-Large Director for Maryland REALTORS®. His industry leadership is matched by consistent professional recognition named Top Producing Agent by Washingtonian magazine, Bethesda Magazine and Virginia Living magazine, along with Rising Star by D.C. Metro Real Producers magazine.
In addition to his brokerage and leadership, Russell is a frequent speaker at REIAs and investment conferences. He is a strong advocate for real estate professionals, homeowners and investors, focusing on the intersection of equity issues and housing policy.
Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda
Ileann is a highly accomplished REALTOR® with a 24-year track record of serving clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She's a member of the Long & Foster Chevy Chase office and actively volunteers within the local real estate community.
Her commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate is evident through her leadership roles. In 2023, she chaired GCAAR’s DEI Committee, building on her co-chair role in 2022, and appointment in 2021. Ileann also served as a D.C. board member with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance in 2022 and 2023. She is currently on the GCAAR Board of Directors, serving through 2025.
As one-half of the renowned Sepulveda Team alongside partner Hector Sepulveda, their partnership has earned many awards and recognition.
Ileann's love for the Washington, D.C. area is apparent in her appreciation for its unique blend of community, politics, architecture and culture. She actively supports the community through organizations like The Sitar Arts Center. Ileann's unwavering dedication to building inclusionary communities in the DMV is a testament to her personal and professional journey as a REALTOR®.
Jessica Olevsky
Jessica is a staunch advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship and economic prosperity for REALTORS®. While she prioritizes elevating professional, ethical and profitability standards to build a stronger industry, Jessica's passion lies in supporting others in achieving their goals. She seeks to enhance GCAAR's offerings in education, financial resources and mentorship for agents and brokerages.
Her exceptional communication skills and focus on fostering professional collaboration underscore her commitment to transparent and open dialogue. Jessica's empathetic approach creates an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected, ensuring a positive impact on both the industry and the community.
Jessica is a “roll the sleeves up” person and has successfully volunteered with multiple organizations including currently serving as a member of the GCAAR Board, Past President of Residential Real Estate Council (RRC/CRS) Maryland/D.C. Chapter, NAR Professional Standards and Housing Affordability Committee, Maryland Grievance and Housing Affordability committees and GCAAR Education, Events and Grievance committees. She also holds the C2EX endorsement, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion suite and is a graduate of the Maryland Leadership Academy.