Board of Directors

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.

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.  

*Non-voting affiliate member elected by the board.

Carolyn has more than 15 years of legal experience. She began her career as in-house counsel for a District of Columbia-based venture advisory firm and seed investment fund, where her experience included mergers and acquisitions, as well as business entity formations. In 2008, Carolyn shifted focus to real estate, successfully opening and growing the D.C. office of a large area title company. She has since conducted thousands of real estate transactions and taught hundreds of classes to real estate professionals. Carolyn received both her B.S. and J.D. from the University of South Carolina. She is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar and both the Maryland and South Carolina State Bars. Carolyn has also served on several committees with DCAR and GCAAR, including the Public Policy Committee and Forms Committee. Carolyn lives with her husband and two young children in Silver Spring, MD, and enjoys hiking, cycling and reading.

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”.  

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 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!

Jacque has been a resident of Montgomery County for over 35 years and a full-time REALTOR^® since 1985. Her prior experience in the teaching field provided skills that could easily be utilized in the world of real estate. Knowing the value of education, she immediately pursued her Broker license and acquired that in 1988. Her experience in the sales field has helped serve over 800 families to date and still counting. Jacque believes that a high level of integrity and professionalism are a must in our business and has always held these attributes in high regard. She is interested in keeping our GCAAR organization running in the same professional manner she has always known it to be. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors in the past, she has always been actively involved in various committees over the years, including: Professional Standards, Grievance, Community Service, Green, Rookie Society and Education. With GCAAR, she feels she can contribute to our industry in a positive way!  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.