Your Candidates for 2027 CoaVAR Directors
Per the new CoaVAR bylaws, this first transition year, you will elect two directors, one from each region. Ballots with only one candidate selected or two candidates from the same region will be rejected. You will be voting for one Southside Director and one Peninsula Director. Please take the time to read the biographies and personal statements of each candidate to familiarize yourself withe each REALTOR. If a video is available, please watch it to learn more about each person. The election period will open September 13th with electronic voting and end September 24th.
Peninsula Candidates
Carl Burt
Brokerage-role: Abbitt Realty- Salesperson
Years in the industry: 16
Experience to bring to the position: Served on multiple boards & committees for the local and state association. Retired Law Enforcement Executive with years of administration and management experience in business, civic and professional boards.
Why I want to serve the membership in a leadership capacity: I want to continue to advance the ideals of our profession, while always being open to our membership and public for input that will improve our profession. I am a consensus builder that works well with other REALTORS®, public and political leaders.
Tom Coffey
Brokerage-role: KW Williamsburg-Team leader
Years in the Industry: 19
Experience to bring to the position: Served on multiple local committees and the state association professional development committee.
Why I want to serve the membership in a leadership capacity: I’ve spent my entire career committed to making the real estate business better for my team member members, and the agent of my office. I’d love to be able to do that on a larger scale through the association.
Amy Kearney
Brokerage-role: Liz Moore & Associates- Salesperson
Years in the Industry: 6
Experience to bring to the position: Served on boards & committees within and outside of the industry, as well as serving on local association committees.
Why I want to serve the membership in a leadership capacity: I want to be a voice for REALTORS® across our association, help navigate the challenges facing our industry, and contribute to thoughtful, positive change. I want to bring my collaborative leadership style to CoaVAR to help advance the Association's mission while ensuring our members feel represented, supported, and prepared for the future.
Southside Candidates
Richard Calderon
Brokerage-role: BHHS RW Towne Realty- Broker-Manager
Years in the industry: 14
Experience to bring to the position: Served on multiple local committees. HRRA Candidate Institute alum, the institute takes a deeper look at leadership, advocacy, and the role CoaVAR plays in supporting REALTORS® and the communities we serve.
Why I want to serve the membership in a leadership capacity: I wish to serve on the board because I care about our REALTOR® community and want to help make sure members feel informed, connected, and represented. Our industry is changing quickly, and I would be honored to be part of the conversations that help support professionalism, advocacy, education, and the future of our local real estate community. I want to contribute, listen, and help continue the work of keeping our association strong and valuable for the members it serves.
Jennifer Cool
Brokerage- role: BHHS RW Towne Realty- Salesperson
Years in the industry: 29
Experience to bring to the position: Served on multiple boards and committees both within and outside of the industry. VAR Leadership Academy alum, the academy prepares members for leadership roles.
Why I want to serve membership in a leadership capacity: I have found great satisfaction watching the growth of leadership and membership at our Association. I have been at the table through some of the most difficult decisions we have made in that term. It has been amazing to watch and see a new wave of great leaders take shape. As we progress with a new name and strength in the local industry, I would love to serve on the Board to help bridge gap of what we had and where we are going.
Shawn Merriman
Brokerage-role: Iron Valley Real Estate
Years in the Industry: 5
Experience to bring to the position: Served on multiple committees including chairing the YPN.
Why I want to serve membership in a leadership capacity: I believe in giving back to the profession that has given me so much. Throughout my involvement with HRRA—from serving as a Young Professionals Network Committee Member, Vice Chair, and now Chair, to serving on the Grievance and Professional Standards Committees—I have seen firsthand the impact strong leadership has on our members and our association. If elected, I will bring a collaborative approach, a willingness to listen, and a strong work ethic to the Board. My goal is to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our association, uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and position CoaVAR for continued success for years to come