AE SPOTLIGHT CHERYL BURNS

AE for Glenwood Springs Association of REALTORS®

How long have you been an AE? As of Feb. 12th, it will be 22 amazing years. Cheryl will be retiring in the Spring of 2023. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.

How did you get your start as an AE? I answered a Help Wanted ad in the local paper! I was offered the job but had to turn it down because the board wanted me to start in two weeks but my then-employer required a 30-day notice and there was no way I was going to burn bridges, tarnish the family name, etc. A few months later I contacted the board president to let her know I was still very interested in the position should it open up again, she said she would get back to me right away. It turned out the new AE was going to leave, I gave my 30-day notice, spent a week “training” with the outgoing AE, and the rest is history.

What do you love most about the job? Contrary to what some may think, the never-ending change! Be it membership, leadership, programs, policies, etc., there is rarely a dull moment. In addition, the ability to be involved at the local, state, and national level has been a privilege and an honor.

What is your biggest success as an AE? The merger of the Aspen and Glenwood Springs MLS’s and the creation of the Aspen/Glenwood MLS Corporation during 2004-2005. It was quite the process, and had been attempted before, but this time the right leaders were in place, the spirit of cooperation was alive and well, the stars were aligned, and everything fell into place.

What would your members be most surprised by about your job? Like another AE has said, I spend a lot of time by myself in the office. Being somewhat of an introvert, this actually works really well!

CAR benefits you and or your members use most: CAR’s advocacy programs - and staff - are so beneficial. Over the years, they have helped our Association become more involved in government affairs, which spills over to consistently meeting our RPAC goals thanks to the local culture that has been developed. In addition, I truly appreciate the support CAR provides to the AE’s.

Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to be able to draw freehand.

What is your most treasured possession? What I treasure most is my husband, Rich, our strong partnership, and the home we built together.

Motto or piece of advice you live by: Not All Who Wander Are Lost – J.R.R. Tolkien

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