AE SPOTLIGHT Maria Cook

CEO for the Aspen Board of REALTORS®

How long have you been an AE and how did you get your start? 27 years ago, I was recruited by a REALTOR® in Evergreen who thought I would be a “perfect fit” as an AE.

What do you love most about the job? Definitely making a difference in the communities where we live, work, and play. I also enjoy the wide range of tasks we work on as no two days are alike. I like to problem solve and appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of Real Estate Agents.

What is a challenge your board/association is facing in the next few years or currently? We are dealing with the many changes including the reputational issues we currently face in the industry we represent… with professionalism, wisdom, and grace.

Is there something your board/association does regularly to give back to the community? The Aspen Board of REALTORS® Scholarship Foundation is celebrating its 40th year. We have awarded over $1 million dollars to graduating seniors. We also participate in Lift Up, Habitat for Humanity, the Buddy Program, Aspen Music Festival and School, the Salvation Army, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, Aspen Out, the CAR REALTOR® Foundation, and the NAR REALTOR® Relief Foundation.

What would your members be most surprised by about your job? How hard we all work to help them succeed.

Which talent would you most like to have? A landscape designer, dancer, musician, artist … something in the creative arts.

What is your favorite tv (or streaming) show to watch? Ted Lasso, Handmaids Tale, and Schitts Creek.

Motto or piece of advice you try to live by? Breathe, be kind, and have Gratitude (the golden rule is golden).