Member Spotlight

Havenrose Real Estate Celebrates Two Years of Growth Havenrose Real Estate Celebrates Two Years of Growth April 14, 2026 Two years ago, as Katy Voves and Allie Saunders were working around the clock to start their own real estate brokerage in Salem, one question kept coming up in conversations with friends and colleagues: “Are we…

From Prosecutor to CEO: Jenny Pakula Leads Oregon REALTORS® From Prosecutor to CEO: Jenny Pakula Leads Oregon REALTORS® March 13, 2026 The phone rings in the middle of the night, waking Jenny Pakula with unpleasant news. On the line are detectives from the Portland Police Bureau at the scene of a homicide. Understanding the situation,…

Judy Gysin Represents Mid Valley REALTORS® in Transit Task Force  Judy Gysin Represents Mid Valley REALTORS® in Transit Task Force March 3, 2026 For Judy Gysin, getting involved in the community has meant a little light reading. Well, maybe more than a little. And not exactly “light.” Judy and her husband, Greg, are principal brokers…

From Vietnam to the Willamette Valley: Thuy Chrestenson and the American Dream From Vietnam to the Willamette Valley: Thuy Chrestenson and the American Dream February 12, 2026 The story of how Thuy Chrestenson arrived in the United States from her native Vietnam reads like a classic Hollywood movie script, from the chance encounter with her…

Ashleigh Fordham and the Art of Leading Agents Through Change Ashleigh Fordham and the Art of Leading Agents Through Change January 28, 2026 As new technology and rule changes have reshaped the real estate industry, Ashleigh Fordham is seeing more agents experience what she describes as “change burnout.” “Agents have had a lot thrown at…

Garibay Realty Team Makes Community Their Mission Garibay Realty Team Makes Community Their Mission December 18, 2025 Decking the halls in downtown Salem is no small task. Just ask Ruben and Erin Garibay. The husband-and-wife couple behind Garibay Realty Team with HomeSmart Realty Group oversaw the installation of this year’s downtown Christmas lights — a spectacle only…

More Than A REALTOR®: Cathie Velasco Demonstrates Commitment to Community Service More Than A REALTOR®: Cathie Velasco Demonstrates Commitment to Community Service November 21, 2025 The 2025 MVAR Awards & Installation Banquet on Nov. 5 was a night to remember for Cathie Velasco, who was named REALTOR® of the Year in recognition of her outstanding…

Heather Egan’s Mission: Helping Families Find the Stability of Home Heather Egan’s Mission: Helping Families Find the Stability of Home October 17, 2025 Heather Egan has always had a love for homes. Growing up, Egan remembers her family was often on the move. They would typically rent homes until finally they were able to buy…

MVAR Member and Army Veteran Jim Sparkman Inspires Local Emerging Leaders MVAR Member and Army Veteran Jim Sparkman Inspires Local Emerging Leaders September 24, 2025 Resiliency. Teamwork. Self-reflection. These principles have guided Jim Sparkman throughout his 30-plus years serving in the U.S. Army and building a successful career in real estate. As a partner and…

Zach Fischer, Windermere Mid-Valley: From Physical Therapy to Real Estate Success Zach Fischer, Windermere Mid-Valley: From Physical Therapy to Real Estate Success August 20, 2025 Working in real estate wasn’t always the plan for Zach Fischer. Before becoming the principal broker and owner at Windermere Mid-Valley in West Salem, Fischer graduated from the University of Oregon…