Through a series of meetings along with the input from the membership, a plan is developed that will guide the Association for the coming years. Meet our 2024 Board of Directors below:
Melanie Boles is an Associate Broker and serves as the Office Manager at RE/MAX Real Estate Edmonton – Central Branch. She has been on the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Board of Directors since 2021 and has stepped into her second consecutive year as Board Chair.
Melanie has been immersed in the industry for decades – starting out as a receptionist in a real estate office nearly 40 years ago. She became a licensed REALTOR® in 2004 and an Associate Broker in 2019. Melanie is proud to volunteer and give back to the industry where she earns her living and is a passionate advocate for the Association’s membership.
Being involved has been part of Melanie’s approach since becoming a REALTOR®, serving as an integral member of the REALTORS® Community Foundation Board of Governors, the President of the Board in 2007 and Chair of multiple Committees including, but not limited to, “Ride for Kids”, RE/MAX Group Advertising Committee, RAE’s Marketing, Government & Political Action and Leadership Awards Committees.
When she’s not ‘real-estating’ or working hard for members in her role as Board Chair, she loves to hit the open road on her motorcycle!
Darlene has been in real estate for over 16 years as an Associate, Associate Broker and a Broker. She has been in the top 5% on the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton MLS® Sales since 2011, with years of experience managing office operations and acting as a mentor and resource. She has served on the Member Services and Marketing Committees for the Association, currently Chairs the Government and Political Action Committee, and has stepped into her second consecutive year as Chair-Elect for the Board of Directors.
She has an extensive background as an Executive Assistant, including in the Mayor’s Office in Strathcona County and for the Privacy Commissioner of Alberta. This experience provided her with a strong foundation in board governance. Having served in managerial and mentorship roles, Darlene is well-versed in the rules and regulations that govern the industry and the information technology that members rely on.
In her community, Darlene gives back by serving as the Secretary of the Terwillegar Community League. This is on top of volunteering for countless community events and fundraising activities for sports teams and schools.
Her life outside of work is focused on being a mom to her two boys and staying fit through golfing and walking her two pups.
Sharon Gregresh is a Career REALTOR® of 25 years who is excited for many more years to come. She is an engaged practicing member of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton licensed with Century 21 Masters. She has made her lifelong career in Real Estate because she is passionate about the industry.
She has served on many committees including Member Services, Professional Standards, Technology, and Marketing. She is currently on both the Government & Political Action and Professional Standards & Arbitration Committees.
Sharon is a committed community volunteer both inside and outside of the Real Estate Industry, she has been previously elected to the REALTORS® Community Foundation of Edmonton’s (The RCF) Board of Governors, giving her board governance experience. She has also been a valued volunteer & board member in her community over the years with organizations like the Kinettes, her children’s sporting organizations and many condo boards.
She was recently honored by The RCF & our combined memberships with The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton’s 2022 Volunteer of Distinction Award for her faithful Service to the RCF.
Her actions show that she believes in giving back both to her community and the industry that has provided a fantastic career. If you have worked with her, you know that hard work, transparency, and accountability are all traits that she strives for and feels our associations should embody.
Throughout Sharon’s long career in Real Estate, she has seen many changes in the industry and looks forward to being a positive part of its evolution.
Chris was born and raised in Edmonton and has lived in the Edmonton area his entire life. Before his career in Real Estate, Chris spent his time working in Emergency Services as a Paramedic. Chris is married, with 3 adult children, and 4 grandchildren.
With 14 years of experience in real estate, Chris has seen the industry evolve, and is passionate about taking it to new heights. Chris is a licensed Associate Broker, and has experience running his own team and office, and serving on the Arbitration and Professional Standards committee. This hands-on experience has given him a deep understanding of the real estate world, from its challenges to its incredible potential.
Over the past 12+ years, Chris has also had the privilege of serving on various Boards, including 2 years as President of the Leduc Curling Club. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into governance, leadership, and the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Beyond his day-to-day work, Chris also serves as a Tom Ferry Business Coach. He gets to help other real estate professionals succeed, and that’s something Chris is truly passionate about.
Chris is excited about the opportunity to work alongside fellow industry professionals and contribute his expertise to further enhance the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
Sheldon Johnston has been a dedicated hard-working and engaged member of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton for over 35 years. His dedication to improving our industry is evident in his volunteer efforts, which have been focused on enhancing professionalism and the work environment in the real estate industry.
Sheldon’s journey in real estate started as a secretary in his family’s brokerage when he was just 15 years old. In organized real estate, he is known for his insights, strong advocacy for members, innovation and strategy. His agents look to his leadership and value the collaborative community and positive culture he’s built at his brokerage.
He has served at the RAE as a Director on three separate occasions. Sheldon has also served at the industry regulator, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) in various capacities, including as a member of the Council among numerous other committees and task forces.
In addition to his work at the RAE and RECA, Sheldon has also served as the chair of the Advisory Board for the Real Estate Insurance Exchange (REIX). Over his years on the board, he worked to reduce premiums to the lowest in North America for professional liability insurance. In addition, he added value by providing Cyber insurance coverage to all REIX’s subscribers in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Sheldon is also committed to keeping up with emerging technologies and trends in the industry. As a REACH Canada mentor, he gains firsthand experience with the latest technologies and strategies that will shape the real estate industry in the future.
When he’s not volunteering in organized real estate, Sheldon runs an innovative brokerage with his partner Sara MacLennan while raising their two 11-year-old twins and three dogs. They enjoy spending time together as a family, travelling, cooking, biking, skiing and indulging in the occasional bottle of wine.
Janice Kosak, a seasoned professional with an impressive 13-year tenure as a licensed associate at the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, is stepping forward to represent you in the upcoming election. With a thriving practice in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, Janice brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a proven track record of success to the table.
Janice’s commitment to excellence is not only reflected in her successful real estate practice but also in her extensive volunteer service to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry by contributing her expertise to various committees, including the RAE Members Services Committee, RAE Technology Committee, and RAE Marketing Committee. Currently, Janice is volunteering on both the AREA Administrative Justice Program and the RAE Arbitration and Professional Standards Committee.
Beyond her professional commitments, Janice is deeply rooted in the spirit of volunteerism. With a willingness to step up and work for the greater good, she embodies the values of community and cooperation that are essential for our real estate industry. Janice understands that a strong community is the backbone of a successful real estate market, and she is committed to fostering connections that benefit all stakeholders.
In her rare moments of leisure, Janice finds solace in gardening, rejuvenation through hiking, and cherishes quality time with family and friends. These personal interests reflect her well-rounded approach to life, demonstrating her ability to balance professional acumen with a genuine passion for personal well-being and community.
Troy is the Broker and Owner of Right Real Estate. When he started his career in real estate in 2004, his broker gave him some important advice: be active as a member, get involved, and give back. He took that advice to heart, and he has been involved in organized real estate in some form or another since obtaining his license.
Troy has been involved in the REALTORS® Community Foundation, serving three years on the Board of Governors and helping organize events like the REALTORS® Fun Run and Santa’s Silent Auction. Troy was also a representative for the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) during the Condominium Property Act amendments in 2013. He served three, three-year terms on the Member Services Committee as a Broker representative, the RAE’s Marketing, Arbitration and Professional Standards and numerous Ad Hoc Committees.
Troy has extensive experience serving on boards, including a condominium corporation for 10 years as well as the Board of a community league near Sherwood Park. Troy applies his experience, knowledge and excellent working relationships to make valuable contributions on behalf of the membership in his role as a RAE Director.
Troy is fondly known as ‘the Cookie Monster’ and has a reputation for making cookies (and bacon) disappear.
Steve has been licensed to sell real estate since 2008, having practiced as an Associate (for two years) and a Broker (for 11 years). He is currently an Associate Broker with MORE Real Estate. In addition to real estate, Steve is a lawyer (called to the Bar in 1999) and currently practices real estate law.
A huge proponent of professionalism in the industry, Steve has served on the Arbitration and Professional Standards Committee and is currently an instructor at the RAE. He shares his wisdom and industry knowledge with new REALTORS® teaching contracts and condo courses.
With over 22 years of legal experience and 15 years of real estate experience, Steve has an extensive background dealing with legislation, contracts, regulated professions and board governance. He leverages this experience to help him serve the RAE membership on the Board of Directors.
When not working, Steve enjoys traveling, reading and embarrassing his two sons.
Gary Zimmel is the Broker at MaxWell Challenge Realt. He was licensed in 1993, became manager in the respective office in 2000 and assumed the responsibility as Broker in 2003.
Over the years Gary served on numerous ad hoc committees at board level. Some of these include being on Nominating Committees for the Board of Directors and REALTOR® of the Year Committee. He’s also served on the Members Services Committee for two terms at the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
From 2006 to the summer of 2009, he was part of the Claims Committee at the Real Estate Insurance Exchange (REIX).
Gary joins the Board of Directors with years of experience and knowledge would be an asset to the board.
