Every organization needs some to lead and others to follow and assist.
This was the message the Chattanooga chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors conveyed to its members during the installation of its 2025 governing board Nov. 6 at The Walden Club.
Former chapter president Jamie Curtis, a Realtor with Crye-Leike, repeated this familiar maxim as she called each of the officers for the coming year to the front of the room to be installed.
Curtis filled in for 2024 WCR Chattanooga President Bill Panebianco, vice president of sales and marketing at Pratt Home Builders, who was unable to attend.
“We’re here to pay tribute to our retiring officers and to salute our new leaders,” Curtis said. “Our 2024 leaders were elevated to plan, work and serve. Now they step back to follow while others lead.”
The 2024 WCR Chattanooga governing board included Panebianco as president, Diana Johnson of Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty as president-elect, Pualani Zuniga of Keller Williams Realty and Homes by Pualani as first vice president, Brenda Pargeon of Century 21 Prestige as treasurer, Julie Prescott of Keller Williams Realty as membership director and Christoper Scott of Pratt Home Builders as event director.
“Through your service to Women’s Council of Realtors Chattanooga, you’ve earned the respect, appreciation and gratitude of your membership,” noted Curtis. “We’re truly mindful of the work you’ve done and we honor your achievements.”
Highpoints for WCR Chattanooga in 2024 included a continuing education class taught by Will Clegg of HHM Wealth Advisors that was offered for free to each member.
In addition, WCR Chattanooga ended the year with a masquerade gala at The Signal event space that raised money to send the 2025 officers to leadership training.
WCR Chattanooga also presented several guest speakers during its monthly luncheons in 2024, including Chris Anderson of the city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County tax assessor Marty Haynes, Greater Chattanooga Realtors (GCR) governmental affairs liaison Josh Braham, city of Chattanooga Chief Housing Officer Nicole Heyman, GCR President Kadi Brown, Jake Johnson of CHI Memorial Hospital Group and GCR CEO Carol Seal.
“With so many changes in how homes are sold, Realtors were sometimes overwhelmed in 2024,” Panebianco said during the week of the installation ceremony. “The Women’s Council was a place to collaborate with peers and bounce ideas around over lunch. Many members and strategic partners looked forward to the first Wednesday of each month, not just for the fabulous lunch Tracy Jarvis and his team at the Walden Club provided but also to see other busy professionals who carved out two hours once a month to meet.”
“As you step down as leaders of the Women’s Council of Realtors Chattanooga, you once again become members among the ranks,” continued Curtis. “Our council will now look to you as you use your experience and training in a new role – a role that supports and furthers the efforts of those who are about to follow you in office.”
Curtis then called each of the 2025 officers to the front of the room to be installed.
Prescott will continue to serve on the WCR Chattanooga leadership team as its president-elect. In this capacity, she’ll support the president and develop her leadership skills as she prepares to assume the presidency in 2026.
“You are also tasked with developing and maintaining productive relationships with strategic partners to ensure their satisfaction and support for network activities,” Curtis informed.
The Women’s Council’s strategic partners are generally business members who monetarily support the organization in exchange for exposure and other opportunities. Partners of the local chapter include Pratt Home Builders, Highlands Mortgage, the Hamilton County Herald and 21 other local businesses. (See the sidebar for a complete list.)
Pargeon will once again serve as treasurer – an ongoing role with which WCR Chattanooga has entrusted her for multiple years.
“You must ensure the systems are in place to support the financial health and integrity of the network, as well as to ensure proper reporting and network compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations,” Curtis intoned.
Connie Powell Brewer of Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty will serve as first vice president, which tasks her with serving as the network’s reporter and record keeper for the coming year.
In addition: Herb Petit, a loan officer with Truist Mortgage, will serve as membership director; Kaitlynn Creasman, a Realtor and transaction coordinator with Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty, will tend to the duties of event director; and Tammy Pearson, owner and closer at Elite Title Company, will act as liaison to the network’s strategic partners.
Johnson will provide this team with leadership and direction as its 2025 president.
“My hope is that I’ll be the leader each member, as well as our entire network, deserves,” Johnson said after Curtis had sworn her in. “To be a strong network, we need each other, and as I look across the room, I see years of experience. I’m grateful beyond words to have such a tremendous board and group of members to lead.”
“You will focus your team on the mission of the council and its business plan,” advised Curtis. “You’ll also act as the local voice for the Women’s Council brand, articulating the value of the network and representing the council throughout our community and beyond.”
After installing WCR Chattanooga’s 2025 leaders, Curtis addressed the entire body, saying, “You will now be identified as the officers of the Women’s Council of Realtors Chattanooga Network, which means you are dedicated to the best interests of the profession and the welfare of your members.
“As part of the 2025 leadership team, each of you are entering upon a new phase of service, cooperation and leadership. You will exemplify the best that Realtors and our strategic partners have to offer our profession and communities. Guard this trust carefully and give full measure of your time, qualities and leadership.”
WCR Chattanooga members must apply to be considered for election to the leadership team, according to rules posted on the chapter’s website. Elections are held during or before September each year at a regular membership meeting. A quorum (20% of the Realtor membership) must be present. No proxy votes are allowed; a majority vote is required.