Small towns and rural communities throughout the United States are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. Many rural communities and small towns are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of open spaces and declining downtowns.[vc_section full_width="stretch_row" el_id="institute" css=".vc_custom_1776365391001{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background: #BDD6E7 url(https://realtorparty.realtor/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/gadBG_2.jpg?id=26955) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][vc_row][vc_column offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"][vc_single_image image="26897" img_size="large" alignment="center" css="" el_id="gadLogoMobile"][vc_separator color="custom" el_width="50" css="" accent_color="#5472D2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday="" content_placement="middle" css=".vc_custom_1776344851577{padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;}"][vc_column offset="vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="centerText"]
2026 GAD Institute
Hilton Columbus Downtown
July 21–23, 2026 | Columbus, Ohio
What to expect
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""]The Government Affairs Directors' (GAD) Institute is the National Association of REALTORS®' annual professional development conference for professional staff employed or contracted by state and local REALTOR® associations. Whether your responsibilities include government affairs, political affairs, legislative or regulatory affairs, lobbying, advocacy, RPAC fundraising, campaigns, community development, or other REALTOR® Party initiatives, GAD Institute is designed to strengthen your knowledge, expand your network, and provide practical tools to support your work.
This year’s event is being held in Columbus, OH and will start at noon on Tuesday, July 21, with an orientation and overview for new GADs and first-time attendees. GAD Institute sessions will conclude on Thursday, July 23, at approximately noon.
Questions? 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Agenda
Plan your experience
The conference outline is available to help you plan your trip and schedule. Use the webpage outline for a quick look or download the PDF version for easy reference.
If capacity is reached, registration will close and interested parties can be added to the waitlist.
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Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancelations must be received by June 26, 2026, to be refunded in full. Refunds will not be approved for cancellations received after this date.
Local GAD
Williamson County Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27086" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777656558131{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Gentry Thiesen
Local GAD
REALTORS® of South Central Kansas[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="ledford speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27087" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777656569858{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Local GAD
Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31083" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783960588212{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Nate Parsons
Managing Vice President of Advocacy and Fundraising
Miami REALTORS® + R World[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31111" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783968502244{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Ryan Adams
Vice President of Government Affairs, Local GAD
Birmingham Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="shanaman speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27095" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777657116622{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Taylor Shanaman
Local GAD
Seattle King County REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27096" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777657136975{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Tim Beaubien
State GAD
Arizona Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31081" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783960298671{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Advocacy Operations
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="newton speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27101" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777657165971{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Patrick Newton
Vice President, Advocacy Communications and Outreach
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="greene speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27098" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777657181179{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Bryan Greene
Vice President, Policy Advocacy
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="harris speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="27100" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1777657267508{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Joe Harris
Vice President, Government Advocacy
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31082" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783960410076{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Director of Advocacy & Community Affairs -
Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="cote speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31086" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783963073077{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Shawn Cote
Government Affairs Director
Tucson Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31088" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783963597046{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Sharetta Smith
Mayor
City of Lima, OH[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31092" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964442890{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Maria McHale
Governmental Affairs & Policy Director
East Tennessee REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31091" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964312771{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Mitchell Norton
Director, State & Local Independent Expenditures Programs
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31093" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964552146{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Louis Detorre
VP External Affairs and Strategy
South Carolina REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31094" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964660107{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Laurie Benner
Manager, Housing and Community Development Advocacy
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31095" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964797473{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Julia Parenteau
Director Public Policy
Texas REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31116" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1784211936091{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Josh Branum
Government Affairs Director
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31097" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783964991541{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Jonathan Schreiber
Associate Vice President, State Government Relations
American Property Casualty Insurance Association[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31098" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783965091154{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
John Winston
Director State & Local Programs
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31100" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783965528729{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Greta Haas
Director of Government Affairs
Iowa REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31101" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783965654965{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Erin Murphy
Director of Consumer Advocacy
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31102" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783965766451{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Drew Myers
State and Local Policy Representative
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31105" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783966694637{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Christine Windle
Director Community Development Advocacy
National Association of REALTORS®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][vc_single_image image="31106" img_size="120x120" alignment="center" style="vc_box_border_circle_2" css=".vc_custom_1783966775899{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="speakers"]
Brian Tanner
Vice President of Public Policy
Colorado REALTORS®
Deputy Director, Department of Building and Zoning
City of Columbus[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="speaker" width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" offset="vc_col-xs-6"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width="stretch_row" el_id="app" css=".vc_custom_1775851864948{padding-top: 55px !important;padding-bottom: 55px !important;background-color: #F8FAFC !important;}"][vc_row bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday="" css=".vc_custom_1776345799050{padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="centerText"]
Institute App
Stay connected during the conference
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The GAD Institute App will be your go-to resource during the event. Access the full agenda, speaker details, real-time updates, and connect with fellow attendees—all in one place.
Starting in 2018 as an initiative for attendees to give back to the host city, GADs Give Back continues as a core part of the GAD Institute experience.
In honor of their 40th anniversary, Homes for Families aims to transition 40 families from shelter into stable housing by July 21—the organization’s founding date.
Because after all, housing is for all of us.
Every $13,000 raised provides the means for one family to move into stable housing.
Goal: Raise $25,000 for 2026 GADs Give Back
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday="" equal_height="yes" gap="20" css=".vc_custom_1775854603710{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]Up to $50: Everyday Essentials[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]$150: Brighten a Home[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]$250: Nourishment and Comfort[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday="" equal_height="yes" gap="20" css=".vc_custom_1775854588085{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]$500: Stability & Care[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]$750: Family Foundation[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="giveBackText" width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""]$2,000: A Place to Call Home[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_btn title="Donate to GADs Give Back" align="center" css="" el_class="redBtn" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fgivebutter.com%2Fgads-give-back-to-home-for-families-imtr4e|target:_blank"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width="stretch_row" el_id="sponsors" css=".vc_custom_1775844970181{padding-top: 55px !important;padding-bottom: 55px !important;background-color: #F8FAFC !important;}"][vc_row bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday="" css=".vc_custom_1776344969042{padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_column_text css="" el_class="centerText"]
The GAD Institute is governed by policies developed in conjunction with federal, state, and local laws; the host venue; and NAR. Please review these policies here.
NAR is committed to providing a safe, in-person event. All attendees and exhibitors will be asked to agree to the event waiver during the registration process.
For more information, please see the Liability Waiver and Release of Claims.
Senior Editor & Election Analyst, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
NBC Contributor
David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Election Analyst at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, a renowned nonpartisan newsletter since 1984 known for its authoritative analyses of U.S. elections. He also contributes to NBC News.Wasserman is celebrated for his engaging presentations on the current political landscape, offering data-driven insights into national and local election trends, district-specific outlooks, and the intersection of consumer behavior and voting.
Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com lauds Wasserman’s deep understanding of political geography, while the Los Angeles Times describes him as "whip smart" and "scrupulously nonpartisan." Chuck Todd of NBC's Meet the Press has called him indispensable on Election Night.
In 2016, Wasserman earned acclaim for accurately predicting Trump's path to the White House despite losing the popular vote. In 2020, Wasserman's forecast of Biden's win was correct in 49 of 50 states, missing only North Carolina. And in 2024, Wasserman correctly assessed that erosion in Democratic support among young and nonwhite voters made Trump the slight favorite to retake the White House.
His insights and commentary appear widely across major media outlets, and he received the News Data App of the Year award for his collaboration with FiveThirtyEight on the "Atlas of Redistricting."
A prolific writer and speaker, Wasserman contributes to the Almanac of American Politics and lectures at institutions like Harvard's Institute of Politics and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, where he was named a resident Pritzker Fellow in 2019.
Born and raised on the south side of Columbus, Council President Shannon Hardin is committed to building an equitable future that works for every resident in our city. After being appointed to Council to fill a vacancy in 2014, he won election in 2015, and re-election in 2017, 2021 and 2023. As Council President, Hardin is focused on preparing the Columbus region for the growth of nearly one million new neighbors over the next 25 years with targeted strategies across housing, transit, workforce, safety, and other issues.Over his time on Council, Hardin has championed many initiatives. He is helping lead the LinkUs plan to transform public transit in Columbus, which would build out 5 bus rapid-transit routes and invest in 500+ miles of greenways, sidewalks, and protected bike lanes. He also championed the Columbus Promise, which allows Columbus City Schools graduates to attend Columbus State Community College for free, in partnership with I Know I Can.
Hardin also helped craft the “Reimagine Safety” legislative package that established independent Inspector General-driven investigations into police uses of force, reformed other police practices, and made critical investments into the root causes of crime, like an expansion of funding for summer youth programming. He has also overseen investments in alternative safety response, which would provide clinical and non-uniformed responders to mental health, substance abuse, homelessness-related, and other crises that do not require or benefit from a police response; a doubling of funding to Columbus arts organizations; the decriminalization of marijuana; and various initiatives to support small and minority-owned businesses.
President Hardin chairs the Rules & Policy and Housing, Homelessness and Building Committees and vice-chair both the Zoning and Workforce, Education, & Labor Committees. In addition to Council, Hardin currently serves on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the National League of Cities Board of Directors. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and attends the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Council President Hardin lives on the Far East Side with his son, Noah.
Government Affairs Director
Tucson Association of REALTORS®
Shawn Cote is the Government Affairs Director for the Tucson Association of REALTORS®, where he leads legislative and regulatory advocacy across one of the Southwest's most complex political environments. He focuses on housing production, land use policy, and property rights, working to advance the industry's priorities across multiple jurisdictions with distinct political dynamics.
Shawn brings more than two decades of government affairs and executive leadership experience across multiple markets. His career includes roles at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties in Seattle, executive and government affairs leadership at the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, and ten years as Government Affairs Director at the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. His background spans home building, land development, and association management, giving him a ground-level understanding of how land use and legislative decisions shape real outcomes for REALTORS®, buyers, and communities.
Shawn can be reached at shawnc@tucsonrealtors.org.
Jeff Ledford joined the Georgia REALTORS® staff in August 2016, and currently serves as External Affairs Officer. Jeff oversees political programs designed to protect the members of GAR from public policy decisions that may be harmful to private property rights and the real estate industry. He also serves as the spokesperson for GAR regarding legislative, economic policy, and political matters at the state and national levels. Jeff is GAR’s staff liaison for the Associations Collaborating Together Council, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action Committee, Property Management Council, REALTORS® Political Action Committee, and State and Local Governmental Affairs committees.
Jeff graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Political Science and holds a REALTOR® Certified Executive designation. He has been a registered lobbyist since 1995 and served as Georgia’s 3rd Real Estate Commissioner.
Jeff represents GAR with groups including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, American Legislative Exchange Council, Georgia Economic Developers, Association of Real Estate License Law Officials, Georgia Professional Lobbyists Association, Georgia Real Estate Trade Group and with various NAR Committees.
He and his wife Lisa reside in Kennesaw and have been foster parents since 2010; volunteering with Dream Weavers of Georgia, Giving Children a Chance of Georgia and Kennesaw Methodist Church. They have 7 children and a house full of pets.
Local GAD
Greater Los Angeles REALTORS® Association
Jerard Wright is a native Angeleno that has an abiding passion for advocating on community building, transportation and housing issues.
Jerard has been the Government Affairs Director with the Greater LA REALTORS® (GLAR) since November 2020, leading the charge to better mobilize and engage Real Estate members on important real estate and quality of life issues that are important to the business community. This year he serves as BizFed PAC Chair and was immediate past chair of the Government Affair Directors for the California Association of REALTORS®.
Before joining GLAR, he served as a Policy Manager for BizFed leading the organization to sponsor and sign into law a homeless housing relief bill AB 1097 (Santiago) in 2019, which helped streamline affordable and supportive housing projects in LA County.
Before joining BizFed, he was a transportation Policy Analyst for Move LA for 5 years. Providing research and information around revenue generation and transportation policy. At Move LA he successfully organized the business and faith community around supporting the $100B infrastructure investment program Measure M that passed in 2016 with over 71%. His transportation advocacy first started as a volunteer with “Friends 4 Expo” a grassroots coalition of neighbors who were in support of building the Exposition Light Rail line.
Jerard graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a BA in Architecture and Urban Planning.
Neeley Erickson is a Government Affairs Director at Illinois REALTORS®, where she has earned recognition for her expertise in legislative and housing policy. Her dedication to civic engagement has been acknowledged with recognition by her local associations, state, and community. She has earned the WREX Inspiring 815 Award and a spot on the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 list.
Before joining Illinois REALTORS®, Neeley spent six years as the Legislative Aide for a State Representative in the Illinois House, where she assisted local governments, advocacy groups, and constituents in navigating state programs and services. This experience, combined with her comprehensive knowledge of local government processes—gained as an elected trustee and Finance Chair in her hometown from 2012 to 2019—has deeply informed her work in public policy.
For the past six years Neeley has been a driving force at Illinois REALTORS®, advocating for policies that safeguard private property rights and promote housing affordability. She served on the National Association of REALTORS® Fair Housing Committee, collaborates with Government Affairs Directors (GADs) nationwide, served on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) GAD Advisory Group, and is the currently the NAR GAD Advisory Vice-Chair.
One of her proudest achievements was uniting civil rights groups, tenants' rights advocates, and REALTORS® to establish the Crime Free Housing Coalition of Illinois, which aims to eliminate discriminatory crime-free housing policies. Neeley has also been a featured speaker at the HOPE Fair Housing Center’s annual conference on housing justice and is highly regarded as a resource on housing issues.
Taylor Shanaman is the Government Affairs Director for the Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR). A Washington native, Taylor grew up in Tacoma and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University. During her time at WSU Taylor interned for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office in the communications department. Prior to her current role with SKCR, Ms. Shanaman had worked for three state and local REALTOR® associations: Washington REALTORS® as the RPAC Fundraising Coordinator, the Tacoma Pierce County REALTORS® as Government Affairs Director, and Government Affairs Director for Oregon REALTORS®.
Over the span of her 12-year career, Taylor has been responsible for various REALTOR® advocacy programs, her favorite of which being building and improving the association’s RPAC culture. She resides in Bellevue, WA with her eight-year-old cocker spaniel named Chowder. She likes audiobooks, dog parks, and Costco. She dislikes ketchup, bugs, and the Discovery Channel’s hit show Gold Rush.
Vice President, Policy Advocacy
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Bryan Greene is Vice President of Policy Advocacy at the National Association of REALTORS® where he oversees all legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the association's 1.4 million members. Bryan joined NAR in November 2019, and spent his first year at NAR raising the association's profile in Washington and nationwide on all fair-housing-related policy matters as NAR's first Director of Fair Housing Policy.Before joining NAR, Bryan served for ten years as the highest-ranking career official in HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), where he oversaw the policy direction and operational management of the 600-person office enforcing the nation's housing anti-discrimination laws. Under Bryan's leadership as FHEO General Deputy Assistant Secretary, HUD pursued large-scale, high-profile cases that addressed systemic discrimination and provided widespread relief. Bryan also managed HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) and HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which together provide over $70 million to state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations fighting discrimination in local communities.
Bryan has held other senior positions at HUD during his three decades at the agency, including a stint as the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs in HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), where he worked to reduce regulatory barriers to affordable housing.
Bryan was the 2007 recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the highest federal honor bestowed upon federal senior executives for outstanding service.
Bryan earned his degree in Government from Harvard University.
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Advocacy Operations
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Helen Devlin is the Senior Vice President, Advocacy Strategy and Operations. In this capacity, Helen develops and coordinates our strategic activities/agenda across Advocacy teams. Helen also leads the team responsible for Advocacy Communications, Political Meetings, Community Development Advocacy, and Advocacy Financial Affairs. She continues to lobby House Republican Congressional offices. She has been working in the Advocacy Group of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in Washington, DC for over twenty years as part of the Lobbying Team. Prior to this, Helen served as the primary liaison for NAR to the Congressional delegations of six states, including Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Missouri.
Vice President, Government Advocacy
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Joe Harris joined the National Association of REALTORS® in August 2015, after serving two years as Vice President of a bipartisan lobbying firm located in Washington, D.C. and eight years in senior legislative positions in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
Joe currently serves as Vice President of Government Advocacy, where he guides NAR’s federal lobbying and political strategy with regard to the U.S. Congress and White House. In Congress, he served two years as Counsel to former U.S. Senator and Vice-Presidential nominee, Joe Lieberman (CT), and six years as Legislative Assistant and later as Legislative Counsel to former House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (SC). He advised both Senator Lieberman and Congressman Spratt in the areas of tax, financial services, economic policy, budget and trade, among other issues.Joe is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and Davidson College, where he currently serves as a member of the Davidson College Board of Visitors. He is also a frequent guest presenter at the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute and the Kogod School of Business at American University.
Vice President, Advocacy Communications and Outreach
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Vice President of Advocacy Communications and Outreach at NAR and co-host of The Advocacy Scoop podcast. Patrick joined NAR in 2019 to lead advocacy communications, media relations, and strategic messaging. Previously, he served as press secretary for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill as communications director and legislative adviser. Before Washington, Patrick was a news anchor and reporter across seven states.
The Government Affairs Directors’ Institute is an annual professional development conference for state and local real estate association professionals who provide guidance to and work for associations in the areas of government affairs, political affairs, legislative or regulatory affairs, lobbying, advocacy, RPAC fundraising, campaigns, community outreach and/or all REALTOR® Party initiatives.
Save the Date for GAD Institute 2026: July 21-23, 2026 in Columbus, OH
Stay tune for more information soon!
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2025 GAD InstituteJuly 22 – 24: Charleston, SC
The Government Affairs Directors’ Institute is an annual professional development conference for state and local real estate association professionals who provide guidance to and work for associations in the areas of government affairs, political affairs, legislative or regulatory affairs, lobbying, advocacy, RPAC fundraising, campaigns, community outreach and/or all REALTOR® Party initiatives. This year’s event is being held in Charleston, SC and will start at noon on Tuesday, July 22, with an orientation and overview for new GADs. GAD Institute sessions will conclude on Thursday, July 24, at approximately Noon. The conference outline is available hereto assist with planning your travel.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker!
Katie Harbath is the founder of Anchor Change, a newsletter and consultancy that explores the complexities of the digital age and global politics. Through her writing, speaking, and advisory work, Katie helps leaders navigate an ever-evolving landscape by combining deep analysis with compelling storytelling to make sense of rapid change. Described by Foreign Policy Magazine as an “election whisperer to the tech industry,” Katie is a trusted guide for leaders seeking clarity and transformation in a fast-moving world. Her career spans political campaigns, civil society, and global technology leadership. At Facebook, she spent a decade building and leading international teams that managed elections and empowered governments, political figures, and organizations to connect meaningfully with their audiences. Prior to her time at Facebook, Katie held senior digital roles at the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the DCI Group. She is a board member at the National Conference on Citizenship, Democracy Works, R Street, and the Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. Katie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
GAD Institute Details
When: July 22-24, 2025
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Hotel: Charleston Marriott
Cost: Early Bird Registration Fee: $550/ Hotel: $217+ tax, per night
Cancellation Policy: Failure to cancel your hotel reservation less than 48 hours prior to your arrival date will result in a one night stay cancellation fee, $217.00, plus applicable taxes to be charged to the card on file.
Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check out: 11:00 AM
Transportation
Charleston International Airport is located 12 miles from the hotel.
Registration
Registration Fee after May 21: $600
We have reached capacity for 2025 GAD Institute. If you are still interested in attending, please email GADInst@nar.realtor, to be added to the waitlist.
Cancellation policy
Registration cancellations must be made in writing and received by July 8, 2025. A $50 cancel fee will apply to all cancellations. Refunds will not be approved for cancellation requests received after this date.
GADs Give Back
Starting in 2018 as an initiative for attendees to give back to the host city for the annual GAD Institute, we’re proud to continue this tradition for the 7th year. Operation Home is a nonprofit helping families in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties remain safe in their homes and communities. They serve over 1,000 Tricounty families annually through their Critical Home Repair, Wheelchair Ramp and Heat/Cold Relief Programs. Donate here today!
Event Policies
The 2025 GAD Institute is governed by policies developed in conjunction with federal, state, and local laws; the host venue; and NAR. Please review these policies here.
NAR is committed to providing a safe, in-person event. All attendees and exhibitors will be asked to agree to the event waiver during the registration process.
The Government Affairs Directors’ Institute is an annual professional development conference for state and local real estate association professionals who provide guidance to and work for associations in the areas of government affairs, political affairs, legislative or regulatory affairs, lobbying, advocacy, RPAC fundraising, campaigns, community outreach and/or all REALTOR® Party initiatives. This year's 40th anniversary event is being held in Spokane, Washington, and will start at noon on Tuesday, July 16, with an orientation and overview for new GADs. GAD Institute sessions will conclude on Thursday, July 18, at approximately 4:00 pm. The conference agenda is available here. Questions? Contact us at GADInst@nar.realtor.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker!
The Honorable Will Hurd is a devoted husband and acclaimed author. He has led a diverse career as an intelligence officer, cybersecurity executive, congressman, artificial intelligence policy pioneer, investment banker, and presidential candidate. A San Antonio native and the youngest of three siblings, Will earned his Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University. In his 20s, serving overseas in the CIA, Will stopped our enemies from trying to blow us up, steal our secrets, and bring dirty bombs into America. In his 30s, he helped build a cybersecurity company called FusionX, where he prevented our adversaries from stealing our money, poisoning our water, and disrupting our electrical grid. In Congress, he dealt with forces trying to undermine our democratic institutions. While in his early 40s through his roles as a Managing Director at Allen & Company, on the Board of OpenAI, and as a Trustee of the German Marshall Fund he was in the vanguard of technology, national security, and public policy ensuring America stayed the most powerful country in the world. As a presidential candidate in his late 40s, Will introduced groundbreaking AI policies, innovative solutions to our border crisis, and strategies to win the New Cold War with China. Will, known for his love of movies, Tex-Mex cuisine, national parks, the San Antonio Spurs, and most importantly his awesome wife, has been lauded as “the most interesting man in Congress,” “the real deal,” and “the kind of public servant we need today.” Will is committed to forging a brighter and more resilient world for future generations.
2024 GAD Institute Details
When: July 16-18, 2024 Where: Spokane, Washington Hotel: The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection Hotel InformationThe Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd Hotel room rate: $185+tax per night Hotel reservation deadline: Friday, June 14, 2024* Cancellation policy: Rooms must be canceled 48 hours before the day of arrival to avoid charges. Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check out: 12:00 PM Transportation Spokane International Airport is located 8 miles from the hotel.
Registration
We have reached capacity for the 2024 GAD Institute. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete this form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. Please note the registration fee is $600. Questions? Contact GADInstitute@nar.realtor. Cancellation policy: All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations received by July 2, 2024, will be refunded in full. Refunds will not be approved for cancellations received after this date.
GADs Give Back
Starting in 2018 as an initiative for attendees to give back to the host city for the annual GAD Institute, we’re proud to continue this tradition for the 7th year. This year's recipient is Family Promise of Spokane. Family Promise of Spokane has served the community since 1998, starting with a small network of churches to support almost 50 families a year. In 2016, they established Open Doors, a 24/7 emergency walk-in shelter for families. Their growth continued in 2018 with the creation of the Neighbors Prevention program and Village aftercare program serving over 1,000 people within two years. With family homelessness at crisis levels, Family Promise of Spokane continues to support their community and families working towards the goal to end child homelessness in Spokane County. Contribute to Family Promise of Spokane at our official GADs Give Back link today!
Event Policies
The 2024 GAD Institute is governed by policies developed in conjunction with federal, state, and local laws; the host venue; and NAR. Please review these policies here. NAR is committed to providing a safe, in-person event. All attendees and exhibitors will be asked to agree to the event waiver during the registration process. For more information, please see the Liability Waiver and Release of Claims.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Starting in 2018 as an initiative for attendees to give back to the host city, GADs Give Back continues as a core part of the GAD Institute experience.
Born and raised on the south side of Columbus, Council President Shannon Hardin is committed to building an equitable future that works for every resident in our city. After being appointed to Council to fill a vacancy in 2014, he won election in 2015, and re-election in 2017, 2021 and 2023. As Council President, Hardin is focused on preparing the Columbus region for the growth of nearly one million new neighbors over the next 25 years with targeted strategies across housing, transit, workforce, safety, and other issues.Over his time on Council, Hardin has championed many initiatives. He is helping lead the LinkUs plan to transform public transit in Columbus, which would build out 5 bus rapid-transit routes and invest in 500+ miles of greenways, sidewalks, and protected bike lanes. He also championed the Columbus Promise, which allows Columbus City Schools graduates to attend Columbus State Community College for free, in partnership with I Know I Can.
Hardin also helped craft the “Reimagine Safety” legislative package that established independent Inspector General-driven investigations into police uses of force, reformed other police practices, and made critical investments into the root causes of crime, like an expansion of funding for summer youth programming. He has also overseen investments in alternative safety response, which would provide clinical and non-uniformed responders to mental health, substance abuse, homelessness-related, and other crises that do not require or benefit from a police response; a doubling of funding to Columbus arts organizations; the decriminalization of marijuana; and various initiatives to support small and minority-owned businesses.
President Hardin chairs the Rules & Policy and Housing, Homelessness and Building Committees and vice-chair both the Zoning and Workforce, Education, & Labor Committees. In addition to Council, Hardin currently serves on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the National League of Cities Board of Directors. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and attends the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Council President Hardin lives on the Far East Side with his son, Noah.
Katie Harbath is the founder of Anchor Change, a newsletter and consultancy that explores the complexities of the digital age and global politics. Through her writing, speaking, and advisory work, Katie helps leaders navigate an ever-evolving landscape by combining deep analysis with compelling storytelling to make sense of rapid change. Described by Foreign Policy Magazine as an “election whisperer to the tech industry,” Katie is a trusted guide for leaders seeking clarity and transformation in a fast-moving world. Her career spans political campaigns, civil society, and global technology leadership. At Facebook, she spent a decade building and leading international teams that managed elections and empowered governments, political figures, and organizations to connect meaningfully with their audiences. Prior to her time at Facebook, Katie held senior digital roles at the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the DCI Group. She is a board member at the National Conference on Citizenship, Democracy Works, R Street, and the Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. Katie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Honorable Will Hurd is a devoted husband and acclaimed author. He has led a diverse career as an intelligence officer, cybersecurity executive, congressman, artificial intelligence policy pioneer, investment banker, and presidential candidate. A San Antonio native and the youngest of three siblings, Will earned his Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University. In his 20s, serving overseas in the CIA, Will stopped our enemies from trying to blow us up, steal our secrets, and bring dirty bombs into America. In his 30s, he helped build a cybersecurity company called FusionX, where he prevented our adversaries from stealing our money, poisoning our water, and disrupting our electrical grid. In Congress, he dealt with forces trying to undermine our democratic institutions. While in his early 40s through his roles as a Managing Director at Allen & Company, on the Board of OpenAI, and as a Trustee of the German Marshall Fund he was in the vanguard of technology, national security, and public policy ensuring America stayed the most powerful country in the world. As a presidential candidate in his late 40s, Will introduced groundbreaking AI policies, innovative solutions to our border crisis, and strategies to win the New Cold War with China. Will, known for his love of movies, Tex-Mex cuisine, national parks, the San Antonio Spurs, and most importantly his awesome wife, has been lauded as “the most interesting man in Congress,” “the real deal,” and “the kind of public servant we need today.” Will is committed to forging a brighter and more resilient world for future generations.