Developing Relationships and Advocating for the Industry: Meet Your Federal Political Coordinators

Meet those responsible for developing key relationships with members of Congress and continuously advocating for the real estate industry in New Jersey and beyond, the NJ Federal Political Coordinators. They hold these roles through the National Association of Realtors® and the Realtor® Party, but work side-by-side with NJ Realtors® Government Affairs Department.

Their main goal is to establish a relationship with their member of Congress and regularly contact their member of Congress as issues arise, respond to all of NAR’s calls for action, advocate for the Realtor® Party, and more. Currently, they’re working on getting their member of Congress to attend the Realtor® Block Party at the Realtors® Legislative Meetings May 6-11. Learn more about the block party at flyin.realtor.

Each FPC is also supported by a team of Realtors® in their area to spread the word about vital issues across the Congressional District and build even stronger ties with their member of Congress and their staff.

If you’d like to learn more about the FPC program and upcoming advocacy opportunities, please contact NJ Realtors® Government Affairs Director Catherine Best at cbest@njrealtor.com.

CHRISTINA BANASIAK

FPC to Representative Frank Pallone

“Being an FPC gives me a sense of accomplishment as we work closely with our legislators to continue to advocate for the real estate industry. Protecting private property rights and making the dream of homeownership affordable for home buyers. Over the years I have developed a strong working relationship with Congressmen Pallone and his staff that will serve to benefit our homeowners and our industry.”

ERIN BROWN

FPC to Representative Donald Payne Jr.

“As an FPC having a relationship with my Congressional member ensures that our association has a voice in Washington where policies and laws that impact our industry are being made.”

CHRISTINA CLEMANS

FPC to Representative Jeff Van Drew

“Having been friends for over twenty years and supporting Jeff Van Drew as an Assemblyman and then as his FPC as a State Senator, it was an honor and a natural evolution when Jeff went to Congress to become his FPC. The personal relationship makes it easier to communicate the issues affecting our industry knowing we have a friend as a Realtor® Champion.”

BILL HANLEY

FPC to Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman

“It’s important to communicate one-on-one with our elected officials to promote and protect property rights for all. Being an FPC allows me to bring the voice of real estate to the table.”

ILENE HOROWITZ

FPC to Senator Robert Menendez

“It allows the federal legislatures to know “Who We Are.” There is power in the Realtor® brand and the legislatures know we advocate for home ownership, the rights to private property rights, and help protect the Realtor® brand and profession.”

“As a National Association of Realtors® FPC Meritorious Service Award Recipient, I have always said real estate is your profession, politics is your business, now more than ever. The internet has replaced too many professions and a seat at the table helps preserve our industry. Being an FPC gives us a voice. We are the envy of the lobbying industry. Let’s keep it that way.”

FPC to Representative

Tom Kean Jr.

“Federal Political Coordinators are the ‘face of real estate,’ working to educate members of Congress on important issues facing the real estate industry.”

Donald Norcross

“I believe the work that we do as FPCs is critical to ensuring our elected representatives have the information they need to better understand the important issues facing our industry. This outreach allows us to serve as resources for our members so they feel confident in voting for legislation that advances our agenda.”

“After meeting with our elected officials year after year, it is clear that these leaders want to make the correct decisions on New Jersey’s and America’s most essential housing issues. The FPC program through each FPC is the vehicle that delivers the necessary up-to-date real estate data, the clarity on complex housing issues, and the confirmation on crucial housing positions that our elected leaders lean on to make the most critical decisions at the highest levels.”

FPC to Representative

Chris Smith

“I am honored to be serving my first year in the roll of FPC for Congressman Chris Smith. This allows me to be the voice of my fellow Realtors® and advocate on their behalf with regard to the challenges that we are facing in today’s real estate market.”

FPC to Representative

Rob Menendez

“I have had the honor to be FPC to three different Congressman; Scott Garrett, Albio Sires & Rob Menendez, Jr., each one having a different view on our industry and the real estate markets. This position has afforded me the opportunity to educate and hopefully guide our legislative leaders on not only the strong positive effects homeownership has on local communities but also its relationship to supporting a strong national economy. My ultimate goal is to help them “do no harm to housing and homeownership” in any legislation they support and then suggest ways that NAR’s legislative goals can be supported by them.”

BRENDA RICHMOND

FPC to Representative Andy Kim

“As an FPC, we get to collaborate with legislators and NAR to secure legislation which protects consumers and our industry with housing opportunities.”

ANGELA SICOLI

Member of the FPC Advisory Committee, FPC to Mikie Sherrill

“It takes grassroots engagement and strength to realize our legislative and regulatory goals—as FPC’s we are active in every Congressional district, which is an incredible responsibility with remarkable power for our members and our communities.”

PATTI TAHAN

FPC to Representative Bill Pascrell

“I am very proud to be an FPC for the past 31 years. First, with Herb Klein, Bill Martini and for the past 27 years with Congressman Bill Pascrell. Having a good relationship with our politicians and especially our members of Congress is essential to our careers in real estate—every agent knows their voices are being heard. Agents appreciate support when major issues are being voted on in Congress. Congressman Pascrell enjoys hearing what our wants and needs are to continue helping home ownership, which fuels the American economy. He believes in The American Dream for all! I’m honored to be an FPC, and that NAR stands up for equality, real estate, and success!”