The Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® has a rich and successful history. It received its charter from the National Association of REALTORS® in 1921 and has been served by 75 Presidents or as they are known today, Chairmen of the Board. Each Chairman has made at least one significant contribution to NVAR during his or her time in office. Whether it was promoting ethics and professionalism, negotiating to build a new home for NVAR, or establishing an innovative education program for new agents, their fingerprints of success are embedded in our history.
NVAR is proud to confer Honorary Life Membership on a past President who has made, and continues to make, significant contributions to our association and the real estate profession.
Jo Anne Johnson, NVAR Honorary Life Member (2007)
Jo Anne Johnson has been a member of NVAR for almost 30 years. During her entire membership, she has been an active and valuable volunteer. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 1987 and served as Chairman in 1993. At that time, she introduced discussions about forming a regional MLS that would include Maryland and the District.
Jo Anne served as Chairman of the NV/RPAC Campaign twice, and as an RPAC Trustee for both NVAR and VAR. She served on the VAR Policy Board, was named VAR Manager of the Year in 2002, and is currently serving as a Virginia Association of Realtors® Delegate.
Jo Anne has served many years on almost every NVAR committee, including Budget & Finance, Professional Standards, Government Affairs and Nominating, and she even chaired the first NVAR Convention in 1990. She served as our liaison to the Graham Road School and continues to serve on several advisory groups. Jo Anne represents us very well at NAR; she is an NAR Director and member of the International Operations Committee. And, in 2008, she will be Vice Chair of the International Local Council Committee.
She served as the NAR President's Liaison to Poland for six years, and participated in many seminars throughout Poland and Eastern Europe. Jo Anne was named the 1997 NVAR Realtor® of the Year and was also inducted into the NVAR Hall of Fame. She earned these awards as recognition for the countless hours of volunteer service she has graciously given to the Realtor® family.
Renee Miller, NVAR Honorary Life Member (2006)
NVAR Past President (1990)
Renee Miller has been a real estate professional for more than 31 years. She has seen and done it all!
Miller started her career as an agent in California, became a broker owner in Virginia and Maryland, then a Regional Manager with Coldwell Banker and came back full circle again as an agent with Weichert REALTORS® in McLean.
During her distinguished career, Miller has donated countless volunteer hours to the REALTOR® family. In 1990 she served as President of NVAR during the "infamous" DATOR conversion. She served NVAR in almost every capacity from RPAC fund raiser to strategic planner. She played a critical role in helping the entire region create the largest and most successful MLS in the nation, MRIS.
Miller served as President of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® in 1998 and was named VAR REALTOR® of the YEAR in 2004. The National Association of REALTORS® has also benefited from Renee's volunteer service. She has chaired several major NAR Committees, served on numerous work groups and has just started her term as a Regional Vice President for the National Association of REALTORS®.
What is most admirable about Miller her character, business ethic, style, grace and intellect. NVAR is a richer and stronger association because Renee Miller is one of our champions. Thank you Renee, for all you have done to advance the real estate profession. You have been a mentor, teacher, volunteer and friend to so many who have had the privilege to know and work with you.