Speaker Showcase
Legal Speakers
Erin Kormann
General Counsel / Chief Advocacy Officer
Erin leads the association’s legal, professional standards, and standard forms initiatives, while also helping shape the organization’s legislative and regulatory strategy. She works closely with the Government Relations Team to draft legislation and provide expert testimony during the General Assembly session. A highly sought-after speaker, Erin is known for making complex legal issues straightforward and actionable, she equips audiences to navigate today’s legal landscape with clarity and confidence. With experience as both an attorney and a former real estate professional, Erin blends legal precision with real-world insight — a trusted resource for associations, brokerages, and housing professionals statewide.
Specialties:
- Legislative Updates
- Property Management
- Risk Management
- Contracts
Jon Haley
Associate General Counsel
As Associate General Counsel, Jon plays a key role in advancing the association’s legal mission. Jon helps deliver clear, engaging training through classes, the Caveat REALTOR podcasts and legal videos, providing REALTORS® with practical insight they can confidently apply in their day-to-day practice.
Jon served as a judicial law clerk and gained valuable transactional experience working with a settlement company. His strong foundation in real estate law and practical problem-solving enables him to offer well-rounded, accessible guidance to members across the state.
Specialties:
- Advertising & Social Media
- Broker Supervision
- Risk Management
- Intellectual Property
Ryan Leonard
Staff Counsel
Ryan is a graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Virginia and Washington, DC. He has a background working as an attorney in private practice with litigation experience in multiple areas of real estate law. Ryan plays a key role in developing legal courses and has extensive experience teaching the classes offered in the Virginia REALTORS® legal course catalogue. When he is not working as Staff Counsel for Virginia REALTORS®, Ryan works as an adjunct professor of political science at Brightpoint Community College.
Specialties:
- Contract Law
- Property Management
- Fair Housing
- Risk Management
Santiago Montalvo
Staff Counsel
Santiago brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Staff Attorney for Virginia REALTORS®. Santiago began working as an electronics technician with electron and optical microscopes while also maintaining an import and export business in antiquities. He also worked in the financial sector, specifically with annuities and other retirement securities. After serving in the Army, Santiago spent a decade as a controls engineer during which he participated in the construction of several world renowned research facilities and other prominent sites such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture. During this time, Santiago also took the time to go to law school. He graduated from American University, Washington College of Law. He then practiced as a solo practitioner before joining Virginia REALTORS®. Santiago brings with him experience in real estate as well as administrative litigation and appeals. Santiago enjoys building and designing electronics in his free time and spending time in nature.
Specialties:
- Standard Legal Forms
- Property Management
- Contracts
- Legislative & Regulatory Compliance
Sean Olk
Associate General Counsel
Sean brings a strong background in both real estate and law. Before attending law school, he gained worked as a REALTOR® in California. Sean earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, along with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. His legal practice has focused on civil litigation, where he represented clients in matters ranging from landlord-tenant disputes, general liability, and insurance law. In his current position, Sean is focused on the Association’s governance and the Professional Standards Department. Additionally, Sean regularly creates blogs, podcasts, videos, and other resources to regularly update members on current legal events and issues affecting the real estate industry.
Specialties:
- Ethics
- Property Management
- Broker Supervision
- Risk Management
Continuing Education
Jon Haley
Associate General Counsel
As Associate General Counsel, Jon plays a key role in advancing the association’s legal mission. Jon helps deliver clear, engaging training through classes, the Caveat REALTOR podcasts and legal videos, providing REALTORS® with practical insight they can confidently apply in their day-to-day practice.
Jon served as a judicial law clerk and gained valuable transactional experience working with a settlement company. His strong foundation in real estate law and practical problem-solving enables him to offer well-rounded, accessible guidance to members across the state.
Specialties:
- Advertising & Social Media
- Broker Supervision
- Risk Management
- Intellectual Property
Ryan Leonard
Staff Counsel
Ryan is a graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Virginia and Washington, DC. He has a background working as an attorney in private practice with litigation experience in multiple areas of real estate law. Ryan plays a key role in developing legal courses and has extensive experience teaching the classes offered in the Virginia REALTORS® legal course catalogue. When he is not working as Staff Counsel for Virginia REALTORS®, Ryan works as an adjunct professor of political science at Brightpoint Community College.
Specialties:
- Contract Law
- Property Management
- Fair Housing
- Risk Management
Santiago Montalvo
Staff Counsel
Santiago brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Staff Attorney for Virginia REALTORS®. Santiago began working as an electronics technician with electron and optical microscopes while also maintaining an import and export business in antiquities. He also worked in the financial sector, specifically with annuities and other retirement securities. After serving in the Army, Santiago spent a decade as a controls engineer during which he participated in the construction of several world renowned research facilities and other prominent sites such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture. During this time, Santiago also took the time to go to law school. He graduated from American University, Washington College of Law. He then practiced as a solo practitioner before joining Virginia REALTORS®. Santiago brings with him experience in real estate as well as administrative litigation and appeals. Santiago enjoys building and designing electronics in his free time and spending time in nature.
Specialties:
- Standard Legal Forms
- Property Management
- Contracts
- Legislative & Regulatory Compliance
Sean Olk
Associate General Counsel
Sean brings a strong background in both real estate and law. Before attending law school, he gained worked as a REALTOR® in California. Sean earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, along with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. His legal practice has focused on civil litigation, where he represented clients in matters ranging from landlord-tenant disputes, general liability, and insurance law. In his current position, Sean is focused on the Association’s governance and the Professional Standards Department. Additionally, Sean regularly creates blogs, podcasts, videos, and other resources to regularly update members on current legal events and issues affecting the real estate industry.
Specialties:
- Ethics
- Property Management
- Broker Supervision
- Risk Management
Market Research
Ryan Price, AICP
Chief Economist
Over the past 15 years, Ryan has honed his knowledge of Virginia’s economy and housing market in a variety of roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ryan’s research focuses on housing market trends in Virginia, and the economic and demographic factors that move the market. Ryan is the Chief Economist for Virginia REALTORS®, leading our Research and Statistics Team. Prior to joining Virginia REALTORS®, he served as the President of research consulting firm LSA Planning, as an Urban Planner for the City of Alexandria, as a researcher at the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, and as a Financial Analyst at Freddie Mac, among other roles. Ryan received a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from James Madison University.
Specialties:
- Housing Market Research
- Home Sales Trends
- Regional Market Data
Sejal Naik
Deputy Chief Economist
Prior to joining Virginia REALTORS® as the Deputy Chief Economist, Sejal worked as an Economist at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. She has also contributed to economic research and analysis at the American Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, and The Advisory Board Company. She graduated with a master’s degree in Finance from the University of California San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from George Mason University.
Specialties:
- Housing Market Research
- Home Sales Trends
- Regional Market Data
Community Engagement
Leslie Frazier, CAE, RCE
SVP of Community and Industry Relations
Leslie is an accomplished association leader with deep expertise in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and member value. With a proven record of strengthening organizations, she brings a practical, forward-thinking approach to building influence, elevating leadership, and driving meaningful impact in communities. Before becoming Senior Vice President of Community and Industry Relations for Virginia REALTORS®, Leslie worked for two Virginia governors, applying her skills and passion to an array of policy initiatives—from veterans and military issues to foster care. It was her early endeavors on political campaigns where she garnered a foundation in community organizing. Leslie received her Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Government and Spanish from the University of Virginia and her Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech.
Specialties:
- Industry Relations
- Community Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Lynne Wherry, RCE, AHWD
VP of Association Relations
Lynne Wherry’s road to Virginia REALTORS® included parenting two children, being a soccer coach and team mom, participating in church activities, and volunteering for numerous local community activities. Her first seven years at the association were spent in the accounting department. She was mentored by the best, Carole Umbel, to move to chapter management, and then on into her present position. Lynne’s past experiences help in her current role with the association. She enjoys mentoring new Association Executives, sharing leadership skills with local associations, creating Strategic Plans, and being the support system for the local AEs.
Specialties:
- Industry Relations
- Community Engagement
- Member Communications
REALTOR® Advocacy & Housing Initiatives
Mary Lawson
Chief Lobbyist
Like all members of our Government Relations team, Mary is extremely busy. In her role at Virginia REALTORS®, she helps lead our legislative efforts and serves as the association’s Chief Lobbyist. After graduating from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!), she began working on campaigns all over the country, and thankfully for Virginia REALTORS®, she found her way back to the commonwealth. Before joining our organization, she worked with Virginia REALTORS® when she ran a State Senate race and when she was with the Democratic Senate Caucus.
Specialties:
- REALTOR® Advocacy
- Lobbying for Real Estate
- Political Campaigning
Maura Pratt
AVP RPAC Development
Maura works closely with local associations on RPAC fundraising by supporting local associations with their efforts and their particular advocacy efforts. With a substantial political and customer service background, she also works extensively with our Government Relations team to facilitate the development of the statewide fundraising plan.
Specialties:
- REALTOR® Advocacy
- Fundraising
- Events
D.J. Spiker
VP of Government Relations and Political Operations
Before joining the VAR, D.J. served as State Director for State & Local Government Relations in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina & South Carolina for the Institute of Legislative Action. Prior to that, he worked for the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus majority as their Policy Director, served as Senator Mark Obenshain’s Chief of Staff, and was appointed a Governor’s Fellow during Governor Bob McDonnell’s administration.
Specialties:
- REALTOR® Advocacy
- Housing Initiatives
- Political Development Programs
Leadership
Rick Lugg
Chief Executive Officer
Rick Lugg serves as Chief Executive Officer of Virginia REALTORS®, a role he assumed in January 2025. With more than 15 years of leadership experience within the association, Rick previously held the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where he was instrumental in driving fiscal strength, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
Rick’s career spans multiple industries and disciplines. Before joining Virginia REALTORS®, he spent a decade in management roles at Circuit City, sharpening his expertise in strategic operations, customer experience, and organizational leadership. Earlier in his career, Rick served in the U.S. Air Force as a programmer analyst, applying his technical skills to support mission-critical operations.
Rick brings a unique blend of financial acumen, operational insight, and strategic capability—bringing people, process, and technology together to achieve organizational success. He is passionate about helping organizations thrive through sound strategy, innovation, and collaboration.
Specialties:
- Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy
- Budgeting, Finance & Fiscal Management
- Operational Excellence & Change Management
- Integrating People, Process & Technology
Curt Reichstetter
Virginia REALTORS® President
Curt Reichstetter is an Associate Broker with Two Dog Realty in Richmond, Virginia. During his over 30 years of experience as a REALTOR®, Curt has helped over a thousand people buy and sell property, practicing in both the residential and commercial fields of real estate.
In 2025, Curt served as President-Elect of Virginia REALTORS®. He also served as the 2019 President of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®. Currently, Curt serves on the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) at the state level and also sits on the RPAC Participation Committee nationally as the state representative for Virginia. Curt has served in numerous capacities including the Virginia REALTORS® Vice President in 2024 and Treasurer in 2023, State Board of Directors since 2018, as well as being a state delegate for NAR from 2016-2019. In addition, Curt received his C2EX and AHWD certifications from NAR.
Specialties:
- Executive Leadership
- Budget & Finance
Adam Smith, PMP
Chief Operating Officer
As the Chief Operating Officer, Adam is primarily responsible for the strategic, organizational, and administrative leadership of the day-to-day operations of the Association and develops and implements Association wide strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and financial management. Adam has served the association since 2013 building a wealth of knowledge around association governance, management, and best cultural practices.
Adam is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from VCU. Prior to joining Virginia REALTORS®, Adam was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell as a Defense Research Analysist and Legislative Liaison for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security. Adam served in the United States Marine Corps for six years prior to moving to Richmond in 2009.
Specialties:
- Executive Leadership
- Association Management
- Local Association Services