What is the Leadership Academy?
Meet the 2024 Leadership Academy class
The Ohio REALTORS Leadership Academy is an intense nine-month, five-stage program focused on goal setting, communication, business relationships, meeting management and time management. The leadership development retreats are designed to guide each participant through their own self-discovery process, which will enable them to become a more positive influence within their own communities and within the industry as a whole.
Read the following testimonial ...
“ORLA has allowed me to see leadership as more than just a 'position.' An effective leader inspires others to create a vision for the future. They motivate, coach, contribute and empower. Thank you, Ohio REALTORS Leadership Academy, for empowering me to grow into a true leader.”
Rebecca Donatelli (Lake & Geauga Area Association, Class of 2019)
Who Should Apply?
REALTOR members who are interested in becoming more active and involved in leadership positions within their communities, local associations, state association and national association should apply. Consideration will also be given to applicants who demonstrate an ability to contribute to diversity based on age, gender, ethnicity, geography, specialty, etc.
What is the Commitment?
Attendance at all five retreats and sessions is mandatory. Those who fail to attend may be asked to withdraw, with NO refund of tuition. Members of the class are expected to be punctual as well as be active in the program. Room and lodging is included, but applicants must share a room. If an applicant would like to have a single room he/she must pay for the cost of the lodging for the retreat(s)
ORLA Application Deadline: November 29, 2024
ORLA Interviews: January 7-8, 2025 at Ohio REALTORS Headquarters, Columbus, OH
ORLA Class of 2025 Webinar: January 14, 2025
Session 1: February 16-18, 2025 – Ohio REALTORS Headquarters, Columbus OH
Session 2: April 7-8, 2025 – NAR Chicago, IL
Session 3: May 19-20, 2025 - Punderson Manor & Lodge, Newbury, OH
Session 4: August 4-5, 2025 – Mohican Lodge & Conference Center, Perrysville, OH
Session 5: September 13-14, 2025 – In conjunction with the Ohio REALTORS Convention, Cleveland, OH
If you have been thinking about being a part of the Ohio REALTORS Leadership Academy, you can apply for the 2025 class in early fall. The requirements are as follows:
1. Completion of the Academy application form. This form, in .pdf format, can be saved to your computer and filled out at a later time. When completed, email to Stacey Dawson at and attach the .pdf file and your photo. Also please name the .pdf application with your name.
2. The Letter of Referral form. Two letters of referral are required to apply to the Academy. Here is the form you should use for your references. One must be from your Local Board/Association Executive...Don’t know your Local Board/Association Executive? No problem, make an appointment to get to know each other. They want to know who you are and once they do, they will be happy to write that referral. One from another person of your choosing; Forms will be provided online and will be returned directly to Ohio REALTORS staff.
3. Application Fee. There is a $250 application fee. If accepted, this fee will be applied toward your tuition. If you are not accepted, it will be refunded to you. Tuition is $1,450. The tuition helps cover expenses for speakers, training sessions, meals, overnight accommodations and instructional materials for all five retreats. Additional costs to the participants will include transportation from home to the retreat site and select minimal expenses that may be incurred. Make your ORLA DEPOSIT
4. A photo of yourself suitable for promotion. Please submit a photo of yourself to Stacey Dawson at . PLEASE NOTE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE UNTIL ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS RECEIVED.
Application Rules/Procedures
- Participation in the Ohio REALTORS Leadership Academy is open to licensed REALTORS in Ohio;
- All Ohio REALTORS in good standing are eligible to apply to the Leadership Academy;
- Applicant must be a REALTOR or REALTOR Board staff for a minimum of two years from the submission date of the application;
- Applicant can no pending litigation currently, or from past five years, from the date of the application;
- A signed application indicating a commitment to attend ALL Leadership Academy classes.
2024 Sessions
- Session 1: February 4-6, 2024 – Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center
- Session 2: April 8-9, 2024 – NAR, Chicago, IL
- Session 3: June 3-4, 2024 – Punderson State Park Lodge & Conference Center
- Session 4: August 5-6, 2024 – Mohican State Park Lodge & Conference Center
- Session 5: September 14-15, 2024 – Columbus, OH (In conjunction with OR Conference & Expo, Sept. 16-18)
Staff: Stacey Dawson /