Drayton is the President of Michael Saunders & Company, a leading independent real estate broker on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A Sarasota native and Colgate University graduate, he joined the company in 2003 and became President in 2010, continuing a 48-year tradition of service and innovation in real estate.

Drayton is deeply committed to the Suncoast community, serving on the boards of Gulfside Bank, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, and Out-of-Door Academy, and as a member of Sarasota County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. He has also held leadership roles with Stellar MLS, the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

As Vice President of the MSC Foundation, Drayton champions philanthropy that has raised over $1.3 million since 2011, supporting more than 260 organizations that provide shelter, sustenance, education, and pathways to self-sufficiency.

Drayton and his wife, Kara, are proud parents of three children and remain devoted to fostering growth and giving back to the communities they serve.

David Crawford is the Founder and Broker/Owner of Catalist Realty, a Sarasota-based brokerage known for its unique model that integrates philanthropy into every real estate transaction. Since founding Catalist Realty in 2018, David has helped contribute nearly $300,000 to support over 30 local nonprofits, turning business success into community impact.

Beyond his work with Catalist, David serves as President-Elect of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), with plans to become President in 2026. He also holds positions on the Board of Directors for the Conservation Foundation and Florida REALTORS®. David's commitment to giving back has earned him recognition as RASM’s Humanitarian of the Year, making him a respected leader in both the real estate and philanthropic communities.

Budge Huskey, CEO of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, is a recognized leader in real estate brokerage and franchising with over 40 years of experience. Ranked #10 on the 2015 Swanepoel Power 200 and regularly named among Inman’s most influential industry figures, Budge has a distinguished career.

In 2016, he transitioned from leading a national real estate brand to helm Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. The brokerage boasts $8.3 billion in sales volume, over 1,500 team members, and more than 40 locations across Florida and North Carolina. It is the 21st largest brokerage in the U.S. by sales volume and the top Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate worldwide.

Brandy Loebker is a seasoned real estate professional with 19 years of experience, serving as Operating Principal & Broker for Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate and KW Suncoast. Rooted in Sarasota for 38 years and a USF graduate, Brandy leads The Coffey Group, consistently ranked in the top 0.04% of sales volume in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Known for her knowledge, honesty, loyalty, and trust, she brings a Ritz Carlton approach to client experiences.

Brandy holds multiple designations, including Certified International Property Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, and Resort & Second Home Specialist. She specializes in luxury homes, second homes, and complex real estate transactions, including divorce cases.

A community advocate, Brandy supports the Humane Society’s Free Pet Adoption program for military families and serves on numerous boards, including the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota & Manatee and Mote Marine Laboratory President’s Advisory Council. She owns several businesses, including Florida Suncoast Property Management and Coffey Group Interior Design, providing comprehensive services for clients.

Passionate about coaching, Brandy owns Coffey & Company Coaching, empowering professionals to create exceptional client experiences. In her downtime, she enjoys traveling, yoga, fishing, and spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three rescue Shepherds.

Ellen C. O’Day is the Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Realty’s Global Luxury office in Longboat Key and the St. Armand’s offices. She has led the operation to an impressive $1.5 billion in growth.

Her career began in the hospitality industry, where she operated the Clarion River Lodge Resort and Spa in Pennsylvania. This experience proved invaluable in refining her customer service skills, which she now applies to her real estate practice.

Known for her strong work ethic, dedication to excellence, and collaborative leadership style, Ellen thrives as a coach, mentor, and leader, helping others achieve their goals. Building strong relationships with her team and clients has been a cornerstone of her success.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ellen enjoys speaking at real estate events, sharing her insights and strategies with other industry professionals. Her commitment to innovation and continuous improvement keeps her at the forefront of the ever-evolving real estate market.

Ellen remains dedicated to assisting with real estate needs and is always open to sharing her journey and expertise with others.

Victoria Stultz is the Licensed Partner and Broker of Engel & Völkers Suncoast and Naples-Bonita-Estero, leading shops in Venice Downtown, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero. With over 20 years of experience and $200M+ in sales, Victoria is one of Engel & Völkers Florida’s fastest-growing franchise operators.

Since launching her first shop in Venice in 2021, she has strategically expanded across Southwest Florida, with a focus on top-tier advisor development and delivering an elevated real estate experience. A Certified Residential Specialist and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, her expertise spans waterfront properties, golf communities, and corporate relocation.

Victoria is also a dedicated civic leader, serving on nonprofit boards and earning honors such as the SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership Award, Venice Chamber Woman of the Year, and the Women’s Resource Center “Wonder Woman” title.

With plans to continue expanding into Lakewood Ranch, Victoria remains focused on growth, community impact, and upholding Engel & Völkers’ values of competence, exclusivity, and passion.

Kim is a 2023 Legacy Award Recipient with nearly four decades in real estate. She is a leading expert in Sarasota’s luxury market. Known for her integrity, work ethic, and deep market knowledge, Kim and her team consistently rank #1 at Michael Saunders & Company.

A 38-year Sarasota real estate veteran, Kim’s accolades include 2021 Michael Saunders & Company Top Performing Agent, leading the company’s top-producing team for multiple years, and REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee Sales Leader for $1M+ homes over a cumulative 15 years. She has also been involved in three of Sarasota’s five largest sales.

Rooted in small-town Tennessee values and a family history of cattle trading, Kim brings a practical, empathetic approach to real estate. Her ability to listen, act, and negotiate fiercely has earned her loyal clients and consistent referrals.

A trusted industry voice, Kim has shared her insights with Sarasota Magazine, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, ABC 7 News, and Luxury Portfolio International.

Kim enjoys living in downtown Sarasota with her family and her cats, Beto and Ditters. She loves skiing in Telluride, spending time in Tennessee, and occasional weekends in New York City.

Drew Russell is a top-producing Sarasota REALTOR® with 20 years of experience, consistently ranking in the top 1% of over 9,000 agents in Sarasota and Manatee Counties by sales volume and transactions. Known for his customer-centric approach, Drew’s business thrives on referrals and repeat clients. He specializes in resale homes, development, and new construction and is a sought-after speaker on industry issues. As a member of the exclusive Pinnacle Group, Drew collaborates with the region’s top luxury agents to ensure successful outcomes for his clients.

Drew serves Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, and beyond. A Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and licensed Broker, he combines professional expertise with deep local knowledge as a lifelong Sarasota resident. His five-star ratings on Zillow, Facebook, and Google attest to his dedication.

A Sarasota County Schools graduate, Drew earned his BA cum laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University and pursued graduate studies at Wake Forest University. He lives in Sarasota with his wife and twin daughters, enjoying boating, surfing, and volunteering at his church and daughters’ school. Drew’s passion for real estate and community involvement makes him a trusted guide in Florida’s dynamic market.

With over 30 years of success in sales, marketing, training, and leadership, Patrick has held executive roles at Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Stryker Corporation, and Baxter Healthcare, as well as startups and family-owned businesses. His strategic expertise has consistently improved processes and built winning teams.

As regional operations leader for Florida and Arizona, Patrick drives growth, ensures financial strength, and oversees daily operations. A DePauw University graduate with a BA in Communications, he is deeply committed to community service, focusing on causes that empower children. He supports organizations like Girls Inc., Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, and Cardinal Mooney High School.

Patrick serves on the USF Risk Management & Insurance Industry Board, is Chairman of the Advisory Board for Cardinal Mooney High School, and is a board member of the Bradenton Area EDC and Gulfcoast CEO Forum.

A Sarasota resident since 1998, Patrick and his wife Jayne have three children: Parker and Zack, TCU graduates living in Texas, and Maddy, a Notre Dame graduate residing in Chicago.

Douglas Christy concentrates his practice on community association law, primarily representing condominium associations and homeowners’ associations throughout Southwest Florida. Mr. Christy is one of only 198 attorneys statewide who is a Board-Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law. Mr. Christy is a frequent lecturer on community association law and at continuing legal education courses on the topics of collection of assessments, effective covenant enforcement and covenant preservation.

Erin Christy is a Shareholder in the firm's Real Estate and Lending Transactions Practice Group. She represents clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions, zoning, and land use law. Erin has extensive experience representing clients in various real estate matters, including real estate closing services, 1031 exchanges, and the acquisition, development, leasing, and sale of residential and commercial properties. Her land use and zoning practice involves assisting clients before regional and local boards and agencies on various land development approvals, including re-zonings, land use plan amendments, site plan approvals, special and conditional use approvals, variances, vacations, and permitting. Erin is a frequent speaker on waterfront property issues and new construction condominium purchase considerations.

Margy Grant is the CEO of Florida REALTORS®, the largest professional trade association in Florida. A Certified Association Executive (CAE) and REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE), she is recognized for her industry expertise and leadership. She is also a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

A 2023 HousingWire Vanguard award winner and multiple-time Swanepoel Power 200 honoree, Grant is celebrated as a trailblazer in real estate. Under her leadership, Florida REALTORS® has earned accolades, including Top Workplaces in Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel (three consecutive years) and Florida Trend Magazine’s “Best Companies to Work For in Florida” (2022 and 2023).

Grant earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston and her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. A member of the Florida, Massachusetts, and California Bars (inactive), she joined Florida REALTORS® in 2005, serving as COO and general counsel before becoming CEO.

Her dedication to excellence has positioned Florida REALTORS® as a leader in the industry, fostering innovation, growth, and a culture of success.

Rich Swank is an Associate General Counsel with Florida REALTORS®. He was born in northwest Indiana two weeks after the Beatles released their first album in the U.S. Richard moved with his family to Florida in 1980, and, with the exception of a brief job in Hollywood, he has lived here ever since.

Richard spent 14 years as a litigator and then 4 years in state government in Tallahassee. Richard returned to Orlando in 2018, and he has been in the legal department of Florida REALTORS® since then.

Maria Grulich serves as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate and Global Business for the Florida Association of REALTORS®, overseeing and developing commercial and global initiatives and programs for Florida. She advises and supports REALTOR® members and association/board staff on global matters and markets at the local, state, and federal levels while strengthening relationships and cooperation with international organizations. She manages activities such as international expos, conferences, trade missions, as well as serving as the team liaison to the National Association of REALTORS® and oversees Commercial Alliance, Global Business, Global Business Exchange, and Diversity Committees for Florida.

In November 2022, Ms. Grulich successfully brought home the NAR Diamond Award for Global Achievement. Florida is the first State in the nation to receive this prestigious award. She is the 2024 AEC Representative to NAR’s Global Alliance Board. Her background includes Economic Development. She was also Executive Director for the Florida NASA Business Incubator, where she aided entrepreneurs in developing businesses from NASA patents.

Carla Rayman Kidd is a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience and holds a broker’s license since 2002. As the Director of Development and Strategic Engagement for Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, she oversees operations across 30 islands, from Bermuda to Trinidad and Tobago. Carla is a certified instructor for CIPS, RSPS, ABR, SRES, Bias Override, and AHWD, and has developed specialized courses for agents working with foreign buyers and sellers.

A sought-after speaker, Carla has presented at national and international conferences, including the National Association of REALTORS®, Coldwell Banker, and Prudential events. Her speaking engagements span the globe, with appearances in the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Thailand, and more.

Carla’s leadership roles include serving as NAR’s Global Coordinator for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (2016–2020), President’s Liaison to Panama (2012–2016), and the 2023–2024 President of FIABCI-USA. Her extensive expertise, global reach, and dedication to education and development have solidified her reputation as a leader in international real estate.

Genessa Casanova serves Florida REALTORS® as the Vice President of Government and Political Affairs. Prior to joining the team at Florida REALTORS®, Genessa was the South Florida Government Liaison for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise where she coordinated with the local metropolitan planning organizations and elected officials on transportation development and projects.

Genessa also served two years in Governor Scott’s administration as Deputy Director of Outreach where she managed the state consular corps and developed a coalition within South Florida and the I-4 corridor. Prior to her government service, she served as a National Coalitions Coordinator for Senator Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and as the Southeast Political Director for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, later serving in his official U.S. Senate office.

As Sr. Political Director, Genessa manages the field team, Florida REALTORS® PAC, and oversees our campaign and REALTOR® party programs. Genessa Casanova is primarily based in South Florida and is excited to work for the members of Florida REALTORS®.

Max, Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs, is the chief strategist for legislative policy, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee serving 9k+ members. Max serves as liaison and lead advocate to all external and public entities to advance REALTOR® priorities.

At City and County Commission meetings, Max is the lead voice representing the real estate industry in our region. During election season, Max is coordinating and providing guidance to the RASM Board of Directors on candidate endorsements and facilitating REALTORS® PAC contributions to REALTOR®-Friendly candidates.

In addition to government affairs, Max also provides leadership over the Commercial Real Estate Alliance, preparing, facilitating, and running Board of Director meetings and implementing CREA Board initiatives.

Frank Lambert and his business / life partner, Anita Lambert, are longtime Sarasota residents who make up the Lambert Team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Ohio born, Frank grew up in Indiana where he started his lifetime career of successful real estate sales, development, custom home design, and construction. Frank’s background includes land acquisition and planning, project management, site development, custom home design and construction, and historical renovation.

He has been the recipient of several prestigious architectural awards, and since 2014, Frank has been involved in residential new construction condominium developments in the Rosemary District and City of Sarasota, thereby creatively assisting developers new to the area with their contemporary boutique projects.

When Frank and Anita aren’t enjoying the unique coastal lifestyle of Sarasota or cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you will find them at their mountain-view home in the magical San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado.

Tony Veldkamp, CCIM, is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over 30 years of experience on Florida’s SunCoast. After earning a BS degree in Real Estate from Florida State University, he began his career as a real estate appraiser before transitioning to commercial sales and leasing. A proud CCIM designee since 2005, Tony has built a stellar career with firms including Michael Saunders Commercial Division and, since 2011, SVN Commercial Advisory Group.

Tony’s achievements include serving as the 2016 Commercial Investment Division President and being named Commercial REALTOR® of the Year by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota & Manatee (RASM). In 2018, he was the top-producing SVN agent in Florida and ranked #8 globally. Notable transactions include selling 913 acres in Ellenton for $15.5 million and facilitating the sale of a Palmetto building for Amazon Distribution.

Deeply rooted in his community, Tony is RASM’s 2021 President-Elect. Married to Debbie for 33 years, they have five children, three children-in-law, and four grandsons. Tony’s expertise, leadership, and dedication to his clients have solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor in commercial real estate.

Kendra Johnston, a Florida native originally from Wisconsin, has witnessed the evolution of Lakewood Ranch and is proud to call the Gulf Coast home. A graduate of Lakewood Ranch High and Florida Gulf Coast University, Kendra began her real estate career in 2007, specializing in luxury apartment and student housing leasing. After earning her Florida real estate license and a Bachelor’s in Communication, she focused on helping local and national investment owners maximize returns while providing expert support to both owners and tenants.

Certified as a real estate negotiator, Kendra is the President of the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the National Association of Property Managers and Chair of the REALTOR® Association Sarasota-Manatee Fundraising & Grants Committee. Passionate about continuous learning and giving back to the industry, Kendra is committed to making a positive impact.

When not working, Kendra enjoys spending time outdoors, whether birdwatching for roseate spoonbills, boating along Florida’s waterways, or tending to her garden. She cherishes family time with her husband and their active mini American Shepherd puppy.

With a background in education, a passion for people, and a tenacious drive, Toni Zarghami brings a unique blend of experience and heart to her work. Although her expertise and credentials are certainly impressive, it is her ability to connect with others that is her greatest strength, building genuine relationships, both personally and professionally.

With a commitment to excellence, a competitive spirit, and the selective designation as a Certified Master Negotiator, Toni consistently works to yield her clients the highest possible net income, personally following each and every transaction through to a successful closing.

Toni is devoted not only to her clients, who quickly become friends, but also to her two young children, Luca and Avery, and her partner in life and business, David. Over the last decade, the pair have assembled a world-class team of operations, marketing, and sales professionals, each one bonded by the group’s mission of “Moving Families Forward.”

The group has developed a reputation for their expertise in residential real estate, Sarasota’s luxury market, and new home construction, earning them recommendations from key industry leaders like Barbara Corcoran and Dave Ramsey. Meanwhile, while selling over $100,000,000 in sales year after year, David and Toni remain unchanged. Spend a little time with them, and you’ll see that “Moving Families Forward” is more than their mission — it’s their heart!

Elliot has over a decade of experience driving innovation in the real estate industry. He previously worked at offrs.com, a pioneer in artificial intelligence in real estate, where he used predictive analytics to empower agents and brokers with actionable homeowner insights.

Currently, Elliot serves as an A.I. Architect at Raia, whose focus is on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to build, train, and deploy practical A.I. solutions in real estate and beyond.

Brad O’Connor, Ph.D., is the Chief Economist for Florida REALTORS®, the state's largest trade association with over 238,000 members. He leads the research department, overseeing the production of the association’s widely-cited monthly housing market statistics and various other economic and statistical research projects. Dr. O’Connor’s insights on Florida’s real estate markets are frequently featured in major daily newspapers and national publications, including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from The Ohio State University and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Florida State University. Before joining Florida REALTORS®, Dr. O’Connor worked as an economic and statistical consultant for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando.