Board of Directors
2022
Chuck Lax
President
Chuck Lax
President
Chuck is a REALTOR® with Compass Real Estate. He has served as Chair of Public Policy, and as a member of the Professional Standards Committee, the Minority Homeownership Task Force, and the Member Engagement Task Force.
He feels it is important to be involved with NCCBOR because everyone needs to be involved in serving and moving NCCBOR forward. Chuck has also served in numerous capacities for DAR and NAR, including 2021 appointments to the NAR Commitment to Excellence Committee and the NAR Professional Standards Committee. He was the 2018 recipient of the NCCBOR REALTOR® Spirit Award and recently he earned NAR’s At Home with Diversity® Certification. Outside of NCCBOR, Chuck has served as a Board member for Plastic Free Delaware and for the NCC Reentry Program. During his tenure as President-Elect, he hopes to work on affordable housing issues with the Minority Homeownership Task Force and on increasing NCCBOR member participation. Outside of work, Chuck loves to spend time with his wife, four sons and one daughter, three grandchildren, and two dogs, Charlie and Maggie.
Scott Farnan
President Elect
Scott Farnan
President Elect
Scott has served as a member of Public Policy and the Community Outreach Committee. He also served on NAR’s 2021 Leading Edge Advisory Board.
Scott feels it is important to be involved with NCCBOR because as REALTORS® we have a duty to the community that is much more than assisting people with buying and selling homes. We need to help, educate, and assist the community whenever we can to ensure that there are stable, caring communities for future generations.
Deborah Harris
Vice President
Deborah Harris
Vice President
Deborah Harris, Associate Broker with RE/MAX Associates in Newark, DE has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2003.
She provides personalized real estate services to homebuyers and sellers in Delaware and Maryland. Deborah believes that volunteerism is the substance of change; that the more REALTORs who show up in our communities and give voice to our experiences through active involvement in our own governance, the better our entire community continues to be. Outside of NCCBOR, Deborah has supported her community in various ways, including participation in neighborhood planning initiatives, service on non-profit boards in Wilmington, as a member of the Union Hospital Foundation Board in Elkton Maryland, and most recently through her role as the 2019 NCCBOR Community Engagement Task Force Chair. She received the 2020 REALTOR Spirit Award and currently serves on the NCCBOR Professional Standards Committee. Deborah is a native Delawarean, currently residing in Middletown, DE. She is married with four children, six grandsons, and two beautiful granddaughters.
Eddie Barksdale
Treasurer
Eddie Barksdale
Treasurer
Eddie Barksdale (Broker/Owner of Barksdale & Affiliates Realty) is one of Delaware's most acclaimed REALTORS, who has a track record for delivering results, and achieving 5 Star client ratings. He earned his REALTORS license in 2006 after completing Omega Real estate school.
In 2016, Barksdale Affiliates Realty was established to fulfill Eddie's vision to own and operate a real estate brokerage, serving the Delaware and Maryland markets.
In 2019, Eddie was elected Director by the New Castle County Board of REALTORS, where he served in addition to being an active member of the Finance and Budget Committee.
Eddie is a graduate of Wilmington University with an earned Masters of Business Administration degree in Marketing (M.B.A.). To enhance professional and personal growth, Eddie practices a philosophy of continuous training and education to sustain his high level of performance in the real estate industry, which is supported by drawing from various experiences and constant contact within his sphere of influence. Eddie has a fiancé and two children. Eddie enjoys fishing, exercising, and watching sports in his spare time.
Denise Gaines
Immediate Past President
Denise Gaines
Immediate Past President
Denise has been a REALTOR® with Century 21 Gold Key Realty for 16 years. She has served as Vice President, Chairperson of Member Engagement Committee, and a Director of NCCBOR and DAR, in addition to sitting on the Public Policy Committee and Lockbox Task Force.
She is also involved with the Annual Breast Cancer Walk and as a volunteer with the Career Wardrobe. Denise feels it is important to be involved with NCCBOR to understand how we can affect change, and to assist our communities with change, so recently she worked with other agents in the community to assist those affected by the tornado in Middletown, and with her church on planting outside of Glasgow High School. Similarly, she feels that the minority homeownership gap is the biggest challenge real estate is currently facing and hopes to work with the Minority Homeownership Task Force on affordable housing issues during her tenure as President. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her three awesome grandchildren.
Kimberly Morehart
Exec. Committee Appointee
Kimberly Morehart
Executive Committee Appointee
Kimberly is a life-long Delaware resident. She was raised in Newark and has lived around the Wilmington area. She is a graduate of Glasgow High School in 1978. She graduated from Immaculata University with a dual BAs in HR and Organizational Effectiveness. After a 21 year career in Domestic Relocation, International Relocation and Space Planning, she retired early from a local pharmaceutical company and began developing her passion in real estate and interior design and staging. She began her real estate career at Coldwell Banker Preferred in 2010. In 2014 she joined forces with Deb Wetherby, friend of over 40 years, to form Morehart Wetherby and Associates. With a total of 6 associates in tow, Morehart Wetherby then joined Compass Realty in 2021.
Kimberly’s business philosophy is to treat others the way that she would like to be treated - not only professionally, but personally. Daily she strives to ensure that she helps others. In real estate, her philosophy will ensure that her clients are not only receiving great customer service but are becoming better-informed buyers and sellers.
Kimberly is married to Michael and they have three grown children (Stephanie, Michael and Sam) and three grand-children (Aidan, Emily and Hannah).
Andrew Taylor
Legal Counsel
Andrew Taylor
Legal Counsel
Andrew serves as legal counsel for NCCBOR and DAR and finds it important to be a part of the Board to support the REALTOR® cause.
Patrick Baronsky
Director
Patrick Baronsky
Director
Baronsky & Associates is a family-owned and operated business with 15+ years experience in the commercial /residential and stucco inspections, with an extensive background in residential construction. Their commitment to assuring the full satisfaction of their clients is something that they take great pride in.
Ashley Falkowski
Director
Ashley Falkowski
Director
Biography coming soon
Andrea Harrington
Director
Andrea Harrington
Director
Andrea Harrington is a full-time Realtor who began her Real Estate career in 2006, providing services in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex County Delaware for the past 15 years. Since then, she has earned her Broker’s License and is currently an Associate Broker with Compass in Greenville, DE. She is also the Team Leader and Owner of Andrea Harrington & Associates, a consistently top-ranking Delaware real estate team. As a native to Delaware, Andrea is familiar with the local communities and real estate market, and enjoys establishing new client relationships. Due to past experience, the use of the most up to date technology and her dedication to continued education, she carries the many skills needed in order to successfully complete any real estate transaction. Andrea prides herself on being a hardworking, professional and reliable real estate agent. Previously, Andrea served as the co-chair for the DEHOFI Events Committee and was the 2016 recipient for the NCCBOR Good Neighbor Award.
Monica Hill
Director
Monica Hill
Director
Monica has served as an Ombudsman, Chair of the Education Task Force, a member of Public Policy, Membership Engagement, Grievance, Professional Standards, DAR Board of Directors, and Chairperson of the DAR Convention committee.
Outside of NCCBOR, Monica has been a Girl Scout for over 38 years and volunteers at her church, for the Delaware Housing Opportunity Fund, and throughout her community. Monica feels it is important to be involved with NCCBOR because it gives you the opportunity to have a positive impact on matters that impact our clients and in turn, our livelihood. She truly believes in the Code of Ethics and in protecting our clients’ home ownership rights.
Stephen Marcus
Director
Stephen Marcus
Director
Stephen Marcus is an active real estate broker and Realtor licensed in PA, DE, MD and Florida. He was originally licensed in June 2001, having spent the prior 20 years in the desktop computer industry. Along with his brother, Richard, and another partner, they created an independent brokerage and built it to 120 agents in 4 states, with Stephen as the managing partner and broker. He was licensed as a broker in Pennsylvania and Delaware in 2006. In 2012, after losing his wife to cancer, Mr. Marcus sold his interest in the original brokerage and formed Brokers Realty Group, his current brokerage, with 3 other experienced brokers. While he still completes between more than 75 transactions per year, he has slowed from his peak years of over 200 annual transactions personally completed.
For the past 10 years, Mr. Marcus has been a Neighborhood Listing Broker for HUD, in addition to providing a wide range of services to his clients who are selling, buying, and leasing homes throughout the market area. Whether the client is an investor, a first-time homebuyer, or someone looking for a vacation home, Stephen acts as a guide as the client moves to "the next chapter" of their life. With over 3000 transactions completed during his career as a Realtor, he has the experience to help guide you through the real estate transaction.
In 2016, Stephen was the Vice President of the Delaware Association of Realtors, was the Chair of their statewide annual convention for multiple years, and has been a repeat RPAC Major Investor. Today, he regularly authors and teaches continuing education in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. His hobbies include playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker in a regional league and flying a DJI 4 Drone. He is a licensed pilot, although inactive.
M. Daniel Nelson
Director
M. Daniel Nelson
Director
M. Daniel Nelson attended Pennsylvania State University and then Temple University, graduating from Temple in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree while working at the Prudential Insurance Company.
After graduation he became an insurance agent. After year at Prudential Insurance, he moved to Lucent Technologies in 1997, the largest telecommunication equipment manufacturer at the time, becoming a sales manager quickly and soon after the branch manager. Four years later he moved to AT&T Corporation as a Strategic Account Manager, managing multi-national accounts. While at AT&T he got an MBA degree, specializing in global management, from the University of Phoenix. He took an early retirement from AT&T to pursue the dream of running his own business. M. Daniel Nelson entered the fascinating world of Real Estate in 2006, joining the Keller Williams Realty Company. He later opened the Effort Realty Co and continued to work in association with Keller Williams Realty and became an Associate Broker. In late 2019 he moved to The House of Real Estate where he has his license currently.
Patrick Pennington
Director
Patrick Pennington
Director
Patrick is an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Associates in Wilmington. He received his license in 1988. He and his wife, Kathy, make up Team Spouses Selling Houses. He is licensed in both Delaware and Pennsylvania representing both buyers and sellers and serves New Castle and Sussex counties in Delaware and Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. Patrick has also specialized in selling REO properties for over 25 years and has represented many corporate clients. He has a love for the beach, salt water fishing, and spending time with his 4 Grandchildren. Other hobbies include bike riding and going to Eagles football games.
Octavia Samuels
Director
Octavia Samuels
Director
Octavia Samuels is a full-time real estate agent at Century 21 Gold Key Realty in Newark, DE.
She received her real estate license in 2006 and has been actively practicing for 15 years. Her residential business base is a mixture of listings and marketing homes for sale, representing home buyers in the purchase of their first home and subsequent homes, managing investment portfolios, navigating buyers and sellers through the short-sale process, and servicing distressed properties and bank-owned homes. Octavia is a Top Sales Agent and has achieved CENTURY 21 Corporate’s Masters Ruby Status and Quality Service Pinnacle Awards. She has sat on the Member Engagement Committee and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at NCCBOR and has successfully completed NAR’s At Home with Diversity Certification Course.
Anthony Santoro
Director
Anthony Santoro
Director
Anthony Santoro is a professional photographer who partners with businesses as well as residential and commercial real estate professionals to provide photography and video content for their properties, people and products.
In 2015, Anthony took his passion for photography and created DiamondState Photography. Anthony’s photos have been published in a many local and national magazines. Prior to starting a photography business, Anthony spent a number years in sales, operations and executive management in the fields of fire protection, security, and access control as well as the HVAC and electrical industries. He has a proven ability to manage complex business units, as well as sales and service operations. He has developed and implemented process improvement and efficiency programs that have significantly reduced overall operating costs, billing cycle times and customer loss ratios while improving employee/workflow efficiencies and overall operating profits for companies such as Fire Protection Electronics, Honeywell, Wayman Fire Protection, Service Unlimited and Electric Unlimited. He has been involved in a number of professional and community organizations over the years including: Delaware Crime Stoppers (Past Chairman) Wilmington Skate Project (Past President) Christiana Rotary (Past President) Newark Morning Rotary (Member) Delaware Hospice (Development Committee) New Castle County Board of Realtors (Board of Directors) Commercial-Industrial Realty Council of Delaware (Member) Anthony lives in Newark with his wife, Kristina. They have two children, Anthony and Brandon.
Stephanie Rizzo
Director
Stephanie Rizzo
Director
Stephanie has served as the Public Member Director with NCCBOR for many years.
She also is a part of the Chestnut Hill Estates Civic Association, the Greater Newark Civic Alliance, and is a Court Appointed Support Advocate. Stephanie feels it is important to be involved with NCCBOR to stay informed and believes in getting involved with anything that puts a spark in your heart and soul.
Ruth Vella
Director
Ruth Vella
Director
Ruth A. Vella, GRI, owner of Omega Real Estate School, brings 50 years of experience in the Real Estate Industry to the podium.
She has earned a place of distinction and respect among her peers in the industry and is ranked among the best for her ability to manage and teach. She has served the local, state, and national community for many years. Ruth was named "Educator of the Year" in 2002 for NCCBOR. She has taught courses all over the Country for The National Association of Realtors and locally for the Delaware Association of Realtors, The Kent County Association of Realtors, the Sussex Association of Realtors as well as the NCCBOR. She has lectured at the Realtor's Institute and the Delaware Realtors Convention and is featured in five distinct volumes of Who's Who in America. Ruth has also received awards for "Outstanding Leadership" from the National Association of Realtors, as well as the "Omega Tau Rho Award" and she has been honored as a "Realtor Emeritus." Ruth was inducted into "The Realtor's Hall of Fame" in 2009. She has served as a Director for the Delaware Association of Realtors and NCCBOR. Ruth is Dean of the Omega Real Estate School and has served on the faculty of Wilmington University and Delaware State College.
Ali Wilson
Director
Ali Wilson
Director
Alexandra is a dedicated Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors in Hockessin with experience in Customer Relations for more than 15 years. Licensed in PA & DE, Alexandra utilizes her expertise in communication, home design, and attention to detail to exceed client expectations. Having a deep passion for inclusivity, Alexandra is #AtHome with Diversity Certified. Recently, Alexandra was endorsed for her "Commitment to Excellence" dedicating her business and services to the highest professional industry standard.
Alexandra's commitment to her community has allowed her services to be extended as a member of the Board of Directors for the Delaware Association of Realtors® and the New Castle County Board of Realtors®, and as the Chairman of NCCBOR’s Public Policy Committee. Additionally, she serves as a committee member for Inclusion & Diversity for DAR and NCCBOR, and as Chairman of the Young Professionals Networking which welcomes and educates new agents into the industry. Alexandra also volunteers as a Board member for Delaware Housing Opportunity Fund Inc.