Board of Directors
As of January 12, 2023
Scott Farnan
President
Scott Farnan
President
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
President Elect
Deborah Harris
President Elect
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.
Octavia Samuels
Vice President
Octavia Samuels
Vice President
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.
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.
Chuck Lax
Immediate Past President
Chuck Lax
Immediate Past President
Chuck Lax 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.
Irma Rodriguez
Exec. Committee Appointee
Irma Rodriguez
Executive Committee Appointee
Irma Rodriguez has been licensed since 2008. With her extensive background in finance and as a personal financial coach, she adds a unique value to the buying and selling experience. Irma provides her client-focused, personalized service to all her buyers and sellers, earning their trust, as well as their referrals and repeat business. Irma actively volunteers at several non-profit organizations in Wilmington, DE. She is passionate about providing resources to the community. Irma was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Delaware. Irma loves to travel, learn about different cultures and spend time with family. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Strayer University, Newark, De.
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.
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.
Susy Karlen
Director
Susy Karlen
Director
Susy Karlen, raised in Florida, moved to the area in 2007 and fell in love. She discovered Delaware and realized she could have it all – the city, the country, and the beach, all within an hour’s drive. She purchased a home and started her journey in the First State!
She has been in the business of real estate her entire career. From originating mortgages, a risk manager in the mortgage industry and now to her most favorite of all roles, a real estate agent. Her passion for homeownership, real estate and helping others along with her enthusiasm connects her with clients.
Susy is a mentor and licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty. She lives in Bear, DE, when not assisting her clients, enjoys a strong cup of coffee or a glass of wine while spending time with family and friends.
Emily Maahs
Director
Emily Maahs
Director
Emily has been in the real estate industry since 2017, with experience in both residential and commercial real estate. She is a full-time licensed REALTOR® with Keller Williams licensed in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Emily has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Dynamics from Wilmington University. She is a graduate of Delaware Military Academy and she attended Widener University for nursing, prior to embarking on her real estate career.
Emily sits on the committee for YPN and has been involved in a lot of networking opportunities for the industry, because she feels relationships and who you know are some of the most important aspects of this business.
Emily feels it's important to be involved with NCCBOR because Realtors help people with the biggest financial decision of their lives and it's important to educate the community to ensure they are making the best decision for themselves. She loves the home buying and selling experience and being a huge part of new chapters in peoples' lives.
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.
Ron Marini
Director
Ron Marini
Director
Ron is a Mortgage Loan Originator with 27 years of experience. He is currently with Concord Home Loans in Chadds Ford, PA but has also worked at Margaretten, Gilpin, Mortgage America, Annie Mac, and AFN. Previously, Ron served on the NCCBOR Affiliate Board in 2019. In the community, he has conducted informational seminars for first-time home buyers and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Ron believes that one of the biggest challenges facing the real estate industry is educating REALTORS® on changes in the lending business and hopes to address this challenge by including REALTORS® in spaces such as Affiliate meetings.
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.
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.
Jenna Stayton
Director
Jenna Stayton
Director
Jenna L. Stayton, Esquire is the resident partner in the Giordano, DelCollo, Werb & Gagne, LLC Hockessin office. A Delaware native, she is proud to be a member of Delaware Bar Association. After attending St. Mark’s High School, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. Jenna returned to Delaware to attend the Widener University Delaware Law School and received her juris doctorate in 2012.
Admitted to practice law in Delaware, Jenna has served as counsel in a variety of capacities, but her passion and expertise is focused in the areas of real estate, aspects of estate planning, other areas of civil practice, and is the preferred attorney for a large number of local real estate agents in Delaware. Placing high value on maintaining long-term client relationships and being sensitive to her client’s issues, Jenna works diligently to make sure her client’s interests are always protected. Jenna currently holds a leadership position within the Delaware Bar’s Real Estate and Personal Property Section, was named Affiliate of the Year in 2022 by the New Castle County Board of Realtors and was voted as one of Delaware Today Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” in 2021 and 2022. In the past few years, Jenna has presented at continuing education courses to attorneys, Realtors, and the public on a variety of real estate and legal topics.
In her spare time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading books before they become movies, trying new restaurants, and visiting Delaware’s beaches.
Cristina Tlaseca
Director
Cristina Tlaseca
Director
Cristina Tlaseca is team leader to Homes from the Heart team at RE/MAX Premier Properties. Cristina enjoys serving the community and helping many achieve the goal of homeownership. She annually holds numerous educational seminars in both English and Spanish. In helping multiple families, she saw the need in the youth so she created the Homes from the Heart Annual Scholarship program. This scholarship assists by providing funds to students so they can achieve higher levels of education. She founded the Latina Empowerment Network in Delaware in order to support and create opportunities to business owners. She annually supports and contributes to the Latina American Community Center and Nuestras Raíces annual Hispanic Heritage Festival along with multiple events throughout the community. She strives to help as many people through the resources she can provide. “Homes from the Heart, is where it all starts!”
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.
Dawn Wilson
Director
Dawn Wilson
Director
Dawn graduated from Temple University's Fox School of Business where she double majored in Management and Marketing and obtained a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree. Before becoming a realtor, Dawn enjoyed her corporate days as a Divisional Manager for Women's at JCPenney and later moved on to purchase two wireless stores. Her experience training business owners and their employees as a Senior Account Rep for the entire state of Delaware with T-Mobile helped her to grow and build a successful real estate portfolio and business. One of Dawn's greatest accomplishments is being a team leader and the mentor for newly licensed realtors at an office with over 90 agents. Dawn is passionate about helping other realtors grow their business. The Dawn Wilson Real Estate Team is proud to be ranked in the top 1% of agents in the BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors network. Dawn has been practicing real estate for over 16 years in DE & PA.
Dawn developed her love for real estate when she purchased her first two rental properties in Philadelphia at the age of 22. She loves revitalizing neighborhoods by flipping homes and providing affordable housing to tenants. Dawn takes pride in being an exceptional wife, mother and realtor! Sharing Dawn's love of international dance by teaching Zumba for over 6 years at the DE Department of Services for Children was rewarding. Serving as a board member for 5 years at the Sellers Senior Center was an honor. Providing superior customer service and putting the needs of her clients first is essential. The systems and strategies that Dawn and her team have implemented regarding education, resources, leading technology, unique marketing and a list of referral partners and contractors to work with have resulted in successful buyer and seller relationships that evolve into lifetime friendships. She is committed to working hard for her clients, before, during and after the sale. As a result, she has built her business based on referrals. Dawn is determined to help change people's lives by creating wealth and residual income through real estate.
Vincent White
Public Policy Chair
Vincent White
Public Policy Chair
Vincent has 25 years of broad-based real estate development, brokerage, and property and asset management experience. He has earned a reputation for outstanding ethical conduct and a no-nonsense approach to his craft. He is client focused and measures his success according to the benefits realized by his clients. He has extensive knowledge of the development cycle which includes sites selection, acquisition and due diligence.
Vincent possesses in-depth knowledege of the local market and a commitment to excellence that delivers an unparalleled level of quality. As a real estate investor and consultant he understands the nuances of ownership and the financial architecture involved with structuring a profitable asset.
The National Association of Realtors selected Vincent as a “Hometown Hero” for his extraordinary contributions to the real estate industry. The Delaware office of the Small Business Administration (SBA) named him State of Delaware and Mid-Atlantic Small Business Advocate of the Year.