Media Center - Florida Realtors®

Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Association of Realtors® Announces New Public Policy VP

ORLANDO, Fla., November, 2003 -- John M. Sebree, a senior lobbyist with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), is joining the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) as the new vice president of public policy.

Sebree, 36, will be based at FAR's Tallahassee office, beginning Dec. 15, 2003. In addition to coordinating the state Realtor association's legislative lobbying efforts, he will be responsible for offering insight and direction on many challenging public policy issues facing the state and impacting all Floridians. Putting his knowledge of real estate issues and his expertise in the public policy arena to work for the state Association's membership will benefit Realtors and residents, says Jerry Matthews, executive vice president for FAR.

"John has 13 years of experience lobbying Realtor issues and had specific responsibility for Florida’s Washington delegation," Matthews says. "He has deep experience in real estate issues and the Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC) as well as a thorough understanding of the Realtor organization, and proven skills in working with members, leadership and elected officials. Prior to being a lobbyist, he had been involved in political campaigns, fundraising and analysis of legislation. I am excited he has joined the management team and look forward to his positive contribution to FAR’s Tallahassee operations."

Sebree says Florida Realtors are ready to make their voices heard on a wide range of issues affecting the quality of life for all residents of the Sunshine State.

"Florida Realtors have fought for and won so many issues that positively impact Florida homeowners," Sebree says. "I am excited to join the team and help build on the successes of the recent past. While Realtors have concentrated on what have been seen as core Realtor concerns for years, we want to head in a new direction. We're not going to concentrate solely on housing issues but will weigh in on job creation, economic diversity and development, traffic congestion and transportation, recreation and conservation... The list goes on and on but one thing is for sure; Realtors will be the voice advocating a better quality of life for all Floridians. Florida Realtors don't just sell property, they sell a quality of life that residents find here in Florida that they cannot find in other parts of the country."

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 90,000 members in 70 boards/associations.