Speakers
Miriam J. Baer
Executive Director
North Carolina Real Estate Commission
A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Miriam graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Kansas. She then attended the University of North Carolina School of Law, receiving her J.D. degree in 1984. Following graduation from law school, Miriam joined a Raleigh law firm where she was involved in private practice. In September, 1987, she joined the staff of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission where she served for many years as its Legal Counsel. In 2010 she was named the Commission’s Executive Director.
You can find Miriam on:
Leigh Brown
Leigh Brown has carved a unique path as an author, public speaker and real estate professional known and respected in her home community and throughout North Carolina. A proud native of Cabarrus County and UNC graduate, she is a third- generation family member to pursue a similar calling.
Leigh is genuinely honored to serve every citizen of North Carolina through real estate and advocacy for this great profession. Leigh’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her commitment to public service is second to none. She is passionate about helping others to learn, grow and achieve their full potential as community and professional leaders.
You can find Leigh on:
Steve Cunningham
Thrive Consulting
Steve Cunningham is a counselor, speaker, and leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in mental health, family counseling, and organizational development. Based in Nashville and a team member at Thrive Consulting, he helps individuals and teams overcome roadblocks and unlock their potential through strategic, empathetic guidance. A frequent speaker and former adjunct professor, Steve brings deep insight, real-world experience, and a passion for transformation to every stage and session.
Claire Guentz
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Beth Eller
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Heather Haase
Heather Haase—better known as Sunshine—teaches the art of connection in real estate and beyond. Whether it’s social media, networking, business strategy, leadership, or personal development she helps REALTORS® stand out, build connection, and create real impact.
With 9+ years in real estate and 5 years lighting up national stages, Sunshine blends fun, authenticity, and theory in courses like The Sunshine Effect, Nice to Meet You, and How Not to Be a Robot in a Digital World. Additionally she’s also the Director of Smiles for the BEATS Conference, as well as the Real Estate Technology Institute (RETI) Social Sweetheart.
Offstage, she’s a leader with Dayton REALTORS®, Ohio REALTORS®, and NAR, a karaoke queen, and a proud mom to her amazing daughter, Charlie. Expect smiles, laughter, and plenty of sunshine wherever she goes!
You can find Heather on:
Burton Kelso
Owner and Chief Tech Expert
Integral
Burton Kelso is the owner and Chief Tech Expert of Integral, a computer repair and IT managed Services company. He is also a 2x TEDx Keynote Speaker and Expert on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Social Media Marketing, as well as an on-air TV and Radio tech contributor featured on outlets all over the planet. He loves technology, he’s read all of the manuals and he’s serious about making technology fun, safe, and easy to use for everyone!
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Dr. Jessica Lautz
Economist
Dr. Jessica Lautz is Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®, where she’s analyzed housing and member trends since 2007. A sought-after speaker and media commentator, she has testified before Congress on market issues.
Outside of NAR, she mentors real estate grad students as an industry fellow at Nottingham Trent University, chairs a committee with the National Association of Business Economics, bakes for underserved youth through Cake4Kids, and serves on the board of the Food Recovery Network.
Dr. Lautz holds a Doctorate in Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University, a Master’s in Public Policy from American University, and dual undergraduate degrees from Central Washington University. She’s been recognized by HousingWire’s Women of Influence and RISMedia’s Newsmakers.
You can find Jessica on:
Janet Thoren
Legal Counsel
North Carolina Real Estate Commission
Janet Thorton is Legal Counsel to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and is the Director of the Commission’s Regulatory Affairs Division.
A Fayetteville native, Janet is a graduate of Pembroke State University and the University of North Carolina School of Law. She practiced law with a firm in Hillsborough before joining the Commission. She oversees the Commission’s legal and investigative functions and serves as its legislative liaison. Between 2005 and 2019 she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of North Carolina, working on mortgage fraud cases, and she is the 2025 president of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials, also known as ARELLO.
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John Wait
General Counsel
NC REALTORS®
John Wait joined NC REALTORS® in 2015. He previously worked solo at his own firm and clerked for several judges at the North Carolina Court of Appeals. When he’s not answering Hotline questions, he practices law at Martin & Gifford and enjoys playing soccer, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlons, and spending time with his family.
