The Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, known as GCAAR, a major real estate trade organization representing more than 11,000 real estate professionals in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C., has introduced its 2026 Board of Directors, with Russell Brazil stepping into the role of president.
The announcement was made January 12. Brazil, who is affiliated with RLAH @properties, takes over leadership from Samantha Damato and will serve as president for the 2026 term. He will lead the organization alongside a new slate of officers and directors representing a broad cross-section of the local real estate industry.
Joining Brazil as officers are President-elect M. Jacqueline Bennett of RE/MAX Excellence Realty, First Vice President Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda of Long and Foster Real Estate Inc., Treasurer Marilyn Emery of RLAH @properties, and Immediate Past President Samantha Damato of Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.
The newly announced board of directors includes Bruce Cotting of RLAH @properties, Dan Cumberland of Moyer and Sons Moving and Storage, Christopher Darby of Counselors Title, Nelson Fuentes of Keller Williams Capital Properties, Yves Jean Baptiste of Keller Williams Capital Properties, Hank May of Long and Foster Real Estate Inc., D’Ann Melnick of eXp Realty, Theresa Nielson of Sotheby’s International Realty, Jessica Olevsky of JPAR Stellar Living, Tim Phelps of Compass, Christopher Rhodes of Long and Foster Real Estate Inc., Monique Van Blaricom of RLAH @properties, Kirsten Williams of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and Michelle Young of Compass. Cumberland and Darby serve as non-voting affiliate members.
“We’re so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of board members who make vital contributions to our association, as well as to the local real estate industry and our community,” said GCAAR CEO Ed Krauze. “I look forward to collaborating with the 2026 leadership team to help further our mission of advocating for homeownership and affordable housing in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C.”
Brazil said he is honored to work alongside the new leadership team in service of GCAAR’s members and the broader community. The new board members officially began their terms on January 1, 2026.
