Board of Directors

Samantha has been an active GCAAR member since becoming a REALTOR® in 2013. In 2017, she was named GCAAR Rookie of the Year and has had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors since 2020. From 2021-2023, she served on the executive committee first as treasurer, then secretary. 

Committee membership has been a cornerstone of Samantha’s GCAAR involvement through the Community Service Committee and the Forms Committee. She also served NAR on the Fair Housing and Land Use Committees. Mentorship and education are the foundation of her business practice. 

In late 2021, Samantha had the opportunity to take that passion for mentorship and her legal background to a new role as a settlement attorney with RGS Title. Working in partnership with the brokerage, she now has the pleasure of working side by side with agents from all experience levels as they navigate the ins and outs of local real estate. Her unique and varied experience as a REALTOR® and as a Title Officer add a new perspective to GCAAR’s leadership and future. 

Russell Brazil is an associate broker with RLAH @properties. A D.C.-area resident for 17 years, he began his career as an investor and moved into full-time real estate sales eight years ago.  He currently serves as the GCAAR treasurer and has been a member of the board for three years, while also serving on GCAAR’s Public Policy Committee for six years. He has been named a Top Producing Agent by Washingtonian Magazine, Bethesda Magazine and Virginia Living Magazine, as well as a Rising Star by D.C. Real Producers Magazine.  

Russell runs the District Invest Meetup, the largest real estate investor meetup in D.C. He is also an active speaker at other REIAs and investment conferences. He is passionate about the ability for his clients to build wealth through real estate investing. He believes that taking an active role in advocating for our industry, homeowners and investors is a vital function for our associations.  Russell and his wife Liz live in Downtown Crown with their pit bull Pumpkin, just steps away from GCAAR’s Rockville office. 

Marilyn Emery, with RLAH @properties, has been a REALTOR® for 20 years, licensed in Maryland and D.C. She started as an investor with her husband, buying, fixing and selling/renting distressed properties. As her children grew older, she transitioned to working with investors and homebuyers. She’s a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist and a Probate Specialist.   

She has served on the GCAAR Board of Directors for three years, on GCAAR’s Grievance Committee for three and Professional Standards Committee for one. At RLAH, she heads a team with five other agents. They’ve been among RLAH’s top agents for the past three years; named Washingtonian Top Producer and Best of Bethesda in 2021 and Best of Washington in 2022 and 2023; and recognized by Real Living and Homeservices of America as the leader of one of the top 50 teams nationwide.  

Marilyn volunteers with her church and is on the board for the village of Kensington. She’s active in her neighborhood association and has participated in her children’s school and sports teams. She enjoys gardening, beekeeping, walking her dog and doing photography.  

Licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Christopher Suranna with RLAH @properties has been selling real estate since 2004. He was the 2018 president of the D.C. Association of REALTORS® and currently sits on the GCAAR Board of Directors. He is also the recipient of the 2020 DCAR REALTOR® of the Year award.  

Chris has held volunteer positions on many committees at the local, state and national level. As a REALTOR® Party major investor and President’s Circle member, he was inducted into NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame in 2020.   

Chris currently serves as the national co-chair for the Public Policy Committee of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. He also serves as D.C. chapter president for the organization.   

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling around the world with his husband, Andrew, exploring new cultures and cuisines. 

Although born and raised in Guam, Bruce is a 40+ year resident of Silver Spring, where he resides with his wife, Jennifer, and raised their four children. His client-centric approach is fueled by the desire to eliminate his parents’ stressful experience of moving their family halfway around the world, exacerbated by the pressures of finding a home and simultaneously getting their children into schools. As a referral-based REALTOR®, his personable, consultative customer service combined with great energy and enthusiasm for his clients’ goals earn him consistent referrals.   

Bruce served on the GCAAR Education Committee from 2014-2019 and led the Professional Development Subcommittee in 2018. He maintains his GRI, ABR, SRS and MRP designations. Bruce has been a member of the Fr. Rosensteel Council Knights of Columbus since 2012 and was elected as Grand Knight in 2017. In addition to his volunteer efforts in the Catholic community, he has been a member of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce since 2013 and was selected as the 2023 “GSSCC Volunteer of The Year” for his volunteer efforts.  

Yves Jean Baptiste, a first-generation Haitian American, embodies the work-hard, play-hard balance. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Frostburg State University with a degree in business administration, Baptiste discovered his passion for real estate after purchasing his first home. This experience ignited his interest in the investment side of real estate, leading him to become a successful agent at Keller Williams Capital Properties in the D.C. metro area. 

 Baptiste’s commitment to his clients is unparalleled. He treats every client like family, understanding their journey as he has been in their shoes. His dedication earned him the title of a top-producing agent, and he is a 2024 GCAAR Gold Recognition Award winner. Baptiste is also the founder of The Baptiste, focusing on real estate development and sales. 

 Outside of real estate, Baptiste enjoys working out, playing basketball, watching football and spending time with his two children and wife. A trailblazer in his field, he continues to inspire and lead by example, making a significant impact on the lives of his clients and community. 

Ileann is a highly accomplished REALTOR® with a 24-year track record of serving clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She's a member of the Long & Foster Chevy Chase office and actively volunteers within the local real estate community.    

 Her commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate is evident through her leadership roles. In 2023, she chaired GCAAR’s DEI Committee, building on her co-chair role in 2022, and appointment in 2021. Ileann also served as a D.C. board member with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance in 2022 and 2023.  She is currently on the GCAAR Board of Directors, serving through 2025. 

 As one-half of the renowned Sepulveda Team alongside partner Hector Sepulveda, their partnership has earned many awards and recognition.    

 Ileann's love for the Washington, D.C. area is apparent in her appreciation for its unique blend of community, politics, architecture and culture. She actively supports the community through organizations like The Sitar Arts Center. Ileann's unwavering dedication to building inclusionary communities in the DMV is a testament to her personal and professional journey as a REALTOR®. 

Theresa Nielson serves as the Managing Broker for the Montgomery County, MD offices of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Licensed in MD, D.C. and VA, Theresa began her career in marketing at a boutique architecture and development firm before shifting to real estate in 2003. Since then, the offices she has led have consistently ranked among the top-performing in the region. 

A native Washingtonian, Theresa loves traveling with her family and their two dogs. She is committed to the community she serves and supports a variety of non-profit organizations. Currently, Theresa serves on the Board of Glen Echo Park, as well as Transformer, a visual arts organization that supports emerging artists and art leaders in the D.C. area. 

Theresa is also actively involved with the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR), where she supports initiatives that advance professional development, ethical standards and advocacy for the real estate community. Her commitment to elevating the profession aligns with her passion for mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals and promoting excellence across every facet of the industry. 

Jessica is a staunch advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship and economic prosperity for REALTORS®. Prioritizing professional, ethical and profitability standards to build a stronger industry, Jessica's passion lies in supporting others in achieving their goals through elevated education, financial resources, and mentorship for agents and brokerages.  

Her exceptional communication skills and focus on professional collaboration underscore her commitment to transparent and open dialogue. Jessica's empathetic approach creates an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected, ensuring a positive impact on both the industry and the community.   

Jessica is a “roll-the-sleeves-up” person and has successfully volunteered with multiple organizations, including as president of the Residential Real Estate Council Maryland/DC, and on the NAR Professional Standards and Housing Affordability Committee, Maryland Grievance and Housing Affordability committees and GCAAR Education, Events and Grievance committees. She is also president of her HOA and volunteers with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. She holds the C2EX endorsement and is a graduate of the Maryland Leadership Academy.  

Jessica resides in Montgomery County and enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and pickleball.   

 A Washington, D.C. native, Tim deeply understands the D.C. community and embodies his clients' values and aspirations. He is actively engaged in professional development and serves on the GCAAR Professional Standards Committee. Tim's commitment to the real estate industry extends beyond client transactions; he is passionate about mentoring and training real estate professionals of all levels. 

Tim enjoys an active lifestyle outside of work, engaging in hobbies such as hiking, snowboarding, soccer and motorcycle-racing. His dynamic approach to work and life is reflected in his dedication to his clients and adventurous spirit. 

Monique Van Blaricom is a passionate and dedicated REALTOR® licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia with a proven track record of success for her clients. Monique thrives on helping clients navigate the complexities of the real estate journey, blending modern strategies and client-focused service.  

Her dedication to the real estate community is evident through her active participation in GCAAR. Since 2021, Monique has served on the Community Service Committee and currently leads as the chair. While on the committee, she has facilitated dozens of volunteer opportunities for members, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact in the local community.  

Monique’s dedication to excellence was recognized early in her career when she was named 2022 GCAAR Rookie of the Year. In addition, she was named as one of NAR's 2024 30 Under 30 honorees, reflecting her leadership, dedication and influence in the industry. She has a deep passion for serving the community and the real estate industry. 

Kirsten Williams is a multi-faceted broker who brings experience and enthusiasm to all aspects of her life. She is currently a managing broker/vice president at TTR Sotheby's International Realty in northwest D.C. In her 25+ years of experience, she has served on the GCAAR Forms Committee (twice as chairperson), Grievance Committee – currently as chairperson, the DCAR Board of Directors and the GCAAR Board of Directors. She is passionate about leaving the industry in a better position than when she started and is honored to volunteer her time once again to the GCAAR Board as our association and industry are facing new challenges ahead.  

 Kirsten and her family reside in Chevy Chase, MD. An enthusiastic community leader, Kirsten is involved in many local organizations, including the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, the Bethesda Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation and Chevy Chase Historical Society.   

Russell Brazil is an associate broker with RLAH @properties. A D.C.-area resident for 17 years, he began his career as an investor and moved into full-time real estate sales eight years ago.  He currently serves as the GCAAR treasurer and has been a member of the board for three years, while also serving on GCAAR’s Public Policy Committee for six years. He has been named a Top Producing Agent by Washingtonian Magazine, Bethesda Magazine and Virginia Living Magazine, as well as a Rising Star by D.C. Real Producers Magazine.  

Russell runs the District Invest Meetup, the largest real estate investor meetup in D.C. He is also an active speaker at other REIAs and investment conferences. He is passionate about the ability for his clients to build wealth through real estate investing. He believes that taking an active role in advocating for our industry, homeowners and investors is a vital function for our associations.  Russell and his wife Liz live in Downtown Crown with their pit bull Pumpkin, just steps away from GCAAR’s Rockville office. 

Marilyn Emery, with RLAH @properties, has been a REALTOR® for 20 years, licensed in Maryland and D.C. She started as an investor with her husband, buying, fixing and selling/renting distressed properties. As her children grew older, she transitioned to working with investors and homebuyers. She’s a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist and a Probate Specialist.   

She has served on the GCAAR Board of Directors for three years, on GCAAR’s Grievance Committee for three and Professional Standards Committee for one. At RLAH, she heads a team with five other agents. They’ve been among RLAH’s top agents for the past three years; named Washingtonian Top Producer and Best of Bethesda in 2021 and Best of Washington in 2022 and 2023; and recognized by Real Living and Homeservices of America as the leader of one of the top 50 teams nationwide.  

Marilyn volunteers with her church and is on the board for the village of Kensington. She’s active in her neighborhood association and has participated in her children’s school and sports teams. She enjoys gardening, beekeeping, walking her dog and doing photography.  

Licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Christopher Suranna with RLAH @properties has been selling real estate since 2004. He was the 2018 president of the D.C. Association of REALTORS® and currently sits on the GCAAR Board of Directors. He is also the recipient of the 2020 DCAR REALTOR® of the Year award.  

Chris has held volunteer positions on many committees at the local, state and national level. As a REALTOR® Party major investor and President’s Circle member, he was inducted into NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame in 2020.   

Chris currently serves as the national co-chair for the Public Policy Committee of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. He also serves as D.C. chapter president for the organization.   

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling around the world with his husband, Andrew, exploring new cultures and cuisines.