Cast Your Vote for Your Future Lakeland REALTORS® Leaders
Meet our 2027 Leadership Candidates! These dynamic individuals are passionate about the real estate industry and our profession and have a vision to help shape the future of Lakeland REALTORS®. We invite you to cast your vote for the candidates you support.
The President so certified and the candidates for President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer were deemed elected. Serving as officers on the 2027 Board of Directors are: Jim Hampton, President-Elect; Geoffrey Ingram, Past President; Stephen “Steve” Strickland, Secretary; Treasurer, Petra Norris.
Jim Hampton
Steve Strickland
Petra Norris
Geoffrey Ingram
How to Vote
- An email user name and password will be sent to each REALTOR® member eligible to vote on or about October 4, 2026.
- The ballot opens at 9:00am on Monday, October 5, 2026 and closes at 5:00pm on Friday, October 9, 2026.
- Results will be announced on Monday, October 12, 2026 in our Monday Broadcast.
Proposed Bylaws Changes Require Your Vote
Before voting, we encourage you to review the proposed Bylaws changes so you’re familiar with the items that will appear on the ballot.
Meet Our Director Candidates
Learn More About The Candidates
Each candidate was asked the following question:
“Explain why you wish to serve, and any contributions you feel you could make to the Board if elected.”
Click a candidate’s name below to read their response.
Director Candidates
Kelley Blackburn
My deep rooted community involvement and 26 years of real estate experience, I have a have a comprehensive understanding of the local market dynamics and the factors that influence property values and community development.
Jim Brown
I have a long-standing commitment to community service and leadership. Over the years, I’ve served as Past President of both the Kiwanis Club of Plant City and the Plant City Downtown Business and Merchants Association. I was also a member of the Downtown Lakeland Kiwanis Club and a prior candidate for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, District 5, in 2008. With more than 30 years as a business leader in both Polk and Hillsborough Counties, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I successfully led one of my companies to rank as the 40th largest in the nation by CRN Magazine, and I’ve been featured in the Tampa Bay Business Journal for my work in the technology sector. Having served on numerous boards throughout my career, I understand the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and innovation. If elected, I would bring this experience to help move our association forward-especially in adopting modern, technology-driven solutions that improve efficiency and engagement.
Jamie Folks
I believe our Association is strongest when we lead with integrity, collaboration, and service. As the Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair in 2025 and 2026, and as an **AHWD®** and **SRES®**, I have worked to strengthen our profession while promoting fair and accessible housing. I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors, advocating for our members while helping our community better understand the value and impact REALTORS® make every day.
Matthew Lainhart
I intend to use my experience, skills, and connections to advocate for and add value to members of our association and citizens in our community. I would be honored to serve as a director and continue to be a proponent for Fair House and community engagement all while growing my knowledge and professionalism.
Glenn Offutt
I would like to serve on the board of directors to bring my 20 years of real estate experience both as a REALTOR® and as a broker of Lakeland Hometown Properties since 2019. With the constant changes of the real estate industry, bringing guidance to keep relevance for the industry and our association going forward.
