Illinois REALTORS Installed Debbie Prodehl as 2027 President

The brokerage industry leader will now guide the statewide association through the 2027 term.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone architectural archway and column, representing the professional structure of a real estate association. — Illinois REALTORS has installed broker-owner Debbie Prodehl as its 2027 president, marking a new term for the state association. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Illinois REALTORS has installed Debbie Prodehl as its 2027 president. Prodehl is a broker-owner and risk management director at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group who has served in the industry since 1991.

Why it matters

The appointment sets the agenda for the state's primary real estate association, influencing regulatory advocacy and professional standards for brokers across Illinois. Prodehl brings extensive experience from her previous leadership roles in national regulatory and political forums.

The 2027 leadership team was finalized alongside the installation of one president, three officers, and an immediate past president. The scale of this appointment impacts the trade organization for real estate professionals operating throughout Illinois.

The players

Debbie Prodehl

A seasoned broker-owner and risk management director who has led various industry regulatory forums.

Sarah Ware

The incoming president-elect for the Illinois REALTORS association.

Brandon Shaffer

The treasurer appointed to manage the financial oversight of the state real estate association.

Jeff Kolbus

The outgoing leader transitioning to the immediate past president role for the association.

The details

Debbie Prodehl assumes the presidency following a career that began in 1991, including her work as a broker-owner and director of risk management. Her leadership style has been shaped by her tenure as the 2024 chair of the National Association of REALTORS Regulatory Issues Forum and her 2019 induction into the REALTORS Political Action Committee Hall of Fame. Alongside her, Sarah Ware will serve as president-elect, Brandon Shaffer as treasurer, and Jeff Kolbus as immediate past president.

Debbie Prodehl began her career in the real estate business in 1991.
Prodehl was named REALTOR of the Year in 2016.
The leader graduated from the state leadership program in 2017.
Prodehl was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame in 2019.
She chaired the national regulatory issues forum in 2024.

Market Landscape

The leadership change follows a pattern of elevating individuals with established experience in the National Association of REALTORS Regulatory Issues Forum to state-level governance. This shift aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing experienced risk management oversight in state associations.

Brokers should monitor the 2027 board for new guidance on risk management and regulatory compliance. Owners should review the association's 2027 agenda to identify upcoming shifts in professional standards that may affect local operations.

The takeaway

Prodehl brings a deep background in risk management that likely signals a sharper focus on brokerage compliance for the 2027 cycle. Operators should track upcoming Illinois REALTORS bulletins for updates on training or advocacy positions that could impact daily deal-making protocols.