Professional Development Work Group

Meet the Professional Development Group Members

Natalie Murray

Team Lead

Bio

Greetings, I'm Natalie Murray, a proud fourth-generation Colorado native. My real estate journey began as an admin assistant in Grand Junction at 19. Over the years, I've grown from administrative roles to marketing, personal assistance, and listing coordination, mastering the intricacies of real estate. As a seasoned REALTOR®, I guide my valued buyers and seller beyond transactions—I'm their consultant, advocate, and confidant, helping them make informed choices and chase their dreams.

Recently, I joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties, enhancing my commitment to professionalism and exceptional service. With my Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) and Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certifications, these designations validate my proficiency in diverse markets and negotiation skills. I am prepared to serve you as your trusted partner in the intricate world of real estate, and I will do it with a smile! I am the ROCC Professional Development workgroup leader.

"DREAM BIG...Live Your View," is how I turn your aspirations into reality. Colorado's landscapes and lifestyle are more than a backdrop; they're a part of me. This shared connection strengthens my bond with clients, knowing I not only work in Colorado but live it.

Cess Retener

Bio

Cess is our Director of Operations. Cess plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing all membership activities. From organizing educational events to developing innovative programs, her dedication ensures that our members receive the utmost value and support. Cess is also responsible for ensuring a seamless application process for new members and industry partners, as well as implementing policies and procedures to optimize efficiency and maintain compliance with NAR and CAR standards. Additionally, she provides invaluable support to existing members and coordinates communication and marketing efforts for the organization.

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Desi Faraci

Bio

Desiree (Desi) Faraci brings hard working values fused with creativity for real estate and property management needs. With a diverse background involving marketing, retail sales, corporate consulting, graphics design and a fourth generation Italian restaurateur, Desi, merges her talents to get the job done successfully.

For a decade, she and her husband with two teenage daughters reside in Crestone, CO in the great San Luis Valley. Desi fell in love with the high desert, moving from the east coast, and never looked back. She enjoys painting art, hiking, cooking, volunteering in community events and percussion drumming. Her family is well known for their renowned Mandala Pizza that was served throughout Colorado. Desi is also the publisher of a new real estate magazine in the San Luis Valley called SLV Dream Homes www.slvdreamhomes.com.

Dustin Hughes

Bio

I am a second-generation Realtor® born and raised in Salida.
After graduating from Salida High School, I attended the University of Wyoming graduating with honors in 1997, and then from the University of Wyoming, College of Law in 2003. I began a legal career with the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) serving as a client services attorney and prosecutor at Fort Hood, Texas. I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 through 2008 serving as a senior prosecutor and then chief of military justice with jurisdiction over Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians accompanying the force.
Returning stateside, I joined one of Colorado’s most prestigious real estate law firms, Altman Keilbach, Lytle, Parlapiano & Ware, P.C. based in Pueblo. I subsequently opened my own law practice at Anderson & Hughes, P.C. in Salida from 2009 to 2019.
In 2019, I became a REALTOR® and broker associate at Harder Real Estate and Development, LLC.
Always considering Salida home, I support the community having served on the board of directors for the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce. I currently serve on the board of directors for Starpoint and as a commissioner on the Judicial Performance Commission for the 11th Judicial District.
My wife, Emily, and I have five children. When not chasing my kids, I enjoy golfing, hunting, and serving at Grace Church Salida.

Kevan Lyons

Bio

Kevan has been directing the REALTOR® organization in our area since June 1996 as Association Executive and CEO. He has education and experience in banking, accounting, finance, business management, new products/services, event management, and technology. Kevan has worked with community organizations in Florida and Chaffee County area since the early 1980s. He has experience producing major fundraising events, including television and radio promotions. Kevan has worked in politics and on congressional and state elected office campaigns. He has lobbied and advocated at the Federal, State, and local levels since the early 1980s. Kevan has spoken to groups on various topics to groups as large as 1200 attendees.

Laura Ostrom

Bio

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Ryan Morgan

Bio

Ryan Morgan was born in the San Luis Valley. He is bilingual in English and Spanish which has helped him serve clients from all over the San Luis Valley. His experience in sales and management has helped Ryan serve clients looking for agricultural, residential, and commercial properties.
He loves what he does and is committed to staying current with all aspects of real estate by continuing his education as a REALTOR®. Ryan’s goal as a member of the ROCC board is to support REALTORS® in the San Luis Valley, sharing his knowledge and experience so that the San Luis Valley is well represented as an energetic and active real estate market. He enjoys working with and learning from other REALTORS® as well.

All Colorado real estate brokers must be licensed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Brokers belonging to the National Association of REALTORS® must maintain higher standards in order to claim the REALTOR® title. REALTORS® are required by NAR to participate in ethics training that aligns with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Colorado REALTORS® must complete a minimum or 24 hours of DORA approved continuing education (CE) during each three-year license cycle, including an annual update course written by DORA. To assist our members in attaining this requirement, ROCC's Professional Development Work Group garners a variety of course ideas from membership, coordinates trainings with skilled instructors, and ensures courses are held in a variety of locations and formats. Course topics vary and have included:

Agency Relationships
Comparative Market Analysis (CMAs)
Contract Updates/Changes
Ethics
Lending Products
Manufactured Homes
Marijuana
Negotiating Techniques
New Member Orientation
Pricing in a Shifting Market
Well and Septic Systems

To help members further succeed, the Professional Development Work Group also explores and develops non-credit courses and panel discussions to fit the needs of our membership. Some courses are open to the general public to attend to educate property owners about relevant topics such as living harmoniously in/near operating ranches.

Due to the pandemic, our members have pivoted to on-line learning options. Many are working toward nationally recognized designations and certifications requiring 16-80 hours of additional credit hours.

Upcoming courses are posted in the "Calendar" on the homepage.