Mary Beale, Written Statements

Please expand on your previous leadership experience.

Outside of Real Estate I cofounded a non profit organization with my husband that raised more than $200,000 to benefit organizations supporting individuals with Down Syndrome and other special needs.  Prior to my career in real estate, I worked at The Vanguard Group, where I led teams responsible for financial processing and customer account operations. I later transitioned into project management, partnering on operational system enhancements designed to improve efficiency and streamline workflows.

What role do you hope to play on the Board?

I don’t see serving on the Board as an achievement. I see it as an opportunity to give back to a profession that I truly enjoy and one that has given so much to me.

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of a board member is listening. If elected, I plan to be accessible to our members, take the time to understand their ideas and concerns, and represent them with integrity. My goal is to help ensure that the decisions we make reflect the best interests of our membership and continue to strengthen our association and our profession as REALTORS.

What Association benefits and/or offerings have provided you the most value in your business?

The education and training offered by Tri-County have been some of the most valuable resources for my business. I try to take advantage of as many classes and educational opportunities as possible because our industry is constantly evolving, and I believe it’s important to continue learning throughout our lives/careers. Whether it’s legal updates, contract changes, technology, or market trends, the education provided by the association helps me better serve my clients and grow as a professional.

I’ve also found value in building relationships with fellow Realtors, sharing ideas, and learning from one another has been invaluable. Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and having a strong professional network benefits not only me but ultimately my clients as well.

To me, one of the greatest strengths of Tri-County is its commitment to helping Realtors stay informed and connected.

What industry trends do you feel will affect our association in the upcoming years?

One of the biggest trends I believe will affect our association in the coming years is the continued evolution of technology and the changing expectations of today’s consumers.

AI is rapidly becoming a valuable business tool, helping Realtors save time, improve communication, and streamline many of the administrative tasks that come with our business. I don’t believe AI will ever replace Realtors, but I do believe it will allow us to spend more time doing what we do best, building relationships, providing expert guidance, and serving our clients.

I also believe social media and video will continue to play an increasingly important role in how we market ourselves and communicate with consumers. Today’s buyers and sellers want to know the person behind our business. They expect authentic, informative, and engaging content that helps them build trust before they ever pick up the phone.

As these trends continue to evolve, I see a tremendous opportunity for Tri-County to help members embrace new technology while continuing to uphold the professionalism, ethics, and personal service that defines our brand. By providing practical education, resources, and support, our association can help members stay current, remain competitive, and continue delivering exceptional value to their clients.

What do you think should be the priority issues being addressed by the Association today?

I think the priority issues facing our association today really center around supporting our members as our industry continues to evolve. That starts with providing practical education and resources that help Realtors build successful businesses not just earn continuing education credits, but learn skills they can use every day.

I also believe it’s important that we help members adapt to changes in technology, including AI, social media, and video marketing, while continuing to emphasize ethics, professionalism, and the value Realtors bring to consumers.

Finally, I think one of the Board’s most important responsibilities is listening. Our members are the reason the association exists, and I believe it’s important that they feel heard, supported, and confident that their association is representing their best interests.

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors?

The reason I want to serve is simple. I love being a Realtor. It has given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, help others through important milestones, and grow both personally and professionally. Serving on the Board is my opportunity to give back, represent my fellow Realtors, and help ensure that Tri-County continues to be an organization that supports its members today and prepares them for the future.