Building Foundations Through Leadership: The 2025 RACC Leadership Academy

The REALTORS® Association of Citrus County (RACC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 Leadership Academy Class. More than a professional development program, the Leadership Academy is a year-long journey designed to equip REALTORS® with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into leadership roles both within the Association and throughout the community.

With a focus on personal growth, civic engagement, and real-world impact, the program includes six intensive leadership sessions, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to industry leaders at the local and state level. Participants also design and execute a signature community project — one that showcases collaboration, vision, and the power of REALTORS® to make a lasting difference.

The 2025 Class Project: From Firehouse to Family Resource Center

This year, the Leadership Academy Class accepted President Lynn Harris’ challenge to take on a community outreach project that would bring RACC’s 2025 theme — Building Foundations: Community, Unity, Impact — to life.

Together, the class worked with community partners to transform a 4,000 sq. ft. former firehouse in Hernando into the new headquarters for the Family Resource Center’s Christmas Project. This much-loved program provides toys, gifts, and holiday support to hundreds of local children each year.

What began as a vision soon became a reality thanks to the Leadership Academy’s resourcefulness. They connected RACC AE Director RJ Fontana with contractors, secured vital support, and rolled up their sleeves to help bring the space to life. The result is a bright, functional, and welcoming facility that will directly benefit families across Citrus County for years to come.

President Lynn Harris praised the team’s effort, saying:

“This year as President, I challenged the Leadership Class to take on a Community Outreach Project that would directly engage with our community and bring our 2025 theme — Building Foundations: Community, Unity, Impact — to life. I could not be prouder of what this team has accomplished. Through this effort, the class had the opportunity to learn about each other’s personalities, work styles, strengths, and areas for growth — all while working together to create something truly impactful — a real WOW moment for our association and community. That building is now open and operating — a remarkable testament to teamwork, vision, and community impact. And this year, when RACC wraps for the Family Resource Center, we will do so on December 8th inside that very building — a full-circle moment to celebrate the impact of this Leadership Class.”

Reflections from the 2025 Leadership Class

The program’s true value lies in the experiences and growth of its participants:

• Alice (Allie) Ratliff: “My experience in the 2025 Leadership Academy was eye-opening and meaningful. The local and statewide trips and our project meet-ups showed me how much REALTORS® can impact the housing market, our communities, and even the politics that shape our industry. Working on a non-profit project with local companies was a highlight. I loved seeing the difference we made and knowing it would last for years to come.”

• Christina Stiglitz, Chair: “This year as Chair of the Leadership Academy has been such a rewarding experience. Leading the program gave me the opportunity to watch our members grow, challenge themselves, and step into leadership roles with confidence. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment, teamwork, and passion each participant brought to the table.”

• Jessica Short: “The REALTORS® Association of Citrus County Leadership Academy has been an incredible experience. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my network with like-minded professionals, and gave me tools to grow as a leader in my community. The program challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me develop skills that directly benefit my clients and my career.”

Other participants, including Mike Buteau, Kane Dixon, and Danielle Browning, echoed similar sentiments about the value of teamwork, the connections they built, and the pride they felt in completing such a meaningful community project.

Recognizing the 2025 Leadership Academy Class

RACC proudly recognizes the members of the 2025 Leadership Academy:

• Christina Stiglitz, Chair

• Rob Tessmer, Mentor & Founder (since 2018)

• Mike Buteau

• Kane Dixon

• Alice Ratliff

• Jessica Short

• Danielle Browning

These leaders represent the future of Citrus County real estate, and their dedication, creativity, and collaboration serve as an inspiration to our members and the wider community.

A Full-Circle Celebration

On December 8th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, RACC will host its annual Wrap for the Family Resource Center event inside the newly renovated Hernando firehouse — the very space brought to life by the 2025 Leadership Class. This milestone marks not only the success of a project but the fulfillment of a vision: REALTORS® building foundations for a stronger, united, and more impactful community.

Want to Be Part of the Next Leadership Academy?

The Leadership Academy continues to be one of RACC’s most impactful programs — empowering REALTORS® to grow professionally, engage civically, and make a tangible difference in Citrus County. Each year, a new class is selected to begin this journey of leadership and community building.

If you are a REALTOR® member ready to step into leadership, expand your network, and make an impact, we encourage you to apply for the next Leadership Academy class. Applications open each fall and space is limited.