REINSW Board of Directors and Advisors 2025-2026

Ray White

Thomas is one of Sydney’s most respected real estate professionals and auctioneers, with 17 years of experience and pivotal leadership roles at McGrath and The Agency. While his approach to leadership is continually evolving, it is grounded in humility, resilience, and an appreciation for the nuances of the real estate market and the emotional connection that people feel to property. Thomas is dedicated to guiding and motivating industry colleagues, and young professionals. His commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by his role as President of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, following his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2020.

The Rental Specialists

Entering the real estate industry at 17, Jo knew immediately that property was going to be her career. She has over 30 years of experience in property management, development, renovation, and construction. As Principal of The Rental Specialists since 1997, she offers a holistic property management service backed by expertise in multi-unit residential and commercial projects, from small renovations to high-rise developments valued at $30m+. Jo's comprehensive knowledge encompasses the entire property lifecycle, including conception, acquisition, feasibility, financing, construction, leasing, and sale. Her extensive experience allows her to provide exceptional service to clients. Jo also contributes her expertise to the REINSW Board, giving back to the industry that has shaped her successful career.

Warburton Estate Agents

Sandy is the Principal and Licensee in Charge of Warburton Estate Agents in the NSW Upper Hunter region. Starting his career with the Muswellbrook agency in 1996, Sandy became a partner in 2004 and took full ownership in 2013, opening a second office in Scone in 2015. Sandy is one of the Upper Hunter’s most successful sales agents, leading Warburton Estate Agents to market leadership in the region. He specialises in residential, lifestyle, and commercial properties. A licensed real estate agent, stock and station agent, and accredited auctioneer, Sandy has served on the REINSW Board for more than four years, advocating for regional real estate issues.

HighSpec Properties

Amanda, who is the founder of HighSpec Properties in Sydney and Byron Bay, began her real estate journey back in 1988. Amanda’s drive to grow professionally and personally has since yielded positive results year after year. Recognising the need for greater representation of buyers' agents, she joined the REINSW board in 2020. Over the past few years, Amanda has successfully championed buyers' agents' interests, bringing consumer concerns to the forefront. Leveraging media to raise industry awareness, she has elevated the profile of buyers' agents. Under her leadership, HighSpec Properties has received numerous awards. She continues to drive professional growth and industry development through her collaborative efforts with the REINSW board.

Belle Property Lennox Head and Byron Bay

With more than 23 years of experience in the real estate profession, Braden has dedicated his career to raising the standards of practice and client service across New South Wales. He is a licensed real estate agent, principal of Belle Property Lennox Head and Byron Bay, and a long-standing advocate for strengthening the reputation of our industry through education, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

Braden have previously served on the Board of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, holding key leadership roles including Chair of the Young Agents Chapter, Chair of the Residential Sales Chapter, and currently Chair of the Regional Advisory Chapter. During this time, he worked closely with members and stakeholders to address the challenges facing practitioners in both metropolitan and regional markets, ensuring that all voices within our profession are represented at the highest level.

His professional achievements include being recognised as a REB Top 100 Agent, Top 20 Dealmakers in Australia, and Australia’s Best Property Marketer. He was also awarded the National Emergency Medal in recognition of his volunteer contributions during the Northern Rivers floods. Beyond awards, he is most proud of the trust he has built with clients, colleagues, and communities across the far north coast.

After taking the past few years to focus on his family and the growth of my agency, he is now seeking to return to the REINSW Board to contribute renewed energy, insight, and dedication. He believes that the coming years present both great challenges and opportunities for our profession—particularly around compliance, technology, and consumer trust. Braden's goal is to continue strengthening REINSW as the peak body that upholds integrity, advocates for members, and leads the way in shaping the future of real estate in New South Wales.

Norwest Commercial & Industrial

Grant has been a licensed real estate agent and strata managing agent since 2006, joining the family business after a career advising real estate investors at international accounting firms in Sydney, Tokyo and London. He is Co-Managing Director and Licensee of Norwest Commercial & Industrial, Beaumont Strata Management and Coutts, employing around 100 staff across Sydney. Grant oversees all aspects of commercial, industrial, and retail sales and leasing, property, strata/facilities management and project marketing. Grant’s cross-sector experience gives him a unique perspective on industry challenges. Active in lobbying and serving on several strata committees, he supports raising industry standards for commercial agents, advocating fairness and efficiency and, post-COVID, he champions strong communication to ensure commercial agents’ interests are fairly represented.

Ray White Commercial Western Sydney

Hannah Carney is the Director of Operations at Ray White Commercial Western Sydney, where she plays a central role in supporting the team and building a culture of collaboration and professionalism. With more than 16 years in real estate, Hannah began her career in residential property before moving into the commercial sector, giving her a broad perspective on the industry and the needs of both clients and agents.

Passionate about people, Hannah focuses on creating environments where teams can thrive. She is known for her open, down-to-earth style and her ability to communicate clearly, solve problems quickly, and inspire confidence in those around her.

Hannah is also actively involved with the Real Estate Institute of NSW. As Deputy Chairperson of the Agency Services Chapter, she contributes to initiatives that aim to lift standards and strengthen the reputation of the profession. In September, she was featured on the front cover of the REI Journal, a reflection of her commitment to the industry and the influence of her work.

Earlier in her career, Hannah was recognised as a finalist in the REB Women in Real Estate Awards and successfully led teams through the challenges of COVID-19, experiences that reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability.

Driven by a genuine desire to see the industry evolve, Hannah is focused on improving professionalism both internally and in the way the sector is viewed by the wider community. She believes that by encouraging collaboration, mentoring the next generation, and embracing change, real estate can continue to be a career people are proud to be part of. Looking ahead, Hannah sees REINSW playing a vital role in championing education, advocacy, and leadership to guide the profession into its next chapter.

Cremorne Conveyancing

Jennie has a passion for conveyancing and real estate. With a career spanning 38 years, she is currently the Director and Licensee of Cremorne Conveyancing and the Vice President of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC) NSW Division. Jennie spent 20 years of her career working in the law firms of Mallesons, Stephen, Jaques and Allen, Allen & Hemsley, acting for large corporations, banks and institutions, on the sale and purchase of large commercial and industrial properties and property portfolios across Australia. Then, in 2009, she decided to utilise the knowledge and experience she had gained and established her own conveyancing firm. Jennie looks forward to working with the REINSW Board to strengthen collaboration between the legal and real estate industries, fostering better outcomes that benefit the entire sector and its clients.

McGrath Estate Agents

With close to 30 years of experience leading high performing teams, Kon Stathopoulos brings a unique perspective to the role as Principal and Owner of McGrath West, Northwest, Northern Districts, Hills & Hawkesbury. Having been hand-picked by John McGrath as the Head of Sales leading over 300 agents in 32 offices has enabled Kon and his team to rapidly grow the business by 40x whilst increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. From working with clients to develop bespoke strategies for their property to mentoring and training his team on industry leading processes and techniques, Kon’s commitment to excellence is multi-dimensional. In an industry that fluctuates, having strong strategic management skills that focuses on driving exceptional results, Kon Stathopoulos is a proven leader who stands apart from his peers.

Shead Property

Beginning his real estate career with Shead Property in 2010, Nicholas has extensive experience in both residential and commercial assets and a deep passion for the industry. He has also worked at JLL, Colliers, and the Department of Communities and Justice. Returning to Shead Property in 2022 as General Manager and Principal, Nicholas has led their large team to significant achievements, including revenue growth, team expansion; also earning recognition as the 2023 'Local Businessman of the Year'. He overhauled the company's tech stack and implemented structured onboarding and development plans for key roles within the organisation. An active member of REINSW and the Australian Property Institute, Nicholas is committed to addressing critical industry challenges, such as development and affordable housing, and envisions a future where real estate becomes a more business-orientated profession.

Elders Advantage Group

Ricky, a highly motivated professional, brings a fresh enthusiasm and a competitive instinct that perfectly fits the modern approach in the real estate industry. With extensive experience across sales, property management, agency operations, franchise management, and auctioneering, Ricky operates an independent agency in Lake Macquarie and runs "Advantage Auction Group," auctioning nearly 1,000 properties annually predominantly in Sydney's Inner West as well as other regions. Ricky’s industry involvement through professional practice and REI events, sees him working alongside a large range of professionals, from Sydney to Tamworth on a regular basis. Community-minded and having a passion to assist where he can, Ricky is a Justice of the Peace and holds multiple roles / positions within the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Elever Realty

Meet Simone, a dynamic force in the Central West real estate scene with over 15 years’ experience. Starting in reception, she rose through the ranks to become one of the industry’s most respected property managers, consistently attracting new clients. Since joining Ash Brown at One Agency, Simone has earned numerous accolades, including Best Property Management in Orange 2022 (Quality Business Awards), finalist for the esteemed REINSW Tim Anderson Property Manager of the Year 2022 and REB Regional Property Manager of the Year 2023. Known for her expertise in property management and sales, Simone stays ahead of the latest legislative changes, ensuring her clients receive the most informed and relevant guidance. Her success is founded on hard work and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

MMJ North Real Estate

With 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Tiana has built an exceptional career in Property Management across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Wollongong, and the Sutherland Shire. A proud member of the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) for the entirety of her career, Tiana has grown from her beginnings as a Receptionist and Property Officer to working across every role in Property Management — experience that laid the foundation for her appointment as a Director at MMJ North four years ago.

Tiana’s passion for real estate and dedication to her clients are evident in the way she manages relationships daily, while also mentoring her team in her role as Licensee in Charge. Since 2017, Tiana has been an active member of the REINSW Property Management Chapter Committee, currently serving as Chairperson. She has played a key role in representing the industry during the review and consultation process with NSW Fair Trading on Rental Reforms, ensuring the voices of property managers and landlords were heard and reflected in policy changes.

Her contributions extend beyond committee work. Tiana has regularly served as an awards judge for REINSW, REIACT, and REIVIC, featured in industry webinars and publications, and has been instrumental in organising the National Auctioneering Competition (NAC) in Wollongong over several years. Tiana’s wealth of knowledge, industry leadership, and hands-on experience continue to drive her commitment to raising the standards of Property Management and supporting the professional growth of her peers.

REINSW

Alice began serving as the AI Board Member Assistant for the REINSW in May 2024. In this role, she supports CEO Tim McKibbin and the board members by providing accurate, data-driven answers during board meetings, ensuring precision and clarity. Alice utilises the institute’s mission statement, constitution, by-laws, code of ethics, and board meeting documents to deliver comprehensive insights. Beyond meetings, Alice plays a vital role in media interactions, offering succinct and media-friendly responses, stepping in only when directly addressed or requested by the CEO. Her tasks include retrieving and understanding critical documents, summarising board meeting agendas and minutes, and detailing chapter and committee members. Alice’s dedication to excellence, integrity, and informed decision-making underpins her contributions to REINSW's governance and public engagements, embodying the institute’s commitment to professionalism and ethical standards.