The Real Estate Investment Society is an independent organization, dedicated to assisting members in the effective utilization of real estate through networking, education, public service, and a common voice on pertinent issues.
Our membership is limited to 250 individuals who are leaders in advancing real estate to its highest and best use in Southwest Florida.
It began in 1981 when leading members of Southwest Florida’s commercial and investment real estate community banded together to establish a local organization that would provide:
Led by John States, the president of the Florida Chapter of the Real Estate Securities and Syndication Institute (RESSI), the group formed the state’s first regional chapter of RESSI in Southwest Florida. The Chapter developed an affiliate membership program that actively involved all professions involved in real estate investment and development. Seeking to concentrate its energies and resources entirely on initiatives and educational programs that addressed local market conditions and investment strategies, the group formed the Real Estate Investment Society in 1990.
Top Row From Left:
Governor Nelson Taylor; Scholarship Chair Bev Larson, CCIM; Governor JR Gibbs; Governor Jodi Huntoon; Governor Brent Addison , PE; Governor Alicia Dixon; 2025 President Josh Philpott, AICP
Seated From Left:
Secretary Jennifer Fisher, Esq. BSC; President Kristine Smale; CCIM; Vice President Phil Fischler, CCIM; Executive Director Karen Miller
Not Pictured:
GovernorTiffany Allard; FGCU Liaison Dr. Shelton Weeks; Treasurer Zannon Garza
From Left:
Governor Nelson Taylor, CRE; Governor Jodi Huntoon; Secretary Jennifer Fisher, Esq., BSC; Governor Alicia Dixon; President Kristine Smale; 2025 President Josh Philpott, AICP; Scholarship Chair Bev Larson, CCIM; FGCU Liaison Shelton Weeks, PhD; Governor Tiffany Allard; Vice President Phil Fischler, CCIM; Treasurer Zannon Garza
Not Pictured:
Governors: Brent Addison, PE, JR Gibbs
| President Kristine Smale Christopher Alan Homes Tel: 239-215-1125 | Vice President Phil Fischler, CCIM Fischler Property Company Tel: 239-895-1060 |
| Treasurer Zannon Garza DeAngelis Diamond Tel: 239-839-9481 | Secretary Jennifer Fisher, Esq., BCS J. Fisher Law, PLLC Tel: 562-714-5072 |
| Brent Addison Atwell Tel: 239-405-1195 | Tiffany Allard Suncoast Credit Union Tel: 239-572-4011 | |
| Alicia Dixon Lee County Port Authority Tel: 239-590-4618 | JR Gibbs UES Tel: 239-489-2443 | |
| Jodi Huntoon Stevens Construction Tel: 239-560-1375 | Nelson Taylor LSI Companies Tel: 239-770-2909 | |
| Past President Josh Philpott, AICP Stantec Tel: 239-939-1020 | FGCU Liaison Shelton Weeks, PhD Lutgert College of Business Tel: 239-745-4250 | Scholarship Chair Bev Larson, CCIM, ERA Lahaina Realty Tel: 239-281-1290 |
| 2025 | Josh Philpott, AICP |
| 2024 | Justin Thibaut, CCIM |
| 2023 | Lori Moore |
| 2022 | Kent Poli |
| 2021 | Bill Morris, PE |
| 2020 | Mary Gentile, CRM, CSX |
| 2019 | Alexis Crespo, AICP |
| 2018 | Bev Larson, CCIM |
| 2017 | Karen Miller |
| 2016 | Amanda L. Brock (Rivera), Esq. |
| 2015 | Matt Simmons |
| 2014 | Sean Ellis, Esq. |
| 2013 | Steve Hurley |
| 2012 | Kim Donnelly |
| 2011 | Kevin M. Fitzgerald |
| 2010 | Hal Tate |
| 2009 | Sharon Jenkins-Owen, AICP |
| 2008 | Steven C. Hartsell, Esq. |
| 2007 | Gerald A. Hendry, MAI, CCIM |
| 2006 | Stanley A. Stouder, CCIM |
| 2005 | Frank Mullins |
| 2004 | Russell Schropp |
| 2003 | Larry Johnson |
| 2002 | Neale Montgomery |
| 2001 | Tracy L. Hayden |
| 2000 | Charles J. Basinait |
| 1999 | W. Michael Maxwell, MAI |
| 1998 | Ronald E. Inge |
| 1997 | R.Q. “Dick” Richards III |
| 1995-1996 | Robbie B. Roepstorff |
| 1993-1995 | Frank D’Alessandro |
| 1991-1993 | Randal L. Mercer, CAM |
| 1990-1991 | Stanley A. Stouder, CCIM |
| 1989-1990 | Russell T. Gorgone, CCIM |
| 1988-1989 | Warren T. Barry, CCIM |
| 1987-1988 | Robert S. Barber, CCIM |
| 1986-1987 | J. Clifford Wiersma, CCIM |
| 1985-1986 | John R. Asp |
| 1984-1985 | Robert B. White, CCIM |
| 1983-1984 | Mitch Williams |
| 1982-1983 | John E. States |
PAUL SANDS MEMORIAL SLAW DOG
Through our partnership with The Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational, REIS has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to FGCU students studying real estate, construction management, and engineering. Founded by Paul Sands and Scott Fischer, the tournament grew from a friendly holiday golf outing into one of Southwest Florida’s signature charitable events. Following Paul’s passing, the tournament was renamed in his honor, and Scott Fischer (Scott Fischer Enterprises) and Lisa Sands (SVN Commercial Partners) have continued to uphold its mission and spirit each December. To participate in the 2026 Slaw Dog Invitational, visit the event website: scott-fischer.com/slaw-dog-invitational/ or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SlawDogInvitational/.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER RESOURCES CONFERENCE
The Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference began 35 years ago as one of the first water conferences in the state through a cooperative effort of cohosts. REIS has been a proud cohost of the event for nearly 10 years. Held at FGCU and hosted by The FGCU Water School, the conference has raised funds for student awards and scholarships and has distributed more than $100,000 to deserving high school and college students since its inception. Learn more about the conference and review the presentations here: https://chamberswfl.com/swfl-water-resources-conference.
HORIZON COUNCIL
For many years, REIS has supported the Horizon Foundation with an annual contribution and participation in the annual Industry Appreciation Event. The Horizon Foundation is a charitable organization that funds the Horizon Council, a partnership of public and private entities dedicated to promoting the business climate and economic development of Lee County. Learn more about the Horizon Council here: https://www.leecountybusiness.com/horizon-council/
