Brian Estes

Brian Estes is Principal of Estes Bush Real Estate, LLC and Estes-Manning Management Group, LLC, managing over 1.5 million square feet of commercial property and 1,600 residential units. He is a Senior Instructor for the CCIM Institute and an award-winning real estate professional, holding both the CCIM and CPM designations. Brian is also a frequent industry speaker, course instructor, and active community leader with offices in Mississippi and Florida. Areas of specialization include, Investment properties above $1,000,000, specifically shopping centers, net-leased and multifamily investments. Representing both Sellers and Buyers who are investing in commercial real estate for wealth building purposes. He also focuses on the formation of group and JV investments for the purpose of investing in shopping centers, multi-tenant office/warehouses, apartments and net leased investments.

John Phillips

John Phillips is an investigator with the Mississippi Real Estate Commission and brings more than 30 years of real estate experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He previously served as a regional manager for a real estate company and as broker/owner of John Phillips & Associates, Inc. He also served as Vice President of Professional Development for the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute.

John has held numerous leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. He served in every officer position for the Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS®, including President in 1982 and 1984, and chaired both the MLS Committee and the Professional Standards Committee. He was honored as REALTOR®-Associate of the Year, REALTOR® of the Year, and inducted into the REALTOR® Hall of Fame.

At the state level, John served in multiple elected positions with the Mississippi Association of REALTORS®, including President in 1986. He was also named state REALTOR® of the Year and inducted into the state REALTOR® Hall of Fame.

Nationally, John served on the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors and on numerous committees, including State and Municipal Legislation, Environment, Energy and Development, Equal Opportunity, MLS Issues and Policies, and Government Spending and Taxation.

Melissa Key

Melissa Key is a dynamic force in the real estate world, seamlessly blending her CPA expertise and sharp business acumen into her role as a real estate professional and trusted consultant. A proud graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration, Melissa has spent over two decades as a Certified Public Accountant, honing her financial skills and strategic thinking. Her transition to the real estate industry nearly twenty years ago was a natural evolution, allowing her to leverage her deep understanding of finance and market trends to benefit her clients. As an Associate Broker with Woodland Realty, Melissa’s charisma and unwavering dedication have made her a standout in the Hattiesburg and Laurel markets. Her prowess as a real estate investor and her passion for the art of negotiation have further solidified her reputation as a formidable professional in the industry.

Melissa’s passion for real estate extends beyond transactions; she is a revered instructor who brings real-life experiences and infectious enthusiasm to the classroom. In 2019, she received the coveted Instructor of the Year award from the Mississippi REALTORS® Association, highlighting her exceptional ability to educate and inspire. Her commitment to excellence and leadership was also recognized in 2016 when she was named REALTOR® of the Year by the Hattiesburg Area Association of REALTORS® and served as President.

Melissa’s ability to connect with people, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, makes her an invaluable asset to her clients and students alike. Whether navigating complex deals or inspiring future real estate professionals, Melissa Key embodies excellence and dedication in every endeavor.

Ann Prewitt

Ann Prewitt is the Broker Owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ann Prewitt Realty with offices in Flowood, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi.  She has been involved in the marketing, training, finance, and real estate practice and has trained over 10,000 REALTORS® in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia on “How to Sell HUD Properties” by writing and teaching CE seminars.  She has also invested in real estate and purchased her first commercial building in 1992.  Not only can Ann talk the talk, but she has a proven track record of success in her 25+ years in the real estate business.

Jovaunda Smith, Esq.

Jovaunda L. Smith, Esq. is a practicing attorney and business consultant who also holds a broker’s license.  She finds it exhilarating to pour into others the knowledge that she has gained over the years and is excited to be among the elite group of instructors of the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute.

She is a results-oriented attorney with strong ability to proactively avoid and solve problems, with excellent mediation, conflict resolution, risk management, negotiation, oral advocacy, research, and writing skills.

• Skilled at delivering practical and creative legal advice and achieving goals within established budgets and under stringent deadlines.
• Exceptional ability to meet objectives, balance risks, and apply sound legal and business judgment in high demand, fast-paced environments.
• Maintain and uphold reputation among colleagues in undertaking highly complex and sensitive cases.
• Skilled at employee orientation, development, training, employee relations, policy development and documentation, company employee and community communication, employee safety, welfare and counseling in fast-paced environments
• Texas Law License (1999); Mississippi Law License (2000); Mississippi Real Estate Broker’s License (2005)

Gerard Maher

Gerard Maher began his real estate career in 1998 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and gained experience in new home sales, brokerage ownership, management, and instruction. He founded and grew Gulf Coast Realty to 16 agents before selling it in 2007, later holding broker and agent licenses in California. His career includes leadership roles with local, state, and national REALTOR® organizations, serving as GCAR President, earning REALTOR® of the Year, and participating in MAR and NAR committees. From 2012 to 2023, he managed with Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. In 2023, he returned to entrepreneurship by founding G. C. Realty on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Jody Black

LaJesca Woodard, MBA

Dr. Sherry A. Scott-Chambers