Illinois REALTORS Installed Debbie Prodehl as 2027 President
The state real estate association has officially named its new leadership team for the upcoming 2027 term.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
Illinois REALTORS has installed Debbie Prodehl to serve as its president for the 2027 term. Prodehl is a veteran industry professional who currently serves as a broker-owner and director of risk management at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group.
Why it matters
This leadership transition signals the strategic direction for the organization as it oversees professional standards and advocacy for agents across Illinois. Prodehl brings over three decades of industry experience to the role as the group continues to navigate a complex housing market.
Prodehl has been active in the real estate sector since 1991 and holds a deep resume of industry recognition including her 2019 induction into the REALTORS Political Action Committee Hall of Fame.
The players
Debbie Prodehl
She is a seasoned real estate professional serving as broker-owner and director of risk management for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group.
Illinois REALTORS
This is a state-level professional trade association that represents real estate agents and advocates for industry interests across Illinois.
Sarah Ware
She serves as the incoming president-elect for the Illinois REALTORS organization.
Brandon Shaffer
He is the treasurer for the Illinois REALTORS trade association.
Jeff Kolbus
He serves as the immediate past president for the Illinois REALTORS organization.
The details
The organization also named Sarah Ware as president-elect, Brandon Shaffer as treasurer, and Jeff Kolbus as immediate past president. Prodehl has previously chaired the National Association of REALTORS Regulatory Issues Forum and earned the Presidential Medallion in 2017.
Timeline
Prodehl began working in the family real estate business in 1991.
The association named Prodehl REALTOR of the Year in 2016.
Prodehl graduated from the leadership program and received the Presidential Medallion in 2017.
The REALTORS Political Action Committee inducted Prodehl into its Hall of Fame in 2019.
Prodehl served as the chair of the National Association of REALTORS Regulatory Issues Forum in 2024.
Market Landscape
The transition underscores a broader industry focus on cultivating long-tenured professionals for top association posts to provide continuity during shifting market cycles. This appointment mirrors a trend where state organizations leverage established leadership pipelines to solidify their lobbying efforts and regional professional standards.
Local real estate agents and brokers can expect the association to maintain its focus on regulatory and industry-wide risk management under the new presidential term. This change in leadership may influence the training resources and professional development opportunities available to members throughout the coming year.
The takeaway
Prodehl's rise to the presidency reflects a career defined by sustained involvement in both local and national real estate forums. Readers interested in industry leadership can look to professional development programs as a key pathway to influencing organizational policy and standards.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and professionals in the state, visit Illinois People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Agent Magazine.
