Chartered in 1920, the Georgia Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade association in the state, with more than 34,000 members statewide.
As a member of GAR, you’ll enjoy business contacts, networking opportunities, educational offerings, research and legislative representation, programs, services, and an endless network of contacts. With our headquarters located in Atlanta and a 16-member staff, GAR involvement stretches across the state through meetings and seminars held via videoconference in conjunction with several of our local boards.
The GAR staff and elected leadership work together in advancing the real estate industry through the protection of private property rights, the continuing education of our members and acting as facilitators of the American Dream of homeownership
Meet Dana Bauguss, 2010 GAR President
Dana Bauguss earned her real estate license in 1978, her Associate Broker License in 1986 and her instructor license in 2003. She is the Managing Broker for the RE/MAX Greater Atlanta office in Lawrenceville and is a member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS® (NAMAR). Dana served as president of NAMAR in 1989. In 2008, Dana was awarded NAMAR’s prestigious REALTOR® of the Year award.
During her time as a REALTOR®, Dana has earned both her Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation among many other certifications.
At the state level, Dana has served in numerous roles, which include having chaired both the Professional Standards and Grievance committees and serving as GRI Governor from 1992 through 1997.
In addition to her REALTOR® accomplishments and awards, Dana is very active in the community. She was a charter member of the Gwinnett REALTOR® Players, a group of REALTORS® who raise money for the American Cancer Society and has volunteered for organizations including the Children’s Miracle Network and March of Dimes.
Meet Debra S. "Deb" Junkin, GAR Chief Executive Officer
Debra S. “Deb” Junkin was named the new CEO for the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, replacing the recently retired Bob Hamilton. Deb took over on January 1, after an extensive national search in which 55 applicants were initially interviewed. Deb was formerly the Association Executive for the East Metro Board of REALTORS® in Covington, Ga., and for the past year served as GAR’s Director of Administration.
“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead GAR into 2010 and beyond,” Deb says. “Through collaboration with the association leadership and staff, we will focus on implementing the directives of the Strategic Plan while growing the association’s assets, enhancing the member value proposition, and expanding the association’s sphere of influence.”
"The REALTOR® association is unique in the three-tiered service model utilized at the national, state and local levels to serve the needs of the members. Through active partnering and sharing of resources between all three tiers, our goal is to provide support for the local associations that will result in additional benefits for the membership across the state."
Deb holds the Strategies in Non-Profit Management Certificate from the University of Chicago, as well as the REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. In March 2010, Deb completed her coursework for Duke University’s Non-Profit Management Program. In addition to her duties at GAR, Deb currently serves on the NAR REALTOR® AE Magazine Editorial Board and on the AE Institute Advisory Board.
Deb is married to Chip Junkin and together they have seven children ranging in age from 18-29: Jason (29), Jason (28), Casey (27), Jenny (25), Meagan (22), Chris (20), Stevin (18). They also have a five-year-old granddaughter, Bailey.
In addition to spending time with their ever expanding family, which includes their new son-in-law Jon and daughter-in-law, Jenelle; they enjoy entertaining, traveling, reading and sailing.