Shirley Przybyl Takes Helm as President of Manitoba Real Estate Association: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication

The Manitoba real estate landscape welcomes an esteemed leader as Shirley Przybyl celebrates a remarkable 25 years in the industry by assuming the prestigious role of President of the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA). Her journey from showing houses built by her father to becoming a prominent figure in real estate governance is a testament to her unwavering dedication and profound understanding of the market. This pivotal appointment marks a new chapter for the MREA under the guidance of a professional whose career has consistently been defined by growth, service, and a passion for elevating industry standards.

Przybyl’s extensive experience spans various facets of the real estate profession. Having served as a successful broker, she currently holds a key management position at Century 21 Bachman & Associates in Winnipeg. This dual perspective, combining hands-on sales experience with strategic leadership and team management, provides her with a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Realtors across Manitoba. Her quarter-century of commitment means she has witnessed, adapted to, and often driven significant changes within the real estate sector, making her an invaluable asset to the association and its members.

A Distinguished Career Forged in Service and Leadership

Shirley Przybyl’s ascent to the MREA presidency is not merely a culmination of professional experience but a reflection of a deep-seated commitment to industry volunteerism and advocacy. Her journey into leadership began with a clear purpose, as she articulately recalls: “Early in my career I wanted to make a difference and in 1999, I joined the member services committee at the Winnipeg Real Estate Board and became involved in our industry.” This initial step was the foundation for a remarkable trajectory of service that would significantly impact real estate in Manitoba.

Over the years, Przybyl’s involvement deepened. Her dedication to improving the profession led her through various volunteer roles, providing her with invaluable insights into the intricate workings of professional associations. This steadfast commitment culminated in her election as the Winnipeg Real Estate Board president in 2012. Reflecting on these experiences, she states, “I enjoyed all of my volunteer roles and learned a lot about how boards and associations work, how rules and policies are formed and the connections I made locally and nationally has been a big highlight of my career.” These foundational experiences honed her leadership skills, familiarized her with governance principles, and established a robust network of industry peers and leaders, all of which are essential for her new role at the MREA.

Championing Excellence Through Education and Professional Development

A cornerstone of Shirley Przybyl’s professional philosophy has always been the critical importance of education. In 2015, her peers recognized this passion by electing her as the MREA education chair. Beyond this leadership role, she actively contributes as an instructor for the real estate licensing education program, directly shaping the next generation of Realtors. This direct involvement allows her to stay abreast of emerging trends, address current challenges, and ensure that educational content remains relevant and impactful.

Her long-standing commitment to education has positioned her as a true catalyst for change in real estate education across Manitoba. The association itself acknowledges her profound influence in this area. In a dynamic industry characterized by evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting client expectations, continuous professional development is not merely beneficial but absolutely essential. Przybyl’s vision for education extends beyond initial licensing; she advocates for ongoing learning opportunities that empower Realtors to master new skills, adopt best practices, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. This proactive approach ensures that Manitoba’s real estate professionals are well-equipped to navigate a complex market, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and consumers through informed, ethical, and high-quality service.

Navigating Legislative Revisions: MREA’s Integral Role in Member Empowerment

The real estate industry is not static; it operates within a framework of evolving regulations and legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure fair practices. In Manitoba, the Real Estate Services Act is currently undergoing significant revisions, a development that carries substantial implications for all licensed Realtors. Shirley Przybyl’s leadership comes at a crucial time, as she has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that the MREA plays an integral and proactive role in this period of transition.

Przybyl understands that legislative changes, while necessary, can often create uncertainty for professionals. Her objective is clear: to ensure that MREA equips its Realtors with the comprehensive knowledge and understanding needed to adapt seamlessly to these forthcoming changes and their corresponding regulations. This involves not only disseminating information but also creating robust educational programs, workshops, and accessible resources that break down complex legal jargon into actionable insights. By doing so, MREA under Przybyl’s leadership will serve as a vital bridge between legislative bodies and its members, ensuring compliance, promoting ethical practice, and ultimately safeguarding consumer interests within the updated regulatory landscape. This proactive engagement underscores MREA’s role as both an advocate for its members and a protector of the public trust.

A Strong Foundation: The MREA Volunteer Officers and Directors

Shirley Przybyl’s leadership is bolstered by a dedicated team of volunteer officers and directors who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the Manitoba Real Estate Association. This collective expertise is crucial for the effective governance and strategic direction of the association, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of its members across the province. The MREA’s strength lies in its collaborative leadership, comprising seasoned professionals from various regions and brokerage affiliations, all united by a common goal to advance the real estate profession in Manitoba. Their varied backgrounds ensure a comprehensive understanding of the market’s nuances and the challenges faced by Realtors in different communities.

The MREA’s commitment to strong, representative governance is evident in the composition of its leadership team. The current roster of volunteer officers and directors includes:

David Powell, Powell Property Group, serving as President Elect, poised to continue the association’s mission.
Glen Tosh, Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Realty, taking on the crucial role of Treasurer, responsible for the financial stewardship of the MREA.
Chris Pennycook, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, as Immediate Past President, providing invaluable continuity and historical perspective.
Stewart Elston, ACT Realty, and Brad Walker, Gill & Schmall Agencies, both serving as Directors at Large, representing the broader membership base.
Michael Barrett, Century 21 Westman.com, holding the significant position of CREA Regional Director, bridging provincial and national real estate interests.
Lorne Weiss, Century 21 Bachman & Associates, as Manitoba PAC Chair, leading the political advocacy efforts for the association.
Chris Dudeck, Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate, serving as WinnipegRealtors President, bringing insights from the provincial capital’s market.
Ken Clark, ACT Realty, as WinnipegRealtors President Elect, preparing to lead the Winnipeg board.
Don Mitchell, Century 21 Westman.com, as Brandon Area Realtors President, representing the interests of the Brandon region.
And Warren Neufeld, Royal LePage Portage Realty, as Portage la Prairie Real Estate Board President, ensuring representation for the Portage la Prairie area.

This dynamic and experienced board underscores MREA’s dedication to robust leadership and broad representation, vital for addressing the diverse needs of its members and ensuring the continued growth and integrity of the real estate sector across Manitoba.

A Vision for the Future: Elevating Manitoba Real Estate

Under Shirley Przybyl’s leadership, the Manitoba Real Estate Association is set to embark on a forward-looking journey, reinforcing its commitment to its members and the wider community. Her vision for the MREA centers on enhancing professional standards, fostering continuous learning, and advocating for policies that support a healthy and vibrant real estate market in Manitoba. Przybyl’s emphasis on proactive engagement with legislative changes, coupled with her unwavering dedication to education, positions the MREA as a vital resource for all real estate professionals in the province.

The MREA’s role extends beyond merely supporting its members; it is integral to the economic prosperity and consumer confidence within Manitoba’s housing sector. By promoting ethical conduct, ensuring transparent practices, and championing ongoing professional development, the association contributes significantly to the trust and reliability of real estate transactions. Shirley Przybyl’s extensive experience, proven leadership, and profound understanding of the industry will undoubtedly guide the MREA toward new heights, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the real estate profession in Manitoba for years to come.