Help us congratulate Carole Burgess for 30 years of service at My Florida Regional MLS—a feat that is rarely accomplished at any company, or even within the same industry! This incredible achievement is a testament to Carole's zeal and steadfastness for the end result. Quite often, Carole can be found working early and staying late to ensure a smooth MLS operation for the members, the various REALTOR® boards/associations and the MFR Board of Directors.

As Director of Administration, the scope of Carole's vast expertise includes managing the MLS database, the membership/subscriber database and MLS compliance. In addition, Carole facilitates the monthly Board of Directors meetings and serves as Recording Secretary for the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee and the Policy Committee. Carole holds the RCE (REALTOR® Certified Executive) designation offered through the National Association of REALTORS®. She possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.

As a rookie MLS administrative clerk in 1979 for Greater Orlando Association of REALTORS® (formerly known as GOAR, now known as the Orlando Regional REALTORS® Association), Carole manually entered listings into the MLS. This, of course, was before computers and the Internet. As MLS technology evolved from MLS books to a web-based interface, Carole played a key role. During the early days at MFR, she grew with the organization and became the MLS Manager. When MFRMLS officially became a new self-managed corporation in 2008, Carole accepted the new title and position of Director of Administration.

When away from work, Carole likes to work in her garden and spend time with her family. She also travels the globe in search of some of the world's most scenic and historic lighthouses. With lighthouse photos and miniature replicas adorning her office, it's easy to share in her passion.

Just as lighthouses are a beacon to ships, Carole is a beacon to MFR. Thank you Carole, for your leadership, loyalty and service.

Do you remember where you were in 1979? Here are a few historic events that took place during Carole's rookie year.

• Michael Jackson releases the multi-platinum album, Off The Wall, selling 7 million copies.
• A nuclear power plant accident causes a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island.
• Ayatollah Khomeini seizes power in Iran.
• Chrysler Corporation asks the U.S. government for $1 billion in aid to avoid bankruptcy.

(Source - Wikipedia)