2024 COMMITTEES


Advocacy/Legislative Committee

Meets monthly, at least during session, to select bills of interest and track them over the course of the year. They also confer with the lobbyists on strategy, allies and other political issues.

  • Ralph Schumann, chair
  • John Aylesworth
  • Paul Garver
  • Dan Greenberg
  • Steve Newland
  • Erica Minchella
  • Adam Wilde

Budget Committee

Meets annually, preferably before the end of the year to work on a budget for the upcoming year. 

  • Leanne Klein 
  • Jeff McDonald
  • Karyn Vanderwarren

EC Committee

  • John O'Brien
  • Leanne Klein
  • Marc Blumenthal
  • Adam Wilde
  • Erica Minchella
  • David Schlueter

IRELA Title Executives Council

Meets with other Title Executives monthly to discuss and collaborate on the Title Act and IDFPR matters.

  • John O'Brien
  • Leanne Klein
  • Augie Butera
  • Paul Garver

Membership Committee

Reviews membership trends with a focus on membership renewal, retention and benefits.

  • Donald Kiolbassa
  • Jason Chmielewski

Multi-Board Representatives

Standing committee comprised of representatives of other bar associations.

  • John O'Brien
  • Paul Garver
  • Ralph Schumann

Program Committee (Education)

Discuss speakers and topics for monthly/regular CLE meetings. 

  • John O'Brien
  • Karen Vanderwarren
  • David Schlueter

PR Task Force

One-time task force to focus on a campaign that includes: an attorney member PR toolkit, education on the value of attorneys to real estate brokers, promotion to the general public on the value of attorneys in real estate dealings.

  • John O’Brien
  • Leanne Klein
  • Kelli Fogerty

Social Events Committee

Works with staff on the social events like the Summer Cocktail Party and Holiday Party in selecting venues, menus and other related matters. 

  • John O'Brien
  • Marc Blumenthal
  • Camila Kaplunov

Social Media Committee

Work with the social media consultant on quarterly posts and strategies to gain views and engagement.

  • Marc Blumenthal
  • Kelli Fogerty
  • Ralph Schumann

Sponsorship Committee

Reviews sponsorship trends with a focus on renewal, retention and benefits.

  • August Butera
  • Donald Kiolbassa
  • Jeffrey Picklin

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