Learn about our Team and Culture
RLI Staff is dedicated to serving RLI members and the land industry. As a small team we work closely with each other and leadership to achieve our common goals. We continually strive to take RLI to the next level as the industry’s premier land real estate membership organization and an information source for the industry as “The Voice of Land.”
Aubrie Kobernus, MBA, RCE
As the CEO, Aubrie is responsible for the overall management of the Institute. This includes working together with the Board of Directors to develop the vision, goals, objectives, and related policies for RLI. Within that framework, Aubrie organizes and directs the staff, programs, financial performance, and activities. She is designated by the National Association of REALTORS® as a REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE). Members may contact her if they have any questions or concerns. Aubrie has been with RLI since March 2016.
Phone: 312-329-8837
Email: akobernus@nar.realtor
Gerry Berish, CAE
Gerry manages the relationships between RLI National and its chapter organizations as well as serves as the main point of contact for RLI members. Members may contact him with general inquiries about RLI and our member benefits or about starting or joining an RLI chapter. RLI chapter leaders and administrators are encouraged to use Gerry as their main point of contact at RLI National with any inquiries related to managing or developing their chapter and its programs. Gerry is also currently the main contact for members working toward earning the elite ALC Designation. Gerry has been with RLI since September 2019.
Phone: 312-329-8519
Email: gberish@nar.realtor
Karen Calarco
Karen handles, manages, and controls expenditures within the set budget as well as member records. Members may contact her for assistance changing their information, paying dues, and answering financial inquiries about their account. Karen has been with RLI since September 2007.
Phone: 312-329-8287
Email: kcalarco@nar.realtor
Melissa Lutz, C2EX
Melissa Lutz (rhymes with roots) is responsible for the overall programming and coordination of RLI’s meetings and events, including our largest annual event, the National Land Conference. Her role also works in conjunction with our Communications and Education Managers, overseeing topics and programming for RLI communications, managing the member affinity program and webinar program, and serving as staff liaison to the Future Leaders Committee. Melissa has been with RLI since October 2021.
Phone: 312-329-8574
Email: mlutz@nar.realtor
Amanda Morrone, MSHC
As the Education Manager, Amanda manages all matters pertaining to RLI’s LANDU Education Program. She is responsible for scheduling courses and managing instructor relationships. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Education Committee. Members may contact her with any questions about the LANDU Education Program. Amanda has been with RLI since February 2019.
Phone: 312-329-8441
Email: amorrone@nar.realtor
Phil Newman, RCE, C2EX, e-PRO
As the Communications Manager, Phil manages all matters pertaining to communications and marketing for the organization. He is responsible for managing the website, creating digital and print marketing materials, and managing the organization’s brand as well as press and social media campaigns. He also serves as the staff liaison for the Editorial Panel and the Government Affairs Committee. Members may contact him with any member or Chapter news regarding awards or accomplishments, for publishing a blog post, for contributing to or advertising in the Terra Firma magazine, or with questions about RLI logo use policy. Phil has been with RLI since August 2021.
Phone: 312-329-8353
Email: pnewman@nar.realtor
The Office
430 N. Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60611
The REALTORS® Land Institute is located in the heart of Chicago on the 6th floor of the NAR Building on Michigan Avenue. Serving a global network of land professionals, RLI headquarters makes it their number one priority to stay connected and in touch to its members.
