2025-26 Slate of Candidates for Board of Directors
We are pleased to introduce our slate of candidates, running for 4 available board seats. The election will open in August – information on voting will be sent in the next several weeks.
Nina Cerna
Nina Cerna is the Owner and Managing Broker of RE/MAX Excels in Geneva. With over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Nina has grown from a solo agent to a top-performing team member and now a dynamic brokerage leader. She is passionate about mentoring agents, advocating for industry standards, and fostering a collaborative culture of excellence and service. Nina currently serves on the RAFV Board of Directors and is a strong voice for professional development, ethics, and innovation in the real estate community. She was awarded Member of the Year for her involvement and support for Women's Council of REALTORS® Fox Valley. She also serves as a board member on numerous committees: Member Engagement, Technology & Communication, and Contracts & Forms. A dedicated advocate for housing equity and transparency, she is actively involved in industry conversations at the local and national levels, including efforts to educate and empower Spanish-speaking agents and clients. Nina goes above and beyond to help make positive and lasting changes in the housing industry. Outside of real estate, Nina is a committed community volunteer, a proud mother of three daughters, and a former foster parent. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to make a positive impact.
Carrie Garstecki
Carrie Garstecki has been serving clients in the Fox Valley area since 2015. Licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin, Carrie is the Managing Broker of Keller Williams Inspire and is committed to providing knowledgeable, personalized service for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. In addition to working with clients, Carrie is deeply involved in the professional growth of our industry. For the past two years, Carrie has served on the RAFV Board of Directors and over the past three years, has actively been involved in the RAFV Professional Development Work Group and RAFV Contracts & Forms Task Force, all of which have helped shape the tools and education that support agents in the field. Carrie is also an instructor for MRED MLS, furthering her passion for training and mentoring fellow real estate professionals to help them succeed. In the community, Carrie has served on the Community Advisory Board at Fermi Lab for approximately 10 years. Outside of work, Carrie enjoys traveling (with a goal to visit all the national parks), reading, gardening and crafting.
Steve Rozhon
With over 10 years of real estate experience and more than 1,000 homes sold, Steve Rozhan is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in the Chicagoland market. His success is built on a foundation of positive referrals, earned through his tireless dedication to client satisfaction and his commitment to providing candid advice. Steve excels in contract negotiation and ensures quick responses to his clients' needs, fostering a seamless real estate experience. Beyond his individual achievements, Steve has played a pivotal role in the industry by building a high-performing team and contributing significantly to the growth of CrossTown REALTORS® over the past decade. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's success, leveraging his extensive market knowledge and unmatched devotion to clients. Steve is known for his calm approach in educating first-time homebuyers and empowering clients through every step of their real estate journey.
Chaeyanta "Chay" Spaniol
Chayanta "Chay" Spaniol is a dynamic, results-driven Principal Managing Broker and Multi-Million Dollar Producing Agent, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience in real estate. Chay is licensed across four states—Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, and Florida. Chay is actively involved in RAFV for 5 years and graduated from RAFV’s Foundations In Leadership™ program in 2024. Chay is currently the membership director for Women’s Council of REALTORS® West Suburban. She was named an elite coach and served as a director for the past year. She continues to grow as an accomplished investor, landlord, and intermediate house flipper, giving her a unique edge in helping clients navigate both residential and investment transactions. Chay is certified in Rent-to-Own Home Buying and Military VA Buyers and Sellers, ensuring she can effectively serve a diverse range of clients with specialized needs. Chayanta is committed to servicing her community and has been a long-time attendee of Calvery Church. She has also been a longtime sponsor of Mutual Grounds in Aurora. Chayanta is honored to be a mother of 3 and 1 fur baby. She cherishes spending time with friends and family. Known for her professionalism, market expertise, and client-first approach, Chay is committed to guiding clients with integrity, strategic advice, and a passion for helping them achieve their real estate goals.