2026 Ballot for Open Seats
Voting for Open Seats on the 2026 LUTAR Board of Directors
begins TODAY and runs through noon on November 30th
Before you click on the link that takes you to the voting form,
please take a moment to review information pertaining to all of the candidates below.
You will also have the option on the voting form to write in a candidate for each open seat.
President Elect (Vote for 1)
Kim Hart
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Broker/Owner
Since 2002, I have worked hard to build lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and community members, growing a successful real estate business rooted in trust, dedication, and service. After earning my real estate salesperson license in 2002 and my broker’s license in 2005, I’ve continued to pursue ongoing education to stay current with ever-changing market trends—ensuring I provide the best possible service to those I work with.
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Throughout my career, I’ve earned several respected professional designations, including:
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Graduate of the Real Estate Institute (GRI)
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Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR)
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Designated Seller Representative (DSR)
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Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
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On a personal note, I’ve proudly called Sanilac County home since 1994, where my husband, Mark, and I have raised our six children and are now blessed with twelve wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family, our dogs—Tipper and Rascal—and especially riding, working with my horses, and going on horse adventures with Scout, Oakly, and Ruthie.
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Treasurer (Vote for 1)
Shelley Watson
I have been a resident of Lapeer for nearly 20 years. As a full time, wife and mother of 2, I began working in the field of real estate as a Property Manager several years ago, became an unlicensed assistant while I worked toward obtaining my real estate license, and I won the LUTAR Rookie of the Year award my first year in real estate. Since that time, I won many awards including Top Producer for Exit Realty Group, Top 100 Club for Exit Realty International, and consistently earned the Top 5 in Michigan award for both listings and sales for several years in a row. My passion for real estate has driven me to also focus my attention on the industry as a whole. I have served on the Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association of Realtors Board of Directors for several years as Secretary, Treasurer, President and Past President. I also currently serve on the Professional Standards Committee, as well as the Board of Governors representing our Shareholder’s interest in Realcomp. My community is also very important to me, and I have been active in the participation of a Habitat for Humanity build, as well as other volunteer activities. I put 110% into everything I do and would therefore make an excellent choice to serve on the LUTAR board.
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Secretary (Vote for 1)
Jen Hines
I’ve been around the real estate industry for most of my life and became a Realtor in 2005. I’m now running for the position of Secretary on the LUTAR Board because I truly believe in the power of Realtors working together to strengthen our profession and support one another.
As a group, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to continuously raise the bar, improve our practices, and uphold the highest standards. LUTAR plays a vital role in making that happen, and I would be honored to contribute to that mission.
I’ve been married to my husband, Tyler, since 2010, and together we’ve been blessed with three wonderful children. Outside of real estate, I enjoy spending time with my family, restoring old homes, and traveling.
If you have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact on our Board and community.
3 Year Director (Vote for 2)
Victor Carpenter
The Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association of Realtors represent each of us in our daily business activity. The Board of Directors is responsible for how the day-to-day activity impacts the members. They are also responsible for setting the short and long term goals of the Association, how to meet those goals and how they impact each of us. Board members must remain business neutral and work for the common good of all members and associate members. I feel my prior experience with project management and long term planning is a valuable asset to the board and all members of the association.
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Life-long resident of Lapeer County - currently living in Oregon Township with my wife Cheryl. (also a Lapeer native)
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Attended Lapeer Public School
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Served four years in the United States Air Force
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Served on the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors of the Lapeer County Community Credit Union
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Served on the Board of Directors of Security Credit Union
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A current member of American Legion Post 16 in Lapeer
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Member of LUTAR since 2003
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Served on several LUTAR committees
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Currently participating on RealComp MLS committee
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Currently serving on the Board of Directors of LUTAR in the capacity of Treasurer
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Retired from the State of Michigan - Department of Treasury with 35+ years of service
Danielle Manchester
For over 20 years, I have proudly served as a REALTOR® and dedicated member of the Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association of REALTORS® (LUTAR). Throughout that time, I have been honored to serve our association in numerous capacities, including 17+ years on the Board of Directors, active roles on Grievance and Professional Standards, and participation in several inter-association hearing panels.
I currently serve as LUTAR’s Shareholder Representative for Realcomp and as a committee member on the Realcomp MLS Rules & Regulations Committee, where I help advocate for clarity, professionalism, and forward-thinking industry standards. In 2012, I was humbled to be voted REALTOR® of the Year by my peers—an achievement that continues to inspire my commitment to this profession and our members.
Beyond my service to the association, I am a wife and mother of two wonderful boys. I remain actively involved in their school and in my hometown community of Millington, where giving back is truly part of who I am.
Continuing education is a priority for me. I regularly attend the Michigan REALTORS® Annual Convention, the Broker Summit, and yearly Professional Standards trainings to stay informed and prepared for the constant evolution in our industry. These opportunities have strengthened my leadership, broadened my perspective, and deepened my passion for REALTOR® advocacy.
I genuinely enjoy serving at both the local and MLS levels. The knowledge, relationships, and industry insight I’ve gained from this involvement have been invaluable. It would be an honor to continue contributing to LUTAR’s growth and to support our members as we navigate the future of real estate together.