The California Desert Association of REALTORS® is excited to announce the full slate of candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors & Officers Election! The full list of candidates, along with their candidate statements, can be found below. Important dates to keep in mind:
Meet the full slate of candidates for the upcoming election below!
With a strong foundation in leadership and a blend of creativity and strategic insight, I’m proud to present my candidacy for CDAR 2026 President-Elect. My mission is simple: to Advocate for and Elevate both our members and our Association.
Since 2019, I’ve remained deeply involved with CDAR – serving on multiple committees, holding Vice Chair and Chair roles, graduating from the 2021 Leadership Academy, and continuing as a Director, 2024 Treasurer, and 2025 Chair of the Investment Committee. I currently serve as a Director appointed by President Zinn.
Throughout my service, I’ve brought fresh, unbiased perspectives and a commitment to thoughtful listening and collaboration. These qualities have guided my work and helped drive positive outcomes for CDAR.
My vision is to position CDAR as the leading real estate association in the Coachella Valley. I bring experience from the inaugural CAR Leadership Academy (2025), as well as my work as a Broker, REALTOR®, Associate Broker, coach, and trainer. I am committed to fostering inclusivity, embracing innovation, and helping members adapt to a rapidly evolving industry.
I’m ready to continue leading with purpose, and I look forward to supporting CDAR’s growth and future success.
Alan Sarrail has been in the industry as a full time active participant for over 15 years. During that time he has been highly involved in local organized real estate. As a productive agent Alan understands and appreciates the value and skill needed to succeed in this business and understands what REALTORs need to be successful. Alan is running for the opportunity to serve the association as president elect for a very simple reason, what we do MATTERS and the association is here to serve its members.
I’m David Sidley and I’ve lived in the desert full time for more than 25 years. I’ve served on many committees at CDAR and most recently on the Board of Directors. I’m committed to seeing the Board become much more relevant to our membership by bringing valuable content. Especially during these times of massive change the Board needs to be front and center advocating for our membership. The market, the real estate climate and the world are changing fast and so much CDAR. I will lead that change.
Dear Members,
My name is Mike Jeppson, and I’m honored to seek your vote for Treasurer of the California Desert Association of REALTORS® (CDAR).
Over the past several years, I’ve worked hard along with countless others serving in leadership to lay a solid financial foundation for our organization—one that we can confidently build upon as we look ahead. As both a leader and a dedicated REALTOR®, I’m passionate about serving this incredible community and ensuring our continued growth and stability.
I’m proud to be a member of CDAR, and I’m excited about the opportunity to keep contributing to its bright future. I would be truly grateful for your support in the upcoming election.
With appreciation,
Mike Jeppson
I am passionate about giving back to the community, helping others succeed, and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained so others can find success in their own journeys. With over 10 years in real estate, I believe in the power of representation and understand that not many on the board look like me, so I’m running to be that new voice and perspective that reflects more of who we are as a diverse group of professionals.
Throughout my time as a realtor, I’ve prioritized lifting others up, whether it’s through mentorship, committee work, or community outreach. I actively stay engaged with the market and evolving trends so I can help clients and fellow agents navigate challenges and find new opportunities.
I’m not afraid to bring fresh ideas to the table and ask questions that move us forward. I believe in being a strong, thoughtful presence, especially for those who feel unseen or unheard. I want to keep people going, especially in tough times, and create space where all voices matter.
As a new face to the board, I bring both a deep love for this industry and a vision rooted in progress, unity, and real representation…
I am asking you to vote for me for Director of the California Desert Association of Realtors for 2026-2027.
Real estate is a huge passion in my life. This passion combined with being a Coachella Valley native and life-long resident makes being a Realtor® here a dream.
Early on in my career, I gained great appreciation for the local, state & federal REALTOR® associations that work daily to keep the REALTOR® organization successful and strong. I learned that giving back to the profession where I earn my living is very important to me.
The size, complexity & functionality of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and California Desert Association of Realtors is an amazing testimony to the years of hard work, debate, compromise, and dedication of many past and present members.
Many members do not understand what C.D.A.R. does and all the services it offers. As Director for C.D.A.R., I would like to clearly identify ways the programs, products and services can be more effectively communicated to our members. Cohesive relationships, new attitudes and strong motivation will ensure continued success for C.D.A.R.
My goal is to maintain, expand upon and promote the high caliber REALTOR® representation that is currently provided by our organization.
My name is Juan M. Martinez, and I am the Broker/Owner of JM Desert Real Estate. As a dedicated and active realtor, I possess a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of both realtors and clients within our community. My experience in the real estate industry has equipped me with the insights necessary to identify the challenges we face and the opportunities available to us. I am passionate about bringing new ideas and innovations that will ensure our association remains responsive and adaptable in an ever-changing market.
By running for a seat on the board of directors, I aim to advocate for our members and implement strategies that enhance our collective success. I believe that collaboration, transparency, and forward-thinking initiatives are essential for fostering a thriving real estate environment. I am committed to actively listening to your concerns and ideas, and I will work tirelessly to represent our interests. Together, we can strengthen our association and position ourselves for future growth and success. I appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity to serve our community on the board.
I am seeking a position on the Board of Directors for the California Desert Association of REALTORS® because I’m passionate about serving our local real estate community and contributing to the continued growth, professionalism, and influence of our association. With extensive brokerage leadership experience and a deep understanding of both agent needs and industry challenges, I’m eager to bring my knowledge, perspective, and collaborative spirit to the table.
In 2023, I had the honor of serving as President of the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® (SRAR), where I gained valuable governance experience, worked closely with leadership and staff, and helped shape key strategic initiatives. That experience deepened my commitment to organized real estate and prepared me to serve effectively on a board level.
I’m especially interested in supporting policies that promote ethical practices, elevate professionalism, and protect private property rights. Serving on the CDAR Board would allow me to give back to a profession that has given me so much, while working with fellow leaders to strengthen our voice both locally and statewide.
If selected as a Director, I would bring a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset and a strong commitment to active participation. I show up, do the work, and support the mission. Backed by my leadership experience as SRAR President and years of service as a C.A.R. Director, I’m ready to advocate for our members and help guide CDAR’s continued growth as a forward-thinking, member-driven organization.
Fellow REALTORS®, I’m running for Director to bring tech-forward out-of-the-box solutions to our most pressing challenges.
The NAR settlement has upended our business model. I’ll champion tools and programs to help you articulate value and navigate buyer representation agreements and the CCP with confidence.
Many say they are missing critical updates while drowning in emails. Let’s take a review of our outreach and provide solutions and services to cut through the noise so you get the information you need where you need it, and when you need it.
The statistics say that 74% of our fellow REALTORS didn’t close a sale in 2024. I will push for continued high-level programming and tech-focused MLS member-only benefits to help our members generate more business.
As a tech-savvy broker with 20+ years of experience, I understand these aren’t just irritations—they’re barriers to your success. My commitment: transform CDAR into a more nimble, responsive, and tech-forward Association that empowers your business regardless of what those outside forces may throw at you.
