SJREIA 2025 Board Elections CANDIDATES
VOTING ONLINE
Begins at 9 am on 11/18 (Monday) and ends 11/19 (Tuesday) at noon.
VOTING IN-PERSON
11/19 (Tuesday) at the November Cherry Hill Main Meeting from 6:15 to 7:15 pm
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES BELOW - Please take a few minutes to show your support of our candidates and VOTE in November - thanks!
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
(Current Vice President) Carmen Sarlo
Carmen joined SJREIA in 1995. Experienced in Buy & Hold, Landlording, Tax Sale Liens, Wholesaling and Flips. Currently an active investor and real estate agent, REO agent, BPO agent and Property Manager.
In addition to being the current Vice President of SJREIA, he is the Leader of SJREIA’s Newbie’s Subgroup. At these meetings he holds an “open discussion forum” approach with special presentations based on topics of interest requested by meeting attendees and trending real estate investing issues.
CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
(Current Treasurer) Donna Topham
I have been an active SJREIA member for over 20 years and have volunteered in numerous capacities through the years. I am currently the Treasurer and am up for re-election. I have been the hands on in most SJREIA events including the annual EXPO, annual picnic, and holiday party. I support the rest of the Executive Board, Board and staff with behind the scenes planning on all club matters.
Prior to Real Estate I was in Banking for 27 years. My RE experience is mostly in rehabbing appx 25 properties mostly in Camden and Burlington counties. I also own and manage a few rentals and have done several wholesale deals. I attend as many meetings as time permits to continue to learn, share knowledge and network for opportunities.
I credit SJREIA volunteer subgroup leaders, speakers, several business affiliates and various experienced members among us for providing quality information that has gotten me to this point in my real estate career. If you need help, just ask. I always do my best to pay it forward with current and future members.
CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS (vote for 3)
Candidate (Current Board Member) Michael J Lerman - VIDEO MESSAGE CLICK HERE
My name is Michael J. Lerman. I was born and raised in NJ, and have lived here all my life. I have been a business affiliate of SJREIA for several years and have served on the board for 3 years.
My professional background is in Operations. I was the COO for Truefoods running over 500 restaurants nationwide. I have owned and operated a variety of businesses in addition to real estate. My experience also includes running real estate networking meetings. I have a large network of real estate colleagues and entrepreneurs that I connect with. Also, I have been the board president and VP of several different Condo Associations across NJ.
I have been buying and flipping real estate for over 20 years. Currently, I own over 400 Apartments and I self manage them all. I purchase about 5-7 properties a year. In addition, I have my real estate license which I utilize for investment purposes only.
I have a wealth of knowledge to share. I really enjoy helping new investors in the real estate world. I have mentored many new investors over the years. I live locally in Cherry Hill. I am self employed and have a flexible schedule.
Candidate (Current board member) George Russo - VIDEO MESSAGE CLICK HERE
- I've been a member since 2017
- I attend most live main meetings
- I have been actively volunteering when called upon by board members (check in assistance at main meetings and Expo)
- I'm an active Landlord and fix &flip investor
- I would like to be a SJREIA board member to offer my time and expertise to the REIA members. I currently get called by "newbies" and volunteer time with them to help those with questions on RE investing.
- I believe I could be a benefit to the SJREIA Executives in helping with upcoming activities. I have a strong belief in what the SJREIA and National REIA offer and persistently recruiting those towards our REIA who wish to be RE investors. You may recognize me from meetings and front desk registration helper to Maria and of course our wonderful Christmas parties.
Candidate (Current board member) Rhonda Lake - VIDEO MESSAGE CLICK HERE
I'm Rhonda Lake, a dedicated real estate investor, wife, mother, and grandmother. I'm passionate about empowering others to step into their destiny and navigate life with purpose.
I've been a member of SJREIA since 2020 and I'm seeking re-election to the board. As a current board member, I'm committed to serving the organization's mission through continuous active involvement. I review and process business affiliate applications as the BA Administrator and foster a welcoming atmosphere as a Front Desk Check-in Greeter. Additionally, I co-led the design of our new board member polo shirts and regularly participated in annual events like the EXPO, summer picnic, and the holiday party.
Beyond my board duties, I'm a Real Estate Investor/Agent, specializing in mid-term rental strategies and the former Meetup Leader and Organizer for the South Jersey InvestHer group (an organization designed to support and empower women in the real estate investment industry). I'm guided by Faith, Family and Furry Friends! 
Candidate Joseph V Scorese - VIDEO MESSAGE CLICK HERE
- SJREIA member since 2006
- Current SJREIA Business Affiliate
- Volunteering Experience - Ran Burlington/Camden County Subgroup, Assisted in bringing in several Subgroup Leaders and reestablish Subgroups in SJREIA, Also provided educational speakers and vendors to the REIA
- Reason I want to join the Board –To establish and provide more up to date Real Estate News & Trends to the REIA
Professional Bio - Senior Loan Analyst
- A Business Development Pro with a proven track record in Asset Based Lending (ABL) Nationwide
- Strong understanding of the underwriting/creditworthiness of potential clients
- Sense of urgency and ability to travel for potential sales meetings/client visits.
- A quick assessment of current pipeline & account executives
- Add additional programs & products for client base inquiries.
- Development Broker & Correspondent Relationships Nationwide
Sincerely,
Elections Committee
Ron Odom, Chairman
