Kwilosz and Shaffer named to NAR’s 2026 Leadership Academy Class

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) announced selections for its 2026 Leadership Academy today and it includes Brian Kwilosz, of Downers Grove, and Brandon Shaffer, of Bloomington.

The academy is a 10-month program that teaches 20 REALTORS® from around the country, the history, structure and inner workings of NAR in preparation for future leadership positions in the association.

"The Leadership Academy reflects NAR's commitment to empowering our members and ensuring the future of our association is shaped by leaders who reflect the strength and diversity of our profession," said NAR President Kevin Sears in a news release. "The 2026 class brings together a remarkable group whose perspectives and experiences will help drive innovation, collaboration and meaningful impact at every level of the organization."

Brian Kwilosz

Brian Kwilosz is part of the leadership team at EXIT Real Estate Partners in Downers Grove and is a member of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®. Kwilosz has been actively involved in his local association as well as with Illinois REALTORS®. He has served multiple terms on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors and has chaired the association's YPN Advisory Group, Business Issues Forum, Leadership Development Working Group and the RPAC Fundraising Group. He graduated from the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Program in 2018.

Brandon Shaffer

Brandon Shaffer is a broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Central Illinois with offices in Bloomington/Normal and Champaign. He is a member and past president of Mid-Illinois REALTORS® Association. Shaffer has served multiple terms on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors, REEF Board of Directors and has chaired the association's Leadership Development Working Group, Local Government Affairs Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Business Forum. He graduated from the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Program in 2016 and is a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame.

The NAR Leadership Academy will begin in January 2026 and culminate in November 2026 at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience in New Orleans. For more information about NAR's Leadership Academy, including individual session summaries and resources for prospective 2027 applicants, visit nar.realtor/leadershipacademy. The application period for the 2027 class runs from November 12, 2025, through February 10, 2026.