As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we pay tribute to the profound impact of women on history, culture, and society. Within the Alabama Association of REALTORS®, there’s no better occasion than this to reflect on the pioneering achievements of AAR’s first five female presidents.

Nancy Green-Burg, Harriett Isaacson, Jamie Praytor, Mickey Phillips, and Jimmie Ann Campbell all made significant contributions to Alabama’s real estate industry. Green-Burg blazed trails as the Association’s first female president back in 1984, while Praytor's presidency is remembered as one of the most cherished in AAR’s history. Isaacson and Phillips are honored with state awards bearing their names, and Campbell continues her dedicated service as a commissioner for the Alabama Real Estate Commission.

"We were truly fortunate to have these remarkable women in our profession," remarked Henry Ray, 1991 President of Alabama REALTORS® who served alongside each of the women. "They led with grace and skill, and their profound sense of identity was inspiring."

They earned statewide office at a time when men predominantly held the top positions. Gradually, over time, they changed the face – and the prevailing attitude – of Alabama’s real estate industry. 

Now, in 2024, there are more female REALTORS® than there are men, boasting 61% majority in Alabama and 62% nationwide. 

"Each of these women ran operations impeccably, despite encountering initial resistance due to their gender,” noted Starke Irvine, friend of the “first five” and 1988 President of Alabama REALTORS®. “Having worked closely with many of them, I witnessed firsthand their exceptional talent and capabilities. When it comes to real estate, I'd choose a woman over a man any day. Women have a unique insight and efficiency that men often lack."

Over the course of 20 years, these women made an impact on the real estate industry at every level. 

Green-Burg's influence extended beyond Alabama as she became the state’s first regional vice president for the National Association of REALTORS®. "My involvement with NAR meant a lot to me and gave me self-confidence," she shared. "I was able to find out how people from other states were solving problems in their area, which made me a better leader back home in Alabama."

Recognizing the need for continuing education, Green-Burg spearheaded the initiation of CE courses in Alabama. "We didn’t have any CE back then," she recalled. "Through NAR, I learned the importance of staying up to date on rules and regulations within our industry. I wanted to ensure that REALTORS® in Alabama were complying with what needed to be done."

As the first female president of AAR, Green-Burg set the stage for future generations of women in leadership roles. Reflecting on her presidency, she emphasized, "As president, decision-making falls on you. Becoming a leader instills in you the responsibility to make decisions, and sometimes those decisions are not easy. You must do what’s best for the Association, not what’s best for you and your image."

Green-Burg continues to be active in the real estate profession, emphasizing the unique impact of being a REALTOR®. "I always thought it was great to be able to help people," she remarked. “I’ve had clients from years ago come up to me and say, ‘You don’t remember me, but you sold me my first house.’ Hearing that means a lot to me."

That part of her life, as her son Chris recalled, provided some of the most rewarding moments in Isaacson’s career.

“She also did a lot of teaching for the Real Estate Commission,” Isaacson said. “She loved it. That’s where she spent her later years, transitioning away from active work and dedicating herself to education.”

When asked about his mother’s motivation behind a career in real estate, Isaacson said, “My mother never went to college, and she saw real estate as an opportunity to build a career in a field where formal education was not a requirement. Although she wasn't selling during real estate’s most lucrative years, she cherished the ability to pursue a fulfilling career and earn professional recognition without a college degree."

As one of only two female presidents in AAR’s history at the time, Isaacson played a key role in establishing the framework for female leadership within Alabama’s real estate industry. She was recognized and respected for her work ethic and wanted other women to have the same opportunity. 

“While she was a people-person, she was very organized and motivated. I think that played into her success. Real estate became part of her identity. It wasn’t just a job to her and it was much more than her career. It was a calling. Yes, it was a way for her to earn money, but it was equally a way for her to help people.” 

Praytor is considered a trailblazer and an inspiration by both men and women who had the privilege of serving along side her. When asked what made her friend so beloved, Nancy Green-Burg said, “Jamie just commanded a presence. She was so sunny, so full of life. She was just an individual that you couldn’t help but like.”

Before her passing, her service to the community was honored by the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS® with the creation of the Jamie C. Praytor Humanitarian Award. Jamie believed in giving back to her community and served on numerous boards, including the Allied Arts Council, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and the USA Small Business Development Center, among many others.

Upon her passing, U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner praised her life in the U.S. House of Representatives, noting, “Jamie was an institution among Alabama REALTORS®.”

Alabama REALTORS® established the Mickey Phillips REALTORS® for Children Award in her honor to recognize members who devote time and resources to unselfishly invest in children through projects and programs that focus on their needs.

“Mickey stands out as one of our most cherished past presidents,” Ray said reminiscing. “Her tenure at Lake Martin was marked by remarkable success. Not only was she exceptionally knowledgeable, but she also exuded warmth, kindness, and genuine concern for others as opposed to herself. She was one of the most selfless individuals I’ve ever known.”

Campbell saw the need for female leadership within her industry almost immediately. Reflecting on her career, she said, “When I first became a REALTOR®, the industry was exclusively male dominated, and that’s just the way it was.”

This struck Campbell as an issue, given the key role that women play when family units purchase a home. Campbell elaborated, stating, “I frequently encountered male clients who prioritized their wife’s satisfaction and happiness when choosing a home, highlighting the special connection between female REALTORS® and female buyers.”

Campbell has served on committees for the National Association of REALTORS® and is an NAR Omega Tau Rho and a REALTOR® Emeritus. She is a member of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association where she previously served as an instructor for the Graduate Builders Institute certification.