Field Notes:
GA Chapter RLI Members
Quarterly Newsletter
Summer Edition 2026
Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of Field Notes, our Georgia Chapter RLI Members Newsletter. Inside you'll find key updates, property rights and current gov issues, member spotlights, and valuable resources for land professionals.
Happy Summer!!
Just like that the first two quarters of 2026 have came and went. The Georgia Chapter RLI Board extends its warmest greetings to all of our members! The first half of 2026 has been a fruitful one for the Chapter.
Be sure to read through this newsletter entirely for a complete recap of chapter happenings over the first two quarters as well as updates for some exciting events we have planned throughout the remaining two quarters of 2026!
Update From Your Chapter President:
Charles Davis, ALC
2026 GA Chapter RLI President

Reflecting on a successful first half of 2026 –
Dear Members of the RLI Georgia Chapter REALTORS® Land Institute,
Here’s a brief update on recent and upcoming Georgia Chapter activities:
  • Chapter priorities: raise visibility, grow membership, and expand timely educational programming to better serve land real estate professionals across Georgia.
  • New ALCs: Congratulations to Ryker Carter, ALC and Patrick Jones, ALC for earning their Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation this year.
  • Recent classes: Land 101 (Feb. 17, Atlanta), Mastering GAR Land Contracts & Forms for Land Transactions (Apr. 6, Carrollton), and Mastering GAR Land Contracts & Forms for Land Transactions (May 12, Savannah) provided strong turnout and valuable practical guidance.
  • Upcoming: Land mapping class August 19 at Georgia Forestry Association in Forsyth. This practical session is vital for improving business operations and client outcomes; please plan to attend.
  • Next steps: Watch for announcements with full event details and registration links. Please share events with colleagues and help us recruit new members.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we build a stronger, more connected Georgia Realtors Land Institute.
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact me at 404.788.1164 or charles1164@gmail.com
Warm Regards, Charles Davis, ALC, President, Georgia Chapter – REALTORS® Land Institute
RLI GA Chapter Summer Meeting & 3 Hour GA CE Mapping Class - August 19th
August 19th - 10AM-4PM | $50 - BBQ Lunch Included
Chapter Meeting - Updates, discussion, and networking
3 Hour GA Broker/Agent CE - Live Interactive Demonstration of Land id® led by Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM & live interactive demonstration of Acres by Greyson Fernandez.
Location: Georgia Forestry Association - 551 N Frontage Rd, Forsyth, GA 31029
SEATING IS LIMITED! THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT!

Reflecting on the 20th Anniversary of the National Land Conference which was highly successful for the Chapter!
Bringing Home The Hardware!
The 20th Anniversary of the National Land Conference held in San Antonio, TX was very fruitful for the RLI GA Chapter! Our membership has a lot to be proud of. The chapter was awarded several awards this year. We were awarded trailblazer status in the Chapter Achievement Program which is the highest tier possible. Furthermore we were named the overall Outstanding Chapter of the Year for 2025! Our Chapter Administrator Beth Moraitakis was awarded the 2025 Chapter Administrator of the Year!
Congratulations Beth Moraitakis!
Beth was awarded the 2025 Chapter Administrator of the year at NLC26! We could not be more thrilled for her! The chapter is grateful for all of Beth's hard work behind the scenes. We couldn't do it without her!
More sights and scenes from NLC26 in San Antonio!
GA Chapter Takes On The Alamo!
Many of our chapter members had a great time at the official welcome reception hosted at the Alamo!
Chapter Lunch!
This year the RLI GA Chapter had a great lunch for members in attendance. Pictured here are members of the board and admin teams. Special thanks to Farm Credit Associations of Georgia for their generous support!
The Alamo!
This year's welcome reception was held at the Alamo!
Apply For A Scholarship For ALC Courses Through RLI's Land Education Foundation
The Land Education Foundation (LEF) seeks to provide financial scholarship grants for assistance in land-based education opportunities, including the pursuit of the elite Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation. Scholarships cover the cost of one course and are available per person, per year. If you or someone you know might be interested, please download and complete the full scholarship application.
For a complete overview of all details, requirements, and criteria about LEF click here!
Scan the QR code to the right, or click here to access the LEF Scholarship Application!
Additional Scholarship Opportunites Are Available Through The Georgia Association of REALTORS®
For a complete overview of the GAR scholarship process and details click here.
Scan the QR code to the left, or click here to access the GAR Scholarship Application.
Upcoming Courses & Events
by Beth Moriatakis, GA Chapter Admin - Events Coordinator
Mastering GAR Land Contracts & Forms - 4 Hours GA Broker/Agent CE
Instructor: Leslie Vaughan Simmons PC & Date: August 13th
August 13th - 10AM - 3PM | $30 Lunch Included
Location: Phoenix Systems Training Facility - 6470 Corporate Court, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/gachapterrealtorlandinstitute/2235439
Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage | LANDU | ALC Core Course - August 17th-18th
Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers in Atlanta
For brokers/agents who are pursuing the ALC designation, or those who simply want to increase their knowledge about selling land. Land 101 is an excellent course, and one of three core courses required by RLI for the ALC designation. Course approved for 14 GA CE hours by Academy of Land Specials - GREC Approved School #7806 Expires 12/31/2028
August 17th-18th | Pricing- ALC: $175 | RLI Member: $200 | Non-Member: $225
Location: 5775-D Glenridge Dr #100, Atlanta, GA 30328
Instructor: Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM
Registration coming soon!

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RLI GA Chapter Summer Meeting & 3 Hour GA CE Mapping Class - August 19th
August 19th - 10AM-4PM | $50 - BBQ Lunch Included
Chapter Meeting - Updates, discussion, and networking
3 Hour GA Broker/Agent CE - Live Interactive Demonstration of Land id® led by Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM & live interactive demonstration of Acres by Greyson Fernandez.
Location: Georgia Forestry Association - 551 N Frontage Rd, Forsyth, GA 31029
SEATING IS LIMITED! THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT!
September 24th-25th - 2026 Southeastern Land Conference
Wilmington, NC - Hosted by the RLI Carolinas Chapter*
Network, learn, and stay ahead at THE event for land professionals across the Southeast!
Early bird pricing only $199! Regular registration $249! Don't wait! Secure your spot early to capitalize on the discount!
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Tax Deferred 1031 Exchanges | LANDU | ALC Specialty Course - October 19th-20th Savannah Area REALTORS®
Discover how a property can be sold and a replacement property purchased without incurring any federal income taxes on the sale. Gain and impress clients with a working knowledge on how to save them money when conducting transactions as well as what tax deferred options there are to increase income or adapt to the needs of their changing lifestyle.
October 19th-20th | Pricing- ALC: $175 | RLI Member: $200 | Non-Member: $225
Location: Savannah Area REALTORS® 7015 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
Instructor: Jim Miller, Esq.
Registration coming soon!
Mastering GAR Land Contracts & Forms - 4 Hours GA Broker/Agent CE
Instructor: Leslie Vaughan Simmons PC & Date: August 13th
For Brokers/Agents looking to sharpen their skillset, and level up their knowledge of GAR Land Contracts and Forms. The course is $30, and lunch is included. Approved for 4 Hours GA Broker/Agent CE.
RLI GA Chapter Wants Your Feedback for Upcoming Classes!
Please scan the QR code to the left and fill out our form regarding future land classes hosted by the RLI GA Chapter. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard by selecting the classes you most desire the chapter to offer. Scan the QR code or click here!
Special thanks to our Course Instructors!
Leslie Simmons
FOUNDER & ATTORNEY
ABOUT LESLIE
Leslie Simmons opened her law practice in 2003 and has been serving the Cartersville community with dedication and expertise ever since. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology (1995) and earned her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law (2000).
AREAS OF PRACTICE
  • Real Estate Closings
  • Tree Trespass
  • Real Property Litigation
  • Adoptions
  • Domestic Law
  • Probate
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Beyond the courtroom and conference table, Leslie is committed to giving back to her community. She serves on the Board of Bartow Family Resources, mentors youth at her church, and enjoys an active lifestyle as a dedicated runner and triathlete.
Douglas P. McManamy
Following his graduation from Hampden-Sydney College and Georgia State University College of Law, Douglas (Doug) McManamy began practicing law in 1993. For the first ten years of his practice, he represented and opposed some of this country’s largest corporations in litigation across the southeast. In 2005, he opened his own practice and began representing privately held businesses as general legal counsel along with representing lenders in asset or real estate backed lending.
Doug has served as a member of his parish Vestry, was the Secretary of the Board of Managers of the Savannah Golf Club for 15 years and has held Board and Officer positions at Hancock Day School since 2004. Doug is married with two adult sons.
Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM
Raborn joined the Firm as an Associate Broker. Raborn is a graduate of The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a Real Estate degree. Raborn is originally from Sandersville, Georgia and has served as the Education Chair, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute and teaches the Land 101 course, Recreational Land, and Land Investment Analysis. The Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land institute received the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2026 National Land Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Raborn currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute. He has over 20 years of real estate sales experience in land sales and commercial properties. Raborn has an extensive background in land sales including timberland, farmland, and recreational property. Raborn is an ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) Designation and holds the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Designation. Raborn holds real estate licenses in Georgia, Alabama, & Tennessee. Raborn also holds a Georgia Auctioneers License and is able to serve your Georgia Auction needs. GAL #4744.
Jim Miller, Esq.
Jim Miller is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for IPX1031. Prior to joining IPX1031 in 2003, Jim was a mortgage banker for six years in Arizona and he practiced law for fourteen years in the State of New York. As an attorney he represented buyers, sellers, homebuilders and developers in commercial and residential real estate transactions ranging from multi-million dollar shopping centers to single-family homes.
The States of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington have certified Jim to teach continuing education classes to their real estate licensees.
He is an approved instructor for the REALTORS® Land Institute as well as being a frequent lecturer to attorneys, CPAs and financial planners on the subject of §1031 Exchanges.
Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Villanova University School of Law. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New York and a registered In-House Counsel in the State of Arizona.
David A Howard
David A. Howard, Attorneys at Law, LLC is a south Atlanta based law firm that provides professional real estate settlement services for home buyers, sellers, investors, and lenders throughout the state of Georgia.
Property Rights & Legislative Advocacy Updates
by Greyson Fernandez, GA Chapter Admin - RLI Nat'l Liason
GA Wildlife Conservation Advocacy
A forward-looking strategy to conserve Georgia’s natural resources.
Guiding the state through the next decade of ecological stewardship is the newly released 2025–2035 Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP),
Georgia Rural Development
Today in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $501 million in investments for 59 rural development projects and an additional $405 million in affordable housing in communities across the state of Georgia.
Ag Economy Update
New Georgia bill expands tax incentives for land conservation. Applications open through December 2025.The Georgia Conservation Tax Credit is one of the strongest mechanisms for land conservation in the state
The RLI Government Affairs Committee continues advocating for land professionals. Contact our legislative liaison to support these initiatives.
RLI Advocacy REALTORS® Land Institute > Resources > RLI Advocacy
Membership Benefits
Recognition
"Best of the Best" awards for top performers
Leadership
Chapter committee and board opportunities
Networking
Connect with top land professionals nationwide
Education
Exclusive access to LANDU courses and certification
Members report increased business opportunities and professional development.
Member Resources: Georgia > Resources
Congratulations New ALCs!
Ryker Carter, ALC
Keller Williams Land - Carter Group
Saint Simons, GA

Patrick Jones, ALC
Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty
Rocky Face, GA
The ALC designation represents the pinnacle of land expertise. Congratulations to these two chapter members for earning the ALC designation, and getting to walk across the stage at NLC26 in San Antonio to receive their ALC pins from RLI National President Geoff Hurdle, ALC.
Welcome New RLI GA Chapter Members!
Jacqueline Ludy
The Ludy Group LLC
Emerson, GA

Dan Singletary
Singletree Inc
Forsyth, GA

Nathan Greer
AFM Real Estate
Macon, GA

Casey Garrett
Garrett Land Company
Rockmart, GA
Adam Griffin
Georgia Land Company
Macon, GA

The RLI GA Chapter warmly welcomes all of our new members! We're excited to have you, and strongly encourage you get involved with chapter meetings/events to maximize your membership benefits!
Locate a Fellow Member!
Find an RLI Member
Join Us on Social Media
Georgia RLI Chapter
Connect with peers and industry leaders
@GeorgiaRLI
Latest events and member spotlights
Use #GARLI and #LandExperts to share your successes and connect with fellow members!
RLI Land Line
Got questions, ask questions and pitch deals using the new RLI Land Line message board were 100's share their resourses and.
Your GA Chapter RLI Board Officers & Directors
2025-2026
President
Charles Davis, ALC

Vice President
Kyle Cato, ALC
Treasurer
Sam Bowers, ALC
2024 Nat'l RLI President
Secretary
Greyson Fernandez

Directors

Immediate Past President - Director Raborn Taylor III, ALC, CCIM Director - Past President '23 Elena Stanfield, ALC Director - Past President '22 Mike Garrett,

Directors

Dan Crocker, ALC Director - EmeritusNat'l Past President Bob Hatcher

Administration

Events & PartnersCourse Facilitator Beth Moraitakis Marketing & MembershipCourse Facilitator Jerrod A Trainer, ALC, CCIM Course CE & Course CreationAcademy of Land SpecialistsGREC Approved School FD Bell

Member Action Items:
Mark Your Calendar
RLI GA Chapter Summer Meeting & 3 Hour GA CE Mapping Class - August 19th
Join us for our summer meeting in Forsyth | August 19
Host an RLI LANDU Course, GAR Land Contracts Course, or Lunch & Learn in Your Area
Brokerage or Local Realtor Board
Grow Our Community
Invite a colleague to our next event
Your active participation makes our chapter stronger! We appreciate your continued commitment to excellence in land brokerage.
Member Spotlight: Elena Stanfield, ALC
Long time chapter member, board member, previous Chapter President, and owner of Twisted Spur Cattle Co, Elena Stanfield, ALC recently hosted a Beef Cattle Field Day at her farm in Thomaston. The field day was hosted in conjunction with the USDA, and the University of Georgia.
This was an excellent opportunity for our members who were interested in taking a deep dive into beef cattle production. The event featured a fantastic lineup of speakers who covered topics such as the ranch, NRCS/FSA programs, contractors, weed spraying, conservation, and facilities.
Member Spotlight: Dan Crocker, ALC
Long time chapter member, board member, previous Chapter President, and Broker of Crocker Realty Inc, Dan Crocker, ALC recently attended an excellent training workshop hosted by Tall Timbers.

This was an excellent learning opportunity regarding conservation easements throughout the Red Hills Region in South Georgia/North Florida.
Be Seen In Field Notes:
Share Your RLI Membership Experience
by Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - GA Chapter Admin - Marketing Coordinator
Collaborate on Deals
Write about a transaction with a fellow RLI Member and how collaboration led to success
Your ALC Journey
Share your path to becoming an Accredited Land Consultant and the impact on your career
First NLC Experience
Tell us about your first National Land Conference and the connections you made
Mentorship Stories
Is there an RLI Member who was a strong mentor in your professional development?
Submit your stories for our "Field Notes Newsletter" to showcase member experiences and inspire our community
Attn: Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - GA Chapter Admin Marketing
jerrodatrainer@gmail.com
Stay Connected: Contact Us
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Membership Support
Chapter Admin
Beth Moraitakis - Chapter Admin
Greyson Fernandez - RLI National Liaison
Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - Marketing Admin
FD Bell - Education Coordinator
info@georgiarli.org
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Online Resources
Member portal access: rliland.com/members
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