Heather is a commercial associate broker in Richmond; she holds her CCIM designation.  She also owns Placer Realty Advisors, a commercial appraisal firm and is an MAI designated appraiser. Heather is a 2025 graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy, current chair of the NAR Commercial Leadership Forum and 2024 NAR Commercial Economic and Trends Forum Chair.  She currently serves on the Virginia Association of Realtors Board of Directors and regularly teaches seminars on for residential agents interested in commercial brokerage.  

Outside of NAR, Heather has served on several other national boards including the Appraisal Institute and CCIM Boards of Directors.  She is currently a governor appointed member of the Virginia Real Estate Appraisal Board.

Heather holds two master’s degrees (one in real estate).  In her spare time she volunteers with several animal rescue groups; she has extensive nonprofit experience, having founded a local 501C3.  She resides in Moseley with her husband Ryder, who is also a Realtor.

Tim Churchwell, CCIM.  Currently serves as Chairman for NAR Commercial Economic Trends Committee and member of the Commercial Committee and Research Committee.  Past Global Board of Directors The CCIM Institute and present member of the global marketing committee for The CCIM Institute.  

Nathan Hughes is the Owner and Principal Broker of Sperity Real Estate Ventures, a Richmond-based commercial real estate firm focused exclusively on small business owners. He came to the business through finance and a decade working inside restaurants and small businesses, which shaped how he thinks about every deal. He holds the CCIM designation and has spent years serving the Realtor association at the local, state, and national levels, including his role as 2020 Chair of NAR's Commercial Federal Policy Committee and his current role as 2026 Chair of NAR's Commercial Committee. As Treasurer of Richmond's Economic Development Authority Board, he works alongside the people making financing and incentive decisions that shape the commercial market from the ground up. Every agent on his team came to Sperity with little to no commercial experience, so he has spent his career thinking carefully about what it actually takes to make that transition successfully.

Cheryl Knowlton, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), is a nationally recognized real estate speaker, broker, and compliance expert, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Known as “The Compliance Queen”, Cheryl is dedicated to helping real estate professionals master the complexities of compliance, risk management mastery and leadership while driving their businesses to new heights.  

As a licensed real estate broker, Cheryl is a certified instructor who has trained tens of thousands of real estate professionals across the United States and internationally, equipping agents and brokers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly regulated market. She has created two Utah pre-licensing schools and is a trusted authority on critical risk management topics, leadership and ethical business practices. Cheryl’s ability to simplify complex legal issues and deliver them with humor, heart, and expertise sets her apart as one of the most in-demand compliance experts and real estate speakers in the country. 

In addition to her work as a compliance specialist, Cheryl is a three-time author, whose books focus on empowering real estate professionals to achieve excellence while staying grounded in their values. She is also the host of a Global Top 10% podcast _________, where she shares insights and interviews thought leaders in real estate, leadership, and personal development. Cheryl’s thought-provoking content reaches a wide audience of real estate professionals who are eager to stay ahead of industry trends and challenges. 

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest designation awarded by the National Speakers Association, Cheryl consistently delivers powerful presentations that leave a lasting impact. Whether she’s speaking at national real estate conferences, corporate training events, or workshops, Cheryl captivates audiences with her engaging delivery, deep industry knowledge, and practical takeaways. Her signature talks cover topics such as compliance mastery, leadership development, overcoming burnout, and change management, all designed to help professionals elevate their careers and lead with integrity. 

Cheryl’s message is deeply influenced by her personal journey as an adoptee with a challenging upbringing. Having faced adversity early on, she has learned the importance of resilience, self-awareness and authenticity, and she brings these lessons into her speaking, coaching, and leadership development programs. Cheryl is also a certified ICF coach, helping real estate professionals and leaders unlock their full potential through personal growth and strategic development. 

On the Personal Side: 

Cheryl is joyfully married to her Prince Charming, Rick. They love to travel, ski and hike. Together, they have of 14 grandchildren. In her spare time, Cheryl has completed 31 half marathons. When she’s not working, you’ll find her hanging out with her loyal dog Scooby, planning her next trip to Disney, finding joy in family time, reading, or screaming loudly for her favorite football teams.