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Russ Lyon SIR Names Kevin Gonzales as Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Gonzales brings 27 years of real estate experience to the role, all within the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty umbrella.

Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the internal promotion of a long-time team member to a critically important role.

Kevin Gonzales was recently promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Gonzales brings with him 27 years of expansive experience at the luxury brokerage, and he most recently served as the company’s vice president of operations. Gonzales’ passion for real estate began in 1996 when he started with Russ Lyon Realty Company. A consistent top producer, Gonzales decided to step away from the sales side in 2007 and accepted a position as the Branch Manager of the Russ Lyon Realty Pinnacle Peak Office.

In 2019, Gonzales was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, where, in addition to continuing to manage the Pinnacle Peak Office, he was given the additional responsibilities of supervising all areas of operations, which included overseeing the managing brokers of each branch as well as the operations departments, which is comprised of the firm’s marketing, relocation, IT, training, and agent development functions.

“Kevin Gonzales has been a tremendous asset to our brokerage since he joined us in 1996. There is probably no one more seasoned or better at overseeing so many diverse areas of our operations than Kevin. Between his vast knowledge of real estate, his leadership and his great ability to work with people, we couldn’t be prouder to continue to elevate Kevin here at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gonzales assumed the Chief Operating Officer role on January 1st, 2024. In addition to the responsibilities noted above in his capacity as Vice President of Operations, Gonzales will be more involved in expanding the brand and sourcing new technology and systems to add additional value to the firm and its agents.

“Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is a special place,” said Gonzales. “I am especially grateful to this incredible organization and committed to assisting all of our branch managers, department heads, brokers, agents and back-office personnel to offer our clients the highest level of service and success in the industry.”

In addition to the promotion of Gonzales, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has had several other noteworthy personnel changes. 44-year veteran of the firm, Deems Dickinson, recently announced his retirement; he was most recently in the role of Designated Broker for the state of Arizona. Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson was promoted from the role of Managing Broker to replace Dickinson as the firm’s Designated Broker.

Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Names Bret Lamberson as Designated Broker

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces The Promotion of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson as The Brokerage’s New Statewide Designated Broker

Lamberson has assumed the role of statewide Designated Broker, succeeding the retiring Deems Dickinson.

Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is pleased to announce the appointment of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson to lead the brokerage’s most crucial role.


Bret Lamberson will be taking on the role of statewide Designated Broker and replacing Deems
Dickinson, who is retiring after 44 years with the brokerage. A Designated Broker is heavily involved
in the operations of running the company and managing critical functions such as hiring new agents,
establishing policies and procedures for the firm, overseeing all real estate contracts, and setting
company goals.


“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the trust that Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
has shown by bestowing this opportunity onto me. Deems Dickinson has left some massive and
inspiring shoes to fill, but at the same time, he serves as an excellent role model and mentor as we
embark on some historic times overseeing some of the state’s most significant sales,” said
Lamberson.


Lamberson, who grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, was an exemplary student and athlete,
excelling in his studies, alpine skiing racing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. He joined Russ
Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005 quickly ascended to one of the top Realtors in Flagstaff.
“Bret is a brilliant and very forward-thinking talent in our company. He not only
brings the legal background and very vast knowledge of our real estate laws and contracts, but he
also has the people skills to lead our growing network of 950 agents, which now expands to 13 offices
across the state and continues to grow in the luxury sector,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.


Lamberson, who moved to San Francisco in 2012, earned his law degree and was admitted to the
California State Bar, where he practiced real estate and immigration law. Family and the draw of all things Arizona brought him back to Flagstaff in 2018, where he was admitted into the Arizona State
Bar and appointed Managing Broker of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Flagstaff
offices. On January 1st, 2024, he assumed the role of Designated Broker for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
International Realty statewide.


Lamberson and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time between the high country and
their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their children: their two-year old son
Hendricks and one-month-old daughter Willa Jane.

In The News, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Deems Dickinson Retires as Designated Broker and President

Accomplished Designated Broker and President Deems Dickinson of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Retires and Reflects on 44 Years Guiding Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage.

Dickinson Led a Team of 900+ Agents and Oversaw Four Decades of Real Estate Transactions at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Including Some of the State’s Highest Sales.

Arizona’s Luxury Leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty announces with great regards and gratitude the retirement of one of its longest-tenured and most impactful company leaders.


Deems Dickinson has been part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family for an
incredible 44 years, retiring as President and Designated Broker, a role that he held for 14 years with
the firm, having previously served as Managing Broker of 5 different offices for 25 years on behalf
of the company.


Dickinson ended his career as a REALTOR Emeritus and exemplified a spirit of service and a
lifetime of learning, as he served as an Advisory Council Member of the Russ Lyon Foundation, on
the Board of Directors of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), and on the Board
of Directors of The Realty Alliance. He had previously been on the Board of Directors for the
National Association of REALTORS, the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the
Scottsdale and Arizona Associations of REALTORS, and served as the Director of Training for the
Elite School of Real Estate.


Reflecting on his career, Dickinson said, “As the steward of such a remarkable company, I have had
many opportunities in the real estate industry locally, across the state of Arizona, and nationally,
which allowed me to grow my career to what it is today. I will always cherish the lifelong friendships
and business relationships that I have developed over the last 44 years.”

As for what’s next for Dickinson, he is looking forward to schedule-free mornings, time with his
wife Betsy, their grandchildren, and adult children, traveling and volunteering for causes they care
about. He also looks forward to enjoying his passion for the outdoors in greater depth, including
fishing, jeeping, hiking and camping, golf, and pickleball. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
thanks him for both how he helped the firm grow, as well as the personalized expertise and warm,
white-glove service he provided to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.


“It is with an overwhelming amount of gratitude and pride and that we congratulate Deems on 44 years with our company. I began working with Deems when my father Dennis Lyon, was still running the company many decades ago. Deems’ knowledge, patience, and leadership has not only
been an inspiration to all our agents but also to my own family and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him these last four decades. We will miss him tremendously, but we know he will have some great times ahead in retirement.”

Jim Lyon, Owner and Chairman of Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty


Dickinson will be succeeded as the statewide Designated Broker by Bret Lamberson. Lamberson
grew up in Flagstaff, AZ, and joined Russ Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005. Lamberson is a licensed
attorney in Arizona and California. He and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time in
their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their two young children.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Lealah Ciaramitaro

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Lealah Ciaramitaro to the West Valley Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Lealah Ciaramitaro has been a resident of Arizona for more than two decades, primarily establishing her home in the west valley. With a background encompassing over twenty years of sales experience and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her profession. Lealah is a skilled negotiator who prioritizes listening to her clients’ needs and diligently works to fulfill their interests.

Currently residing in North Peoria, Lealah shares her home with her husband and their two children. As a family, they have a penchant for travel and enjoy exploring new restaurants throughout the valley. Lealah’s commitment to her clients is straightforward—she strives to provide the utmost assistance in guiding them through their next property sale or purchase. With experience in both the resale and new build markets, she relishes the exhilarating quest for the perfect home.

Arizona holds a special place in Lealah’s heart, and she cherishes the vibrant sense of community and the opportunity to bring people together. In her dedication to fostering a stronger community, she has served on the board of a local preschool and actively participated in a ministry aimed at supporting children in the area.

Lealah will make a sensational addition to our team at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty-West Valley Office. She is enthusiastic and eager to incorporate our branding into her real estate business model. We are excited to have her representing our brand to grow the North Peoria marketplace that she calls home! Her attention to detail and experience will be a great asset to her clients, colleagues, and the real estate profession as a whole. Welcome, Lealah!

Cindy Smith, Managing Broker
Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kristen Boyd

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Kristen Boyd to the Southeast Valley Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Kristen is truly an amazing human with an ability to communicate and negotiate for her clients that allow desired results. Kristen’s ability to problem solve and her attention to detail combined with an outstanding work ethic make her a wonderful addition to our award-winning Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Southeast valley team.

Cathy Green, Managing Broker

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Davis 19 years ago, Kristen Boyd relocated from California to the beautiful Arizona desert. For the past 16 years, Kristen has lived in Chandler and is the mother of four awesome kids.

Kristen has always been interested in real estate and is now fortunate enough to do it for a living. She chose real estate as a career path because it allows her to use the customer service and people skills she acquired during a 15-year career in the sales and marketing industry. It also offers her an opportunity to serve the community that she loves.

She understands and knows the dynamics of the local real estate market and what it takes to succeed. You’ll have a lot of questions during your real estate transaction. You deserve to know what is happening at all times and what needs to happen to reach the finish line. That’s why Kristen works extra hard to keep her clients informed and to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible.

When Kristen not helping her clients, she enjoys spending time with her four children. She also enjoys cooking, fitness, sports, hiking, reading, and music.

Agency, Community, Entertainment, In The News, Inspiration, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Sotheby’s International Realty Top 100

In celebration of Sotheby’s International Realty®’s record-breaking accomplishment in 2021, the President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty®, Philip White, has personally invited the Top 100 Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and teams worldwide to celebrate an evening in New York City. This evening will take place on Thursday, November 3, to congratulate and recognize these global real estate advisors’ success and contributions.

Sotheby’s Top 100:

Aazami, Frank – Russ Lyon SIR

Adlam, Chris – Vista SIR

Adlam, Valerie  – Vista SIR

Arias, Ralph – One SIR

Aurich, Scott – Pacific SIR

Baldwin, Karen – Russ Lyon SIR

Behr, Josh – LIV SIR

Benoit, Debi – Gibson SIR

Benoit, Kathleen – Russ Lyon SIR

Boardman, Serena – East Side Manhattan SIR

Bodenchak, Frank  – Bridgehampton SIR 

Bodenchak, Dawn – Bridgehampton SIR 

Boyd, Cam – Steamboat SIR 

Brizolis, K. Ann – Pacific SIR 

Brown, Kevin – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Bullock, Bill – Golden Gate SIR 

Burns, Jeff – Pacific SIR

Burns, Tiffany – Pacific SIR

Cain, John – Pacific SIR

Canning, Jessica – Carmel SIR 

Canning, Nancy – Carmel SIR

Canning, Nie – Carmel SIR

Caras, Jennifer – Vista SIR 

Casabonne, Daniel – Wine Country SonomaSIR 

Corey, Heather – TTR SIR 

Cregan, Lisa  – Palm Beach SIR 

Cregan, John – Palm Beach SIR 

Curkoski, Mirce – One SIR 

Damianos, George – Damianos SIR 

Dickerson, Beth – Gibson 

Dockray, Dan – LIV SIR 

Dreyfus, Michael –  Golden Gate SIR 

Ememann, Andrew – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Field, Nikki – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Flash Blum, Mara – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Francis, Bee – Russ Lyon SIR 

Friedman, Jason – Daniel Gale SIR

Friedman, Rudi – Daniel Gale SIR

Goodman, Carrie – San Francisco SIR 

Grant, Harald – Southampton SIR 

Halum, Faisal – Briggs Freeman SIR 

Heider, Daniel – TTR SIR 

Hem, Michael – Prominent Properties SIR 

Hewitt, Susan – Golden Gate SIR 

Iantomo, Eric – Pacific SIR 

Jacka, Rylan – East Hampton SIR 

Janzen-Botts, Jennifer – Pacific SIR  

Justo, Albert – One SIR 

Juvelier, Oriana – Puerto Rico SIR 

Kappel, Brad – TTR SIR 

Klug, Chris – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Ladd, Brian – Cascade SIR  

Lavey, Eric – Beverly Hills SIR 

Lusk, Anne – Lusk & Associates SIR 

Lynn, Gregg – San Francisco SIR 

Martin, Ginger – St. Helena SIR 

Martinez, Michael – One SIR 

McCafferty, Amy – Golden Gate SIR 

McElwreath, Leslie  – Greenwich SIR 

Miller, Chandra – Maury People SIR 

Miller, Jeff – One SIR 

Mizell, Chase – Atlanta Fine Homes SIR 

Morton, Helena – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Nakagawa, C.J. – Golden Gate SIR 

Nestler, Mark – One SIR 

Noah, Marc – Beverly Hills SIR

Nobrega, Malia – LIV SIR 

O’Rourke, Lara – Gibson SIR 

Overall, Breck – Sierra SIR 

Peter, Frances – Palm Beach SIR 

Peter, Todd – Palm Beach SIR 

Poletto, John – One SIR 

Post, Russell – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Queen, Noelle – Golden Gate SIR 

Ramey, Bridget – Kuper SIR 

Rankin, Michael – TTR SIR 

Risko, Victoria – Bewerly Hills SIR 

Robinson, Chelsea – Gibson SIR 

Ryan, Hillary – St. Helea  SIR 

Sabeh, Joseph – Venture SIR 

Sansone, Linda – Pacific SIR 

Sarkissian, Lydia – Golden Gate SIR 

Sarkissian, Magda – Golden Gate SIR 

Schemmel, Joel – Premier SIR  

Schemmel, Toni  – Premier SIR  

Shone, Tina – Wine Country Sonoma SIR 

Siegenthaler, Nina – Turks & Caicos SIR  

Stein, Jeremy – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stein, Robin – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stern, Ellen – Julia B. Fee SIR

Storch, Wendy – San Francisco SIR

Tarumianz, Lex Aspen Snowmass SIR

Taylor, Molly – Ocean Reef Club SIR

Thomas, Michelle – Premier
SIR

Trotter, Dana – Bridgehampton SIR

Uribe, Jorge – One SIR

VanArsdale, Karen – Premier SIR

VanArsdale, Nina – Premier SIR

Wilcoxon, Kumara – Kuper SIR

Williams, Lea – Tomlinson  SIR

Wolski, Daniel – Russ Lyon SIR

Entertainment, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Vallè Wilkinson

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Vallè Wilkinson to the West Valley Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Vallé Wilkinson is a second-generation residential real estate agent. Having spent the last couple of decades as a trusted source for executives in global corporations, she is skilled in listening and producing results. A transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, she made her dream a reality in Arizona. Vallé wants to make your next move your best move.

Having a solid background as a trusted corporate advisor to global executives and a second-generation real estate agent, Vallé is a natural for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. With a warm and welcoming charm, this transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, has made her dream a reality in the west valley of Peoria, Arizona. We look forward to watching her business develop.

Cindy Smith, Managing Broker
Entertainment, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kimberly Wang

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Kimberly Wang to the Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Kimberly Wang has been a REALTOR® for over 18 years and is consistently in the top 1% of REALTORS® in Arizona for sales volume. Her designations include Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Keller Williams Luxury Division and Million Dollar Guild, and Certified Distressed Property Expert. Kimberly also serves on the Keller Williams Board of Directors and is an instructor on the Keller Williams Master Faculty.

She is keen on helping people fulfill the American Dream of home ownership. Even if that dream seems daunting, Kimberly gets it done for her clients by guiding them through everything from credit repair to loan applications, all while promoting the value of manifesting their dream home visions. There is no “one size fits all” in real estate, so her out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, tenacity, and passion help bring sweet harmony to every client she comes in contact with.

Meeting Kimberly was such a breath of fresh air! Organized, highly intelligent and a spark for the business that is evident in her eyes. Her career will reach new heights since partnering with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and we look forward to all that ecompasses!

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Karen Stroble

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Karen Stroble to the Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Customizing her process to fit her clients’ individual needs, Karen Stroble ensures every buyer and seller receives a white-glove experience. Karen holds broker’s licenses in both Illinois and Arizona accommodating clients from all price points and demographics, including investors, luxury buyers, and first-time buyers. Her previous career in digital marketing and working for brands like Conde Nast and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has made for a seamless transition into real estate.

Karen’s knowledge and pride of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is evident and expands beyond just Arizona. With her success in the Chicago market, she was a shoe in for the Scottsdale brokerage. We look forward to watching her Arizona business develop!

Managing Broker, Sherri Monteith
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Berenis Reyes

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Berenis Reyes, to the Camelback Tower Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Berenis was raised in Goodyear before attending Arizona State University. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, with a minor in Sustainability. While real estate and interior design were always of considerable interest to her, she headed into the corporate world for a few years, working in digital advertising and operations. When the workforce went remote, Berenis finally had the chance to dive back into her passions. She took a chance and bought and fixed up her first property. What was supposed to be a quick paint job turned into a complete remodel, transforming the house into a dream home! At that point, it was a no-brainer to become a licensed real estate agent to help others do the same: turn houses into homes by realizing a property’s full potential. 

Berenis is now a full-time agent helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals in Arizona. She loves working with people and will be there for her clients day and night. In her free time, you can find her walking her dog in nearby parks, hiking Camelback, in a yoga class, or exploring the many restaurants and shops the Phoenix Valley offers (let her know if you need any suggestions!). She is proud to call Arizona her lifelong home and excited to see it proliferate. Berenis would love to help you realize the beauty of living in the desert!

Meeting Berenis was like a breath of fresh air. Her desire to learn and to do well is admirable. We look forward to partnering with her and helping her achieve her career goals!

Sherri Monteith Managing Broker