The New Castle County Board of REALTORS® (NCCBOR) proudly celebrates longtime member and past president Denise Forman Gaines on her installation as 2026 President of the Delaware Association of REALTORS® (DAR). Denise becomes the first black woman to serve as President of the state association, marking a historic and inspiring milestone for Delaware’s real estate community.
A member of NCCBOR for more than 21 years, Denise has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication to both the REALTOR® profession and the community she serves. She previously served as NCCBOR President in 2021, leaving a lasting impact through her commitment to member engagement, education, and advocacy.
Denise’s leadership journey includes serving as an NCCBOR Director (2016–2019), Vice President (2019), President-Elect (2020), and Chair of numerous committees and task forces including the Member Engagement Committee, Member Connect Task Force, and Lockbox Task Force. She has also been an active member of the Public Policy Committee since 2014 and the Minority Home Ownership Task Force, advocating for access, equity, and opportunity in homeownership. At the state level, Denise has served on the DAR Board of Directors from 2016–2018 and is currently helping guide the association’s strategic vision and member support initiatives.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Denise is widely admired for her heart for service and passion for developing others. She teaches Module 6 – Real Estate, Your Business, a course designed to empower new agents with the tools, confidence, and knowledge needed to succeed early in their careers. Known for her infectious smile, polished professionalism, and generosity with her time, Denise is a mentor, role model, and community champion.
Her achievements have been recognized with numerous Gold and Platinum Service Awards and Quality Awards from Century 21 Corporate, and she was recently inducted into the 2025 NCCBOR Hall of Fame. Denise also holds several professional designations including MRP® (Military Relocation Professional), SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), ABR®, and AHWD®.
“Denise embodies leadership, excellence, and service,” said NCCBOR leadership. “Her historic presidency is not only a proud moment for our association, but a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through dedication, authenticity, and a commitment to lifting others.”
NCCBOR congratulates Denise Forman Gaines on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to supporting her continued leadership as she serves REALTORS® across the state of Delaware in 2026.