Staff Directory
Desirée Patno
President & CEO
Desiree.Patno@NAWRB.com
(949) 559-9800 ext 101
Desirée Patno, Founder and CEO of NAWRB, the only national trade association representing women-owned businesses specializing in the housing economy, SHE is changing Real Estate. With more than 22 years experience in full-service REO disposition, Patno brings “heels on the ground” knowledge to her mission of promoting women-owned businesses in the housing economy. Through NAWRB, Patno advocates for the increased utilization of women-owned businesses and mentors female entrepreneurs for future successful business ownership. Patno is one of the most visible advocates for women in the housing economy. She is a recipient of the 2012 Enterprising Woman of the Year award, 2012 WIPP Business Leadership Social Media Award and was recognized by HousingWire as one of the most influential women in housing in 2012. A California native, she has been married for more than 30 years and is the proud mother of four boys.
Alex Hernandez
Director of Membership
Alex.Hernandez@NAWRB.com
(949) 559-9800 ext 109
Alex Hernandez is the Membership Coordinator of NAWRB. Hernandez joined NAWRB to manage the national trade group's membership relations, certification, and accounting. He comes to the housing economy with a background in foundation accounting, advocacy for local initiatives to fund programs, membership relations, and an interest in political science. His work at NAWRB focuses on women-owned businesses, members, and association operations.
Laurie Keys
Office Manager
(949) 559-9800 ext 105
Laurie Keys is the office manager for the company. She comes from an accounting & human resources background and previously worked for Lawrys, Inc. and Pacific Business Capital Corporation as an administrative assistant. Laurie graduated from California State University- Chico with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a minor in broadcasting/sportscasting.
Cindy Conrad
Cindy.Conrad@NAWRB.com
(949) 559-9800
Cindy Conrad is an Enrolled Agent and has provided accounting and tax services for clients the past eighteen years. She is the owner of Conrad Accounting & Tax Services located in Irvine, California. She prides herself on offering exceptional customer service to business owners in the area of tax, accounting and business management.
Prior to embarking on a career in accounting, she worked for Ford Motor Company and Campbell Soup Company as a marketing manager and assistant marketing research manager. She is a graduate of Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration and Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master’s Degree in Marketing.