Tennessee Real Estate Commission approves five applicants with past convictions or disciplinary actions

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission unanimously approved five affiliate broker applicants at its August 2025 meeting after informal appearance hearings in which each candidate described past charges or professional discipline and principal brokers spoke in support.

The commission approved: Alyssa Nevitt, who disclosed a past theft and shoplifting charge and told the commission she has not been in trouble for nearly seven years; Guy Hardaway, who disclosed a felony possession conviction and described educational and rehabilitation coursework completed during incarceration; Kayla (Fontenot) Fontenot, who disclosed a past theft charge and said she has been in recovery since 2018; Malaika Roberts, whose nursing license had been suspended after a March 2022 positive drug screen and who said she completed an intensive outpatient program and is pursuing a career change to real estate; and Tabitha Cox, who disclosed larceny charges and said she previously held real estate licenses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Each candidate had a principal broker speak in support. Susan Green, a Gallatin office manager, recommended Nevitt and described her experience training and attending office events; Kenya Blemons spoke on behalf of Guy Hardaway and described the mentorship and training the brokerage would provide; Roger Sargent and members of his leadership team endorsed Fontenot and said they believed she had reassessed her life; Lynn Byrd said Roberts had attended office training and that his office would mentor her; and Will (or Rule) Kupp (principal broker) said Cox had interviewed with his faith‑based brokerage and that it had accountability supports in place.

Commissioners asked each applicant questions about current treatment or recovery programs, prior professional licenses, and the applicants’ roles in principal brokers’ offices. After each informal appearance, a motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the commission voted unanimously in favor of each candidate’s application.

The approvals allow each candidate to proceed with licensure paperwork and affiliate placement under the stated principal brokers. The commission’s informal-appearance process is intended to give applicants with disqualifying or potentially disqualifying histories the opportunity to explain circumstances and present supporting documentation before a licensing determination.

The commission did not take additional disciplinary actions in these items. Each approval was recorded by motion and unanimous voice vote.