Tennessee Real Estate Commission approves five applicants after informal appearances

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission unanimously approved five applicants who appeared informally at the commission’s June meeting, moving each forward to licensure after asking questions about past convictions and broker supervision.

At the start of the informal‑appearance block, staff read short case summaries and introduced each candidate and their principal broker. Eric Faulky, who told the commission he overcame substance abuse and misdemeanor offenses and completed a yearlong transitional program, was approved after his broker, Kenya Flemens, described a written mentorship and supervision plan. Faulky said he plans to begin part‑time and transition to real estate full time; Flemens said he will be paired with a mentor and required to clear advertising and client paperwork with the mentor until competent.

Deshawn Whitaker, who appeared with principal broker Jennifer Kavanaaugh, said his past theft charge was tied to youthful choices and that he had since secured steady employment and promotions. Kavanaaugh told the commission Whitaker had been participating in onboarding and quality assurance and would be supervised through the firm’s mentoring process. The commission approved his application unanimously.

James Boatright appeared with managing broker Roger Sergeant and described a decades‑old firearm‑possession matter and subsequent probation; Sergeant said Boatright accepts responsibility for past mistakes and has extensive work history and community engagement. Brandon Parker, who disclosed a past out‑of‑state consent order and fines tied to insurance licensing disclosures, presented written statements and was supported by his prospective broker, who described regular meetings and mentorship. Both were approved.

Candidate E, Haley Brisentine, appeared with principal broker Elizabeth Lamb. Brisentine said her felony vehicular‑assault conviction occurred four years ago; she told the commission she will complete probation in September and has been observing transactions while mentored by her husband’s team. Lamb outlined in‑office oversight and said every listing and contract will be reviewed before submission. The commission approved the application.

For each applicant the commission emphasized that approval was conditioned on standard supervisory requirements: completion of any outstanding coursework, required background checks, and ongoing supervision by the named principal broker. Commissioners repeated that licensees’ records and any outstanding conditions must be fulfilled before full, unsupervised practice.

The commission handled the five cases consecutively in the informal‑appearance portion of the agenda and recessed for the rest of its business after completing a large legal report and other items.