As eXp Commercial continues its growth in the commercial real estate space, the voice of the advisor has never been more critical. Entering 2026, the National Agent Advisory Council (NAAC) is poised to amplify that voice under the leadership of its newly appointed Chair, Michelle Pauley.
Known for her data-driven expertise in the Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) sector and a leadership style defined by generosity and strategic vision, Pauley brings a sharp focus on execution and advisor profitability to the role.
The NAAC: Bridging the Gap in a Virtual World
The purpose of the NAAC is to serve as the vital link between the brokerage’s leadership and the advisors working in the field every day. For Pauley, the 2026 term is defined by a clear guiding principle: Awareness and Accessibility.
“There’s only one way that this council can truly be effective, and that is by hearing the water cooler, grassroots, ear-to-the-ground chatter from agents,” Pauley explains.
Her goal is to operationalize this feedback loop, encouraging advisors to use the council’s questions and comments form to share the unvarnished reality of the advisor experience. She is calling on advisors to actively communicate what they experience in the day-to-day — whether that means flagging compliance concerns, identifying unclear processes that stall productivity, or sharing new tech discoveries that could streamline operations for everyone. Pauley wants the NAAC to be the conduit for actionable change.
A Vision for 2026: Empowering Advisors Through Strategic Support
Pauley’s leadership philosophy is best summarized by her favorite mantra: “Rising tides raise all boats.” It is this spirit of generosity and shared success that she intends to bring to the AAC, transforming it into a proactive engine of support for the brokerage.
Rather than just managing processes, Pauley envisions an AAC that actively removes barriers to entry, allowing advisors to focus on what they do best: closing deals.
“We’re here for the good of the other brokers,” Pauley affirms. “I want to create a culture where every person is valued… and we all make a lot of money together.”
To turn this vision into reality, Pauley is championing a “quality over quantity” approach to brokerage resources. Her goal is to ensure “consistency and efficacy” in the tools provided, vetting them to guarantee they are easily adoptable and genuinely beneficial for the majority of advisors.
Proven Success in the Trenches
Pauley’s leadership is backed by a track record of high-level production. With an MBA background, she has carved out a lucrative niche in Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS), a sector she initially avoided but mastered by following the data.
In one standout example, Pauley leveraged her research to close a complex deal for a $3 billion publicly traded contractor in the Phoenix MSA. When market inventory showed zero results, her data told a different story. She identified off-market opportunities, orchestrated a forward lease agreement, and represented the buyer, landlord, and tenant in a single transaction sequence — ultimately securing a 10% price reduction for her buyer client and landing a much needed lease agreement for the tenant.
It is this kind of “deal dexterity” she hopes to model for eXp advisors. “Know your data and remember who you represent,” she advises.
Honoring the Foundation: A Note on Outgoing Chair Jerad Graham
As Pauley steps up, she builds on the strong foundation laid by Jerad Graham, the 2025 Chair. Graham will continue to serve as an active council member, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Graham is fully aligned with Pauley’s appointment, citing her ability to drive results. “Michelle is disciplined about execution,” Graham notes. “She keeps discussions focused on the issues that actually matter… and makes sure there is ownership once the meeting ends.”
Moving forward, Graham plans to support the new vision by championing short, on-demand training resources that align with transaction stages, helping to remove friction for advisors.
Looking Ahead
With a leadership team grounded in real-world production and a clear mandate to improve advisor efficiency, the AAC is set to make 2026 a landmark year. For Pauley, the ultimate goal is legacy — not just in wealth building, but in changing the landscape of the industry.
“The NAAC is here for the good of the other brokers in our brokerage,” Pauley affirms. “We can do that and be different than the traditional CRE Brokerage model.”
Up Next: Built By Advisors, For Advisors: Introducing the 2026 eXp Commercial National Agent Advisory Council