Message from Commissioner Davi

Saying goodbye to an old friend and long time civil servant, John Liberator.

When I first came to the Department of Real Estate in 2004, I was not sure what to expect. I had spent my whole career in the private sector and working for the government was a completely new experience. Like most, I had preconceived notions about government and its employees. Especially long term employees. Certainly, there would be impediments and improved efficiencies to be had. While working in government has lived up to its reputation in some ways (the budget process certainly is intriguing!), the people behind the morass have proven to be dedicated, hardworking civil servants. One man in particular exemplified what every citizen should expect from a government official, a humble man of integrity, intelligence and honor; a bureaucrat in the truest sense of the word, one with the ability and skill to take the vision of leaders and make them a reality. I speak of John Liberator.

After 37 plus years in civil service, John Liberator, the DRE’s Chief Deputy Commissioner, has retired. During his tenure as Chief Deputy, John has worked through four different gubernatorial administrations and served five Real Estate Commissioners. As Chief Deputy, John was responsible for the day to day management and oversight of the Department. But his legacy is cemented in the many projects and moves he oversaw, most often completing projects on schedule and on budget. These projects included the creation and launch of the DRE’s web site, allowing secured access to the DRE licensing database, the creation and implementation of eLicensing that allows for online exam scheduling and license renewals, and implementation of a state of the art Enterprise Information System that will serve the DRE for years to come. All of these accomplishments have led to greater efficiencies, negating the need for large fee adjustments; in fact, license fees are at 1982 levels.

DRE has been fortunate to have the leadership and skill set of John Liberator in this key managerial spot for over two decades and we all will be forever grateful.