The Thomas J. Burns Conference Room stands as a tribute to a REALTOR® whose decades of leadership, professionalism, and service helped shape the real estate industry in Delaware.

First licensed in 1979, Thomas J. Burns brought unparalleled experience to a wide range of real estate transactions, including residential and commercial sales, land development, neighborhoods, and office parks. Alongside his wife, Terry, Tom served as Broker-Owner of Burns & Ellis REALTORS®, Central Delaware’s oldest independent brokerage, for 30 years.

Throughout his career, Tom earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike for his wisdom, honesty, strong work ethic, and exceptional industry knowledge. His ability to navigate even the most complex transactions with professionalism and care made him a trusted resource within the real estate community and beyond. Having spent nearly his entire life in Delaware, Tom remained deeply committed to the communities and businesses that make up our state.

Tom’s impact extended far beyond individual transactions. Within the REALTOR® community, he served as a longtime Board member and Treasurer of the Kent County Association of REALTORS® and as a Board member of the Delaware Association of REALTORS®. He also dedicated many years of service to the Education Committee of the Delaware Real Estate Commission.

Among his many contributions, Tom’s most lasting legacy was his 19 years of service as Chair and founding member of the Delaware REALTORS® Forms Committee. Under his leadership, Delaware REALTORS® established a statewide library of standardized real estate contracts and forms, helping bring consistency, professionalism, and clarity to transactions across the state while guiding the industry through decades of change.

In recognition of his outstanding service to our Association, the real estate industry, and the State of Delaware, this room was officially dedicated as the Thomas J. Burns Conference Room on January 13, 2026.

Today, the room serves not only as a meeting space, but as a reminder of the lasting impact one REALTOR® can have through leadership, service, integrity, and dedication to the profession.