– Meet the Staff –

Diana Weir | Head of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Diana Weir serves as the Head of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing and Senior Director of Experience and Strategic Product Growth. She combines her expertise in product management, experience design, and customer-centric innovation to drive strategic growth and deliver impactful educational experiences. Diana is committed to shaping the future of luxury real estate education by elevating the standard of service through tools, resources, and community-building. She is most passionate about empowering people to reach their potential, dedicating her career to creating value-driven customer experiences and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

In January 2021, she joined Colibri, the Institute’s parent company, with over 25 years of expertise in software, digital application, and professional services development. Diana brings data-driven strategic direction, planning, and human-centered design to solve complex business and technology challenges. She has successfully led initiatives for top global brands across healthcare, hospitality, financial services, automotive, retail, and professional education in both B2B and B2C markets. Her portfolio includes notable clients such as Merck, Novartis, Bayer, Marriott, Toyota, VW, and Honda.

Diana is a visionary leader with extensive experience in creative design, marketing, technology, eCommerce, and crafting behavior-changing experiences that inspire loyalty. She excels at building and leading high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and aligning cross-functional efforts to achieve goals. In her current role, she is dedicated to advancing the professional success of real estate agents and brokers. She strives to deliver innovative products and exceptional customer experiences, helping clients thrive in the luxury real estate market.

Diana lives in St. Louis with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time outdoors and creating things that bring joy to others. .

Amanda Butterfield | Director of Partnerships

Amanda is a lifelong learner who brings her professional development passion to The Institute. She has worked with hundreds of brand leaders, brokers, real estate schools, and real estate associations from across the globe to bring The Institute's best-in-class luxury training and designation to real estate professionals. Amanda was formerly a luxury event planner for corporate and nonprofit clients, focused on producing high-end experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Dedicated to serving her community, she’s previously worked with nonprofits in Austin, New York City, and Cleveland, including: Dress for Success, GiveCamp, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Central Texas Food Bank, The Austin Dance Festival, and several others.

Laura Saladino | Training Program Manager

Laura’s experience working in non-profit organizations and customer service provides The Institute with valuable insights to assist and educate our members. Laura works with our partners and live training hosts to provide positive and enriching educational experiences for real estate professionals, ensuring that our members have the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in the luxury market. Her previous roles include customer service with The Dallas Opera and the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and she actively participates in the Dallas-Fort Worth theatre community.

Jill Smith | Business Operations Manager

Jill came to the Institute with extensive operations experience in the hospitality industry and professional development industry. In her role, Jill oversees product development, project management, Member communications, sales, and technology teams. Jill collaborates with cross-functional teams and strategic partners to develop tools, resources, and offerings that enhance the membership experience. Jill is an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.

Jory Kirkendoll | Content Marketing Manager

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Jory Kirkendoll brings a strategic blend of data analysis, revenue management, and operational insight to his role at The Institute. He holds a degree in Interactive Media, which informs his creative approach to process improvement and member engagement. Passionate about both data and customer experience, Jory is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and value of The Institute’s services. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, and gardening, and is a freelance artist working in both traditional and digital media.