Lake Oswego, Oregon (January 9, 2026) — Opt Real Estate, one of the fastest-growing brokerages in Oregon and Southwest Washington, is proud to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of two highly respected industry leaders: Lynae Forbes, Chief Brokerage Officer, and Melissa Peterson, Chief Implementation Officer.
These executive appointments mark a significant milestone in Opt’s continued growth and reflect the brokerage’s commitment to intentional leadership, operational excellence, and long-term innovation.
Over the past three years, Opt Real Estate has experienced rapid expansion across the Pacific Northwest, made substantial investments in technology and systems, and attracted top-tier agents and professionals. As the company scales, Opt remains focused on building a brokerage that prioritizes agent support, strong leadership, and sustainable growth.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Lynae and Melissa to Opt’s leadership team,” said Drew Coleman, Founder of Opt Real Estate. “Their combined experience, integrity, and strategic vision align perfectly with where we’re headed. We’re confident they will play a pivotal role in helping take Opt to the next level in 2026 and beyond.”
Executive Leadership Additions
Lynae Forbes, Chief Brokerage Officer, brings more than 30 years of real estate leadership experience to Opt. Her career includes serving as President of Hasson Company Realtors and, most recently, as Chief Compliance Officer at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty. Known for her deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and agent education, Forbes has guided organizations through periods of growth and market complexity while building scalable systems that elevate brokerage standards. At Opt, she will focus on brokerage operations, compliance excellence, and agent support at the highest level.
Melissa Peterson, Chief Implementation Officer, joins Opt with more than 20 years of experience in real estate operations, technology strategy, and executive leadership. She most recently served as CEO of Oregon Real Estate Forms (OREF), where she led statewide initiatives in digital forms, broker education, and operational modernization. A respected speaker, educator, and industry panelist, Peterson is known for her thoughtful, solutions-oriented leadership style and deep understanding of brokerage systems. In her role at Opt, she will oversee implementation, systems integration, and operational strategy to support the brokerage’s continued growth.
These hires represent a broader investment in Opt’s infrastructure and leadership as the company continues to grow with purpose.
“We’re building something different,” Coleman added. “We’re being intentional about who we bring on board and how we grow. This leadership expansion reflects our belief that strong systems and strong people are the foundation of an exceptional brokerage.”
About Opt Real Estate
Opt Real Estate is among the fastest-growing brokerages in Oregon and Southwest Washington, with nearly 100 licensed agents and offices in Lake Oswego, Northeast Portland, and Vancouver, Washington. In 2025, Opt closed 973 transactions totaling $578 million in sales volume. The brokerage was voted Best Luxury Real Estate Company in the 2024 Best of the Rose City Awards and was nominated again in 2025.
Founded by Drew Coleman, Opt Real Estate is known for its innovative approach, high standards, and commitment to excellence. By continually investing in its people, systems, and technology, Opt aims to deliver exceptional service to clients while creating an unmatched platform for agent success.
