In a glittering night-time event held in a hotel along the St. Johns River, the Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS® welcomed its new administration and recognized its annual award winners amidst much fanfare January 4 at Jacksonville’s Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel.
Nearly 300 NEFAR members enjoyed a delicious three-course plated dinner during NEFAR’s 2024 Annual Installation and Awards Gala. Included in the program was a graduation ceremony for NEFAR’s 2023 Leadership Academy class, an announcement of the candidates for NEFAR’s 2024 Leadership Academy, an installation ceremony for NEFAR’s new officers and the newly elected directors for both the REALTOR® association, and a special gavel-passing ceremony that featured past presidents of NEFAR as an innovative way to welcome 2024 President Rory Dubin as he takes over the helm.
Several special guests were in the audience including eight dignitaries from Florida Realtors: General Counsel and Vice President of Law and Policy Juana Watkins, 2024 President Gia Arvin, 2024 President-elect Tim Weisheyer, 2024 Treasurer Jorge Guerra, and 2024 Secretary Jeffrey Levine.
Also in attendance was 2023 State President of the Residential Real Estate Council Aida Vega Medinilla, 2024 State President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Dinorah Guerra and Kara Wisely, 2024 State President of the Real Estate Business Institute.
Several members of 2024 NEFAR President Rory Dubin were also in the audience including his mother, Maxine Dubin, sister Michele Read, sons David and Jakob Dubin and his wife and business partner Janna Thomas.
The invocation was presented by Juana Watkins. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jakob Dubin, a senior at Florida State University who is majoring in computer science.
2024 Florida Realtors® President Gia Arvin presided over the installation of 2024 NEFAR President Rory Dubin of United Real Estate Gallery and his leadership team.
Joining Dubin as officers on the board of directors in 2024 are:
- President-elect Mario Gonzalez of Navy to Navy Homes,
- Treasurer Cole Slate of Slate Real Estate,
- and Secretary Kim Knapp of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty,
- and Immediate Past President Diana Galavis of Watson Realty Corp.
Newly elected directors for NEFAR were also installed. They included:
- Gonzalo Mejia of Watson Realty Corp.
- Samantha Heflin of Watson Realty Corp.
- Deanna Foerman of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Bailey Jordan of Navy to Navy Homes
- Christine Baranofsky of The Legends of Real Estate
- Canard Thomas of Residential Movement RE Group
- Amanda Feagle of Watson Realty Corp.
- Craig Clear of Watson Realty Group
- Ant Stroud of Navy to Navy Homes
- Carray Young of NextHome Assurance Realty
- Danielle Wolbert of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Rae Laws of Slate Real Estate
- realMLS President Ray Rivera of United Real Estate Gallery
Returning board members who will serve in 2024 are:
- Eric Cavanagh of NextHome Assurance Realty
- Margarita Cavanagh of NextHome Assurance Realty
- Diane Cook of Slate Real Estate
- April Hall-Lloyd of Empire Network Realty
- Wanda McReynolds of Slate Real Estate
2023 NEFAR President Diana Galavis presented certificates to graduates of its 2023 Leadership Academy. The graduates included:
- Amy Trahan of Keller Williams Atlantic Partners Southside
- Angela McKee of Watson Realty Corp. Property Management
- Angela Wakefield-Manning of Century 21 Lighthouse Realty
- Brad Lloyd of Hamilton House Real Estate Group
- Brenda Thornton of CW Realty
- DeMarcus Rodriguez of eXp Realty
- Emily Lloyd of Hamilton House Real Estate Group
- Erin Torres of Slate Real Estate
- Heather Baptiste Henzie of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Jeannette Jenkins of Select Home Realty Group
- Jessica Tisby of Occupy Real Estate Group
- Joanne Beepot of Residential Movement RE Group
- Keith Royal of Residential Movement Real Estate Group
- Laila Iarossi of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage
- LeTrell Jessie Clark of LaRosa Realty Jacksonville
- Lilla Barrington of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Lisa Sawyer of Repass Law
- Paulette Walker of Njoi Realty;
- Ron Elliott of Navy to Navy Homes
- Sara McGraw of Diamond Realty Group of Amelia Island
Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the event was William Glenn East. After the Leadership Academy graduation ceremony, East introduced the candidates of NEFAR’s 2024 Leadership Academy, which will be led by Chairman Ant Stroud and Vice Chair Paulette Walker.
Candidates for the Leadership Academy Class of 2024 are:
- Jamesha Jackson eXp Realty
- Karen Saez, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Lucia Fernandez Virt, One Sotheby’s International Realty
- Janel Williams, Watson Realty Corp.
- Donielle Sallas, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Amber Reeder, Hamilton House Real Estate Corporation
- Jonna Faeth, SRE Property Management
- Garrett Decker, NextHome at the Beach
- Jennifer Gregory, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Beverly Carr, Century 21 Lighthouse Realty
- Victoria Dingle, LaRosa Realty Jacksonville
- Monique Tunsill, Residential Movement RE Group
- Janet Parrish, Navy to Navy Homes
- Tierra Story, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
- Dana O. Johnson, Province Realty Group
- Christi Jensen, Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty
- Paris Herbin, JPAR City and Beach
- Diana Anderson, LaRosa Realty Jacksonville
- Kimberly Hanna, CW Realty
- Dena Kleiner, Signature First Coast Realty
- Sharon McNeal, EXIT Inspired Real Estate
- Seneshia Stewart, LaRosa Realty Jacksonville
NEFAR honors 16 award winners
This year, NEFAR received more than 70 nominations for the 16 awards that it offers each year. An Awards Task Force comprised of a diverse group of NEFAR REALTORS® from all geographic areas in Northeast Florida reviewed the nominations, which were presented to them in a blind format. The task force members decided on the winners based upon the award criteria.
The Affiliate-Business Partner of the Year Award – Janice Valentine of Golden Dog Title and Trust
The NEFAR Affiliate Business Partner of the Year Award recognizes one NEFAR affiliate member who has contributed outstanding support and service to the association during the current year. Janice Valentine of Golden Dog Title and Trust is an annual sponsor of several NEFAR Area Councils and a VIP sponsor for both the First Coast REBar Camp and the REALTOR/Builder Trade Show. In addition to supporting nearly every NEFAR event, Janice has been an RPAC Major Investor for five years. Outside of her work in real estate, NEFAR’s 2023 Affiliate Business Partner of the year is dedicated to her beautiful family including four amazing children and several furry companions.
The Circle of Honor Award – Clark LaBlond, The Legends of Real Estate
NEFAR’s Circle of Honor Award recognizes many years of exceptional service and contributions to the community, state, and the real estate profession by NEFAR members. Clark LaBlond is a long-time NEFAR member who is passionate about education and works to provide his agents at The Legends of Real Estate with training and support. A consummate numbers nerd, Clark became active with Northeast Florida MLS eventually serving as president before being asked to join the NEFAR Board of Directors. He is an active member of the Budget and Finance Committee, Global Business Council, Education Task Force and was co-chair of the 2023 NEFAR Leadership Academy. He enjoys traveling to exotic locales where he relishes meeting new people and tasting the local cuisine with his husband, Ben.
The Diversity Award – Clark LaBlond, The Legends of Real Estate
The Diversity Award recognizes a NEFAR REALTOR® member who has actively worked to raise the consciousness of inclusiveness within NEFAR, the REALTOR® community or in their workplace. Nominees must earn the At Home with Diversity designation and have completed online fair-housing tools such as NAR’s Implicit Bias training, and the Fair Haven video simulation. They should also have tangibly demonstrated the promotion of fairness and diversity regarding age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability and so forth within NEFAR or their workplace, or the real estate industry.
Clark is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the real estate industry. In 2022 he was one of six NEFAR members who were asked to serve on the NEFAR DEI Presidential Advisory Group, and this past year he was asked to establish the DEI committee at NEFAR as its first chairperson. He is also a member of Florida Realtors Global Committee where he contributes a better awareness of DEI. In 2023 he served on the NAR Fair Housing Policy Committee and has been a valuable member of the NAR Diversity Committee since 2022.
The NEFAR Golden R Award – Rory Dubin, United Real Estate Gallery
The Golden R Award commemorates a NEFAR REALTOR’s faithful, long-term service to NEFAR.
Rory Dubin of United Real Estate Gallery holds nearly 50 designations and certifications. He was the first to earn EDGE membership and is a charter member of NEFAR’s professional society. Since he became a NEFAR member 11 years ago, he has served as Legislative Committee Chairman twice, and as chair of the Leadership Academy, Global Business Council, Commercial Alliance of REALTORS, and the REALTOR/Builder Tradeshow and has supported numerous other committees. He is a RPAC Golden R Major Investor and a member of the President’s Circle Hall of Fame. Last year he was honored as NEFAR’s 2022 REALTOR of the Year, and has previously received Circle of Honor, Global Involvement and Professional Development laurels.
The NEFAR Guiding Light Award – Ant Stroud, Navy to Navy Homes
The Guiding Light Award honors a NEFAR REALTOR® member who has done an exemplary job of educating NEFAR members either through teaching in the classroom or by mentoring less-experienced fellow agents above and beyond what is required by paid positions within their real estate firm.
Ant Stroud of Navy to Navy Homes teaches several courses that guide newer agents into successful real estate careers, not only at NEFAR, but also at Florida Realtors, where he serves as a faculty member. Outside of the NEFAR classroom, Ant continues to engage fellow REALTORS through his personal professional development platform, Agent of Abundance. At the state level, he is a recent graduate of the 2023 Florida REALTORS Leadership Academy and served on the 2023 RRC Florida Board of Directors. His professional accomplishments this year include developing the course AI & ChatGPT Basic Course, which he presented at the 2023 Annual Florida REALTORS Convention and Trade Expo, as well as during the Florida REALTORS Faculty Subcommittee Instructor Development Workshop.
The NEFAR Global Involvement Award – April Hall-Lloyd, Empire Network Realty
The Global Involvement Award recognizes a NEFAR member who has been involved in real estate by working within the global community. Members must hold the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation and be actively involved in NEFAR’s Global Council.
There is perhaps no one more enthusiastic about NEFAR’s Global Business Council than April Hall-Lloyd of Empire Realty. As chairman of the Council this year, April managed to lure members who have never participated in NEFAR events before into joining the Council to learn more about international real estate. The result was an increase in membership from 58 to 143. As chairman she oversaw 16 different global events including more than one community service event. April has held the Certified Property Specialist Designation for many years. An organized and intentional leader, she is also a proud member of Florida Realtor’s Global Business Committee and Diversity Committee.
NEFAR Good Neighbor Award – Samantha Heflin, Watson Realty Corp.
The Good Neighbor Award honors the NEFAR member who has dedicated extensive personal time and resources to humanitarian causes or charitable efforts during the year.
For the past two years, Samantha Heflin of Watson Realty Corporation has cared for children on behalf of Better Together, a Florida non-profit that prevents the need for foster care by addressing the root cause of child neglect and abuse. Refusing to say ‘no’ when a child or family needs support, Samantha took into her home eight children over the past two years. She also has served as a mentor to the parents by helping them set goals and checking to make sure they do not regress on their journey over addiction, homelessness, or joblessness. She also went on a mission trip to raise funds for better health conditions and education in Nicaragua. She has helped build churches in the Philippines and has raised funds to mitigate flood damage from catastrophic typhoons. Samantha was PTA President of First Coast High School for the last four years.
NEFAR Newcomer of the Year Award – Sharon McNeal, EXIT Inspired Real Estate
The Newcomer of the Year Award honors a NEFAR REALTOR® who has been a member for a maximum of three years and who has demonstrated active NEFAR participation through educational accomplishments and/or NEFAR committee, council, and task force service.
Sharon McNeal of EXIT Inspired Real Estate financially supports the real estate industry as a Major Investor. Over the past two years, Sharon made it a point to educate herself in all facets of real estate having successfully earned multiple NAR designations and certifications. When it comes to supporting NEFAR’s area councils and task forces, Sharon is always willing to lend a hand on any initiative. Her participation in NEFAR’s 2023 Global Business Council was invaluable, and she contributed to each meeting and event. She is dependable and always willing to go the extra mile for NEFAR. She is truly a NEFAR asset and team player!
The Professional Development Award – Sharon McNeal of EXIT Inspired Real Estate
The Professional Development Award honors a REALTOR® who has excelled in professional development over the past two years by completing local, state, and national real estate courses, designations, and certifications.
Since joining NEFAR in January of 2022, Sharon McNeal of EXIT Inspired Real Estate has taken a whopping 277 hours of continuing education credits by taking both virtual and in-person classes through the NEFAR Education Department. Included within her classwork are the following certifications and designations: Short Sales and Foreclosures, At Home with Diversity, Accredited Buyers Representative, E-PRO, Pricing Strategy Advisor, Military Relocation Professional, Graduate Real Estate Institute GRI 100 series – 101, 102, 103, C2EX, Gold Key Certification, Certified International Property Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Real Estate Negotiation Expert Designation, Florida Military Specialist. She also serves as a volunteer with the NEFAR Education Department to promote and monitor classes as a proctor.
Property Manager of the Year Award – April Hall-Lloyd, Empire Network Realty
The Property Manager of the Year award honors a NEFAR member who has made a great contribution to the property management profession through professional leadership initiatives and/or educational accomplishments.
Truly a boots-on-the-ground property manager, and advocate for ending homelessness in our city, April Hall-Lloyd of Empire Realty has a passion for helping fulfill the needs of landlords and tenants. She oversees the most challenging properties in our city, in areas other property managers have opted not to manage. Always willing to train and develop other aspiring property managers, April has implemented process improvement and grassroots efforts for multiple brokerages interested in entering the property management business sector. April is an active member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers and has met with various city councilmen to address the housing crisis in our city.
The Silent Angel Award – Wanda McReynolds, Slate Real Estate
Not everyone commands a headlined leadership role. The Silent Angel Award honors a NEFAR REALTOR® member who has demonstrated continued personal involvement and support to NEFAR and to the real estate profession for the past three years.
Involved with many different Area Councils and the Global Business Council, Wanda McReynolds of Slate Real Estate can often be seen setting up, cleaning up, greeting, welcoming, and congregating with members throughout the year. She has planned events that involve giving back to the community in three surrounding counties and has secretly surprised multiple individuals who work in the service industry by scheduling and coordinating a group of volunteers to give back to these individuals, as a gesture of appreciation for what they do. She faithfully packs meals for Hunger Fight when the opportunity arises and not just when a packing event is scheduled through NEFAR. Known to “dress the part” to get members involved, she donned a clown suit to support the REALTOR/Builder Trade Show to demonstrate that it can be fun to serve our association. Wanda is truly a silent angel with a servant’s heart!
NEFAR REALTOR® of the Year – Bailey Jordan, Navy to Navy Homes
The REALTOR® of the Year Award honors one NEFAR REALTOR® member who has demonstrated continued personal involvement and support to NEFAR and the real estate profession for the past three years.
Bailey Jordan of Navy to Navy Homes was honored with the National Association of REALTORS’ 30-under-30 award in 2021 and named NEFAR’s 2022 Property Manager of the Year. This year, she has earned the ABR, SRS, At Home with Diversity, and EDGE certifications. An example of integrity to agents in our industry, she is known for helping other REALTORS to succeed. Serving as Education Task Force chair and vice chair over the past two years, she encouraged NEFAR members to get back into the classroom. Through her leadership, the task force has successfully spread the word about NEFAR and why education and involvement are vital to members’ success. Although she is a wife and a mother to two small children, she has closed over 120 transactions over the past two years and continues to serve her community financially through Homes for Heroes.
Special Recognition Award – Laila Iarossi, Florida Homes and Mortgage Realty
Awarded sparingly, this honor recognizes NEFAR members who have gone far and above expectations in their efforts to support NEFAR’s special projects or events during the current year.
In an era where altruism often takes a backseat to personal advancement, the dedication and selflessness of Laila Iarossi of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage is commendable. Serving as a volunteer optician at “Vision is Priceless,” Laila deserves special recognition for her commitment to the less fortunate in the community. Through her work at Vision is Priceless, she has changed the lives of thousands by annually dispensing over 1,200 pairs of glasses. Laila also volunteers for two boards in the Las Calinas HOA community and serves in the National Association of REALTORS ‘Ignite Others High School Financial Literacy Program,’ where she voluntarily teaches a financial curriculum to students in St. Johns County schools. Also, in her spare time, she serves as a volunteer for Community hospice in Northeast Florida.
Real Estate Icon Award – Linda Sherrer, Berkshire HomeServices Florida Network Realty
To be honored with the Real Estate Icon award, you must be a long-time NEFAR REALTOR® who has made a significant contribution to the profession in Northeast Florida. Your name should be recognizable to the community at-large and be synonymous with exemplary ethical behavior as well as knowledgeable and compassionate service to clients. Highly respected in the REALTOR® community, the winner must have demonstrated generosity with his or her time through support of community organizations.
Founder, President, and CEO Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, Linda Sherrer has guided her company since its inception in 1988. Under her tutelage, her firm has grown to employ more than 325 agents. A REALTOR for 43 years, Linda has served as a NEFAR board member and was association President in 2005. She was named the Real Estate Affiliates’ National Broker of the Year in 1998, has served on the Affiliate’s Luxury & Resort Advisory Council and has received numerous honors for her dedication to the real estate industry. She was a gubernatorial appointee to the Jacksonville International Airport Board of Directors and formerly held the position of Commodore at Epping Forest Yacht Club. She worked on the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Board of Directors for six years, including a term as chair. Linda has also been recognized twice by Florida Trend as one of the top 500 influential business leaders in Florida.
NEFAR Lifetime Legacy Award – Pete O. Dalton, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
This award honors a long-time REALTOR® member, living or deceased, who has made a significant mark on the Northeast Florida real estate industry.
Broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty of Orange Park, Pete entered the real estate industry as a salesman in 1973. That first year he closed 106 transactions. A rapidly rising star, he soon entered management and just four years later he joined two partners in starting Vanguard Realty as a one-office real estate brokerage in Orange Park. In 1980, he became the sole stockholder. Vanguard Realty grew from an independent one-office brokerage into the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Florida with 10 offices and two service centers. Pete has also served as President of the Clay County Association of REALTORS and MLS before NEFAR was born. He has served as NEFAR’s secretary and on its board of directors.
NEFAR 2023 Presidential Lifetime Service Award – Millie Kanyar, Watson Realty Corp.
The NEFAR Presidential Lifetime Service Award is presented to a past president who, for many years, has been actively involved in the association through personal volunteerism and has demonstrated excellent leadership abilities. This award honors someone who has unselfishly served the association and the community and exemplifies the standards established by the Realtors’® Code of Ethics. Recipients of this award must be a past president in good standing of the association, and the award may be given at any time.
A REALTOR®/Broker-Associate for Watson Realty for 26 years, Millie has served at the national, state, and local levels as a NAR director, Florida Realtors Director, District Vice President, NEFAR President, NEFAR director and frequent committee member and on the Florida Real Estate Commission as a director and vice chairman. Her goal in serving her real estate associations is to encourage members to participate, be inclusive, and to become advocates for property rights while ensuring NEFAR members have the right access tools and education to help the be successful, professional, and profitable in their business.
