NEFAR honors 16 special award winners 

NEFAR honors 16 special award winners 

For Immediate Release  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 8, 2024 – Bailey Jordan of Navy to Navy Homes was named 2023 REALTOR^® of the Year during the Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS^® 2024 Awards and Installation Gala January 4 at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel. 

In front of a crowd of 300 NEFAR members, Jordan was presented with a crystal trophy by 2023 NEFAR President Diana Galavis.  

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.  

During the past three years, Jordan was honored with the National Association of REALTORS’ 30-under-30 award in 2021 and named NEFAR’s Property Manager of the Year in 2022. This year, she has earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), At Home with Diversity (AHWD) designations. She also completed the rigorous qualifications to be admitted into NEFAR’s EDGE (Ethics, Diversity, Goals, Excellence) professional society.  

An example of integrity to real estate agents throughout Northeast Florida, she is known for helping other REALTORS® to succeed. Serving as NEFAR’s Education Task Force chairman and vice chairman over the past two years, Jordan encouraged NEFAR members to get back into the classroom. Throughout 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. 

During the awards ceremony, Galavis also presented 15 other awards. 

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, Valentine 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, LaBlond 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-chairman 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. 

LaBlond 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 contributed a better awareness of DEI. In 2023 he served on the National Association of REALTORS^® (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 chairman of the EFAR 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, Stroud 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 Residential Real Estate Council Florida Board of Directors. His professional accomplishments this year include developing the course AI & Chat GPT 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, Hall-Lloyd 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. Hall-Lloyd 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, Heflin 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. Heflin 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, McNeal 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, McNeal 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, Hall-Lloyd has implemented process improvement and grassroots efforts for multiple brokerages interested in entering the property management business sector. Hall-Lloyd 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 circus-themed 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! 

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,” Iarossi 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. Iarossi 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, Sherrer 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. Sherrer 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, Dalton 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. Dalton 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 REALTORSS’^® 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, Kanyar 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. 

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The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR,) serves as the voice of real estate in Northeast Florida. It is the region’s largest professional association, representing more than 12,000 members who work in all facets of the real estate industry including residential and commercial sales and property management. It serves the public through support of community affairs programs and seeks to protect private property rights. The region’s multiple listing service, realMLS, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEFAR. NEFAR is headquartered in Jacksonville, with satellite Service Centers in Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, and Palatka.