The 2025 NEFAR Awards and Installation Gala took place on the evening of Friday, Jan. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Jacksonville. Over 300 Guests gathered to celebrate a wonderful year of accomplishments in 2024. Upon arrival, REALTORS from all over Northeast Florida got to walk NEFAR’s blue carpet, take photos, mingle while enjoying a nice cocktail hour, and indulge in a delicious three-course meal.
As the night went on, attendees witnessed the graduation of the 2024 Leadership Academy candidates. These 18 individuals were presented with their Leadership Academy diplomas and pins by 2024 NEFAR President Rory Dubin, as they were recognized for their completion of the rigorous, yearlong program that is designed to train emerging leaders on how to make a difference within NEFAR and the real estate community.
Notably, the evening was used to honor NEFAR’s 2024 Award Recipients. These recipients were nominated by their colleagues for their achievements and impacts within the world of real estate, and their dedication to bettering NEFAR and their community. These extraordinary candidates received their awards, presented to them by Rory Dubin and NEFAR CEO, Glenn East, as their remarkable accomplishments for 2024 were announced to the audience. In a touching moment, 2024 NAR Good Neighbor Award recipient and NEFAR Special recognition Award recipient Stacy Horst, was presented with a $10,000 donation for her nonprofit, Erin’s Hope for Friends, matching the donation she received from NAR last year. See below for the full list of recipients.
As the evening wrapped up, the 2025 NEFAR officers and directors were installed into their positions, and the 2024 officers and directors were relieved of their duties as attendees celebrated their long year of hard work. The officers were sworn in by Bailey Jordan. See below for the list of 2025 Officers and Directors.
After the new officers assumed their roles, 2025 NEFAR president, Mario Gonzalez introduced himself to the audience, giving everyone a glimpse into his personal and professional background. During his presentation, Gonzalez revealed NEFAR’s theme for 2025: Forward. Together. In Service. This theme encompasses NEFAR’s goals and mindset for the association’s next year of growth and accomplishments.
The NEFAR Award recipients for 2024 consisted of:
- Global Involvement Award: Christine Baranofsky, Legends of Real Estate
- Diversity Award: Jackie Boyd, Residential Movement Real Estate Group
- Newcomer of the Year: Amy Trahan, Keller Williams Realty
- Affiliate Business Partner of the Year: Kurt Stein, HouseScan Inspections
- Golden R. Award: Mark Rosener, Watson Realty
- REALTOR of the Year: Tiea Vincent, NXT Level Real Estate
- Circle of Honor Award: Diana Galavis, Sound Investments Real Estate
- Guiding Light Award: Abdul Hameed Siddiq, Equity & Flow Realty
- Professional Development Award: Freddy Gonzalez, Keller Williams Realty
- Good Neighbor Award: Dwight Anderson, La Rosa Realty Jacksonville, LLC
- Silent Angel Award: Amanda Feagle, Watson Realty
- Special Recognition Award: Stacy Horst, Keller Williams Realty
- Special Recognition Award: Pamela Graves, Summer House Realty
- Special Recognition Award: Becky Williams, Keller Williams Realty
- Property Manager of the Year: Justin Garrett, Watson Realty
- Real Estate Icon Award: Selby Kaiser, Legends of Real Estate
- Real Estate Icon Award: Linda McMorrow, Legends of Real Estate
- Presidential Lifetime Service Award: Missi Howell, Legends of Real Estate
- Lifetime Legacy Award: William A. Watson Jr., Watson Realty
The 2025 officers and directors are:
- President: Mario Gonzalez
- President Elect: Kim Knapp
- Immediate Past President: Rory Dubin
- Treasurer: Gonzalo Mejia
- Secretary: Tiea Vincent
- realMLS President/Director: Ethan Gregory
- Director: Bailey Jordan
- Director: Carray Young
- Director: Craig Clear
- Director: Deanna Foerman
- Director: Memory Hopkins
- Director: Ant Stroud
- Director: Canard Thomas
- Director: Christine Baranofsky
- Director: Danielle Wolbert
