Awards and Recognition

Our Members Shine

HGAR proudly recognizes our outstanding REALTORS® through awards celebrating leadership, advocacy, service, and commitment to our profession.

Realtor of the Year

The HGAR "Realtor of the Year" award is based on involvement with the Association, as well as volunteering within the local community.

Affiliate of the Year

The HGAR “Affiliate of the Year” Award is based on an Affiliate’s participation in HGAR events and involvement with HGAR members.

LEAH CARO HGAR Leadership Lifetime Legacy Award

The Leah Caro HGAR Leadership Lifetime Legacy Award is one of the most meaningful honors we bestow. Named in memory of Leah Caro — a beloved past president, mentor, community leader, and fierce advocate for real estate professionalism — this award reflects her extraordinary spirit and the legacy she left behind.

This award recognizes those whose influence has helped shape HGAR, strengthen our profession, and uplift our shared mission. It is presented only when an individual’s contributions rise to a level that truly reflects Leah’s legacy of excellence, empathy, and impact.

Albert P. Schatz Legislative Advocacy Award

The “Albert P. Schatz Legislative Advocacy” Award is presented to an individual who has continuously advocated for their fellow Realtors and homeowners on local, regional, and national levels of government.

DEI Champion Award

The “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion” Award recognizes individuals exhibiting excellence in DEI values and behaviors including promoting and taking an active role in DEI at HGAR and in the community, creating awareness of DEI importance, and implementing DEI initiatives.

Edward I. Sumber Memorial Award

The “Edward I. Sumber Memorial Award” was created in memory of Ed Sumber, who served as the Association’s legal counsel from 1975 to 2015. This award is dedicated to someone who has been not only an exemplary Realtor but also a true supporter of his or her local community.

Excellence in Commercial Real Estate

The “Excellence in Commercial Real Estate” Award is presented to a Realtor who has been involved with HGAR’s CID program, providing input and content for its programs.

Extra Mile Award

The “Extra Mile” Award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond and has given so much more than asked to the Realtor family.

HGAR President’s Award

The HGAR “President’s” Award is chosen by the current president and given to an individual who has been deemed the most helpful to him or her during the year.

Spirit Award

The “Spirit” Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated continuous support and outreach to other HGAR members.

2025 award winner:

Shanese Williams, Real Broker NY LLC., New York

Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Award

The “Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian” Award is presented to an individual in recognition of his or her extraordinary community outreach efforts.

2025 award winner:
Jeanne Shields, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, New City

Up & Coming Award

The “Up & Coming Award” Award recognizes growing involvement and dedication from some of our newer members or those who are new to volunteering on Association committees.

2025 award winner:

Dana Posner, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, New City

YPN Award

The YPN Award is designed to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions, displayed exceptional dedication, and demonstrated a true passion for their role in HGAR.