HGAR CEO Lynda Fernandez Receives ‘Hispanic Advocacy Award’ From The New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

NEW YORK—Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Lynda Fernandez was recently honored for her advocacy efforts on behalf of the real estate community at the 19th Annual Hispanic Business Award Banquet and Scholarship Ceremony of The New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The event held on Dec. 6 at Maestro’s Caterer’s in the Bronx featured Fernandez being bestowed the chamber’s coveted “Hispanic Advocacy Award.” Fernandez, who has served as HGAR’s CEO since September 2023, was among three NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce award winners. She joined HGAR after having served as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors.

The other award winners were: Robert J. Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, who received the Hispanic Chamber’s Business Development Trailblazer Award, and Jovana Villanueva, general manager and founder of JV Construction & Consulting LLC, who received the Hispanic Chamber’s Entrepreneur Award.

“We are very pleased to honor three exceptional individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, and at the same time, continually contribute their time and effort in communities at the local level,” said Nick Lugo, president and CEO of NYCHCC.

“We were very delighted to honor three outstanding individuals with impressive portfolios, as well as present Scholarship Awards to exceptional students," added Cindy Rubi Estrada, executive director, NYCHCC. “Lynda Fernández, is a trailblazer in the real estate industry. As the CEO of the 13,000-member Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Lynda has made significant contributions to her community, covering areas from Westchester to Manhattan.”

She added, “With over two decades of experience in association management, communications, and international business development, her leadership has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Public Relations Award and the Market Influence Award. Lynda’s expertise and certifications are a testament to her dedication to excellence. Please join me in honoring this remarkable leader.”

Fernandez has more than 20 years of experience in association management, government affairs, communications and international business development. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), Realtor Association Certified Executive (RCE), and a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

Fernandez began her tenure as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors in April 2021. She led GLAR through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw its expansion that culminated with its merger with the Old Kentucky Home Board of Realtors in 2023. The new organization is the largest local Realtor Association in Kentucky, representing more than 5,600 members in 13 counties.

She was responsible for 15 staff professionals and a contract lobbyist, two separate board of directors, including a wholly-owned MLS, and was responsible for a $3-million annual budget. Among her chief accomplishments there included launching Kentucky’s first Global Council and launching Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

She previously held several posts with the Miami Association of Realtors, where she served as MIAMI’s Chief of Communications & Global from Sept. 2018 to April 2021. Previously, she was the Senior Vice President of Public Relations and International for MIAMI for almost 14 years.

Prior to her association with the Miami Association of Realtors, Fernandez worked in public relations for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Florida International University in Miami, FL, and a Master of Accounting Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

During her career, Fernandez has been involved in a number of significant association merger transactions, including the historic 2010 merger between The Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches (RAMB) and the Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County (RAMDC), which created the Miami Association of Realtors (MIAMI). At the time it was the largest merger in the history of the National Association of Realtors and brought together 23,000 Realtors in South Florida, and which is now the largest local Realtor association in the nation.

Commenting on her award on her LinkedIn page, Fernandez stated: “I’m deeply honored to have received the Advocacy Award from Nick Lugo and the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to the incredible leadership, staff, and members of HGAR, whose dedication and support make the work I love possible. I am grateful to everyone who joined in celebrating this special evening. It’s a privilege to represent HGAR and my heritage while working in the vibrant markets of NYC and the Hudson Valley. Together, we’re driving economic growth and advancing housing opportunities for all. Excited for our continued partnership with the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.”