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2024 Installation Banquet

December 6th, 2024

The Annual Installation Banquet is BER’s most cherished event, celebrating the induction of our new leadership for the upcoming year and honoring the outstanding Realtors and Affiliates who have gone above and beyond in the current year through the “Of the Year” Awards. In case you weren’t able to attend, here is a recap of the night’s festivities, including the newly installed leaders and all the well-deserved award winners and graduates.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Juana Watkins, the Vice President of Law and Policy & General Counsel of Florida REALTORS®, and Mike McGraw, the 2022 President-elect of Florida Realtors, for speaking at our Installation Banquet. Your presence is greatly appreciated and your words of wisdom and encouragement are invaluable. Your contribution to the event was immeasurable and we thank you for taking time to join us for this special occasion.

We would also like to take a moment to thank Hunter Habib, 2022 President of BER, for his incredible leadership this year. Under his direction, BER has achieved great success and we are proud to have broken through so many barriers!
We are also honored to have installed our 2023 Board of Directors and Committee Chairs and can’t wait to see what they bring to the table. We are excited to see what the future holds for BER and look forward to an even more successful year with Angie Parker at the helm.

2025 Board of Directors

Executive Commitee

President

Adam Ruud

Vice President

Fawn Estes

Secretary

Wade Abed

Treasurer

Jeanne Drath

Directors

Saundra Hinton

Alice Schwer

Brent Greer

Ellen Boyce

Erin McDonald

Gina Lamouth

Michael Mahan

Doug Purcell

2025 Committee Chairs

Sandy Wilder

Profesional Development

Danielle Damianov

Leadership Academy co-chair

Karen McIntyre

Grievance

Mark True

Events

Sarah Anstett

Realtor Review

Keaton West

YPN

Jesse McGreevy

MLS

Robert Klein

Professional Standards

Josie Mendiola

Gov. Affairs/RPAC

Mike Hughes

Media

Kris Boyle

Global Diversity

David Scott

Realtor Safety

Corlin Tucker

Leadership Academy co-chair

Mark Ledbetter

Leadership Development

"Of the Year" Award Winners 2024

Mark Ledbetter

REALTOR of the YEAR

The REALTOR® of the Year award, the highest honor bestowed by the Board, recognizes an individual who exemplifies REALTOR® standards and serves as a role model through outstanding contributions to the organization. This year’s winner, Mark Ledbetter, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the real estate industry by actively participating in BER events and committees, Florida REALTORS® initiatives, National Association of REALTORS® activities, and international REALTOR® advocacy. Known for his passion for coaching, educating, and networking, Mark consistently follows through on every commitment, representing BER with pride and flair—from his REALTOR® socks to his custom flashy BER polo. Please join us in congratulating our 2024 REALTOR® of the Year, Mark Ledbetter!

Local Real Estate

RPAC Broker Cup

The RPAC Broker Cup is a prestigious award recognizing the brokerage that excels in educating its agents about the importance of investing in RPAC and actively encouraging their participation. This year’s winner, Local Real Estate, Co., achieved an impressive 92.54% participation rate with 62 investors, including 6 Major Investors—the highest of any brokerage at BER—and a total financial contribution of $8,330. Their outstanding efforts have earned them this distinguished honor for the fourth year in a row. Congratulations to Local Real Estate, Co., for their commitment to advocacy and excellence!

James Hunter

Global Diversity Achievement Award

The Global Diversity Achievement Award recognizes a REALTOR® or Affiliate member who has made exceptional efforts to promote global business and bring awareness to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Southwest Florida. This year’s recipient, James Hunter, is a true advocate for the global real estate industry. Harnessing the power of social media, he actively educates others on how expanding into global markets enhances business opportunities. Beyond benefiting from his own global investments and connections, James generously shares his knowledge with colleagues, empowering others to “go global.” Alongside his business partner, he truly has it “FIGured out.” Congratulations to James Hunter on this well-deserved honor!

Heather Wightman

Pat Lord Community Service Award

We are thrilled to announce Heather Wightman as the recipient of the Pat Lord Community Service Award. This honor recognizes her outstanding dedication to both the community and the Board. After Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to our neighbors to the north, Heather immediately sprang into action, rallying a team of volunteers to assist those in need. A long-time member of BER and WCR, she is always eager to get involved, especially when there’s an opportunity to bring a little fun and creativity to the effort. Although Heather couldn’t be there during installation, we look forward to presenting her award at the January membership breakfast. Congratulations, Heather Wightman, on this well-deserved recognition! A $250 donation will be made in her honor to the local charity of her choice.

Joni Pavich

Roger Brunswick Advocate Award

We are proud to announce Joni Pavich as the recipient of the Roger Brunswick Advocate Award, honoring her extraordinary service and unwavering advocacy for BER. A long-time member and true cheerleader for our association, Joni’s friendly and positive attitude lights up every encounter. Her dedication to BER and the community is unmatched, as she consistently encourages others to get involved and climb the leadership ladder. Recently, she extended her passion for advocacy by bringing her grandson into the fold, further exemplifying her commitment to our cause. Although Joni couldn’t be with us during installation as she was in Chicago, we look forward to presenting her award at the January membership breakfast. Congratulations, Joni Pavich, on this well-deserved recognition!

Mark True

Committee Member of the Year

We are thrilled to recognize Mark True as the 2024 BER Committee Member of the Year. This award honors a REALTOR® or Affiliate who has gone above and beyond in supporting the Board through their committee involvement. When tasked with a goal for their committee, Mark immediately got to work, not only fulfilling their responsibilities but continuing to contribute, knowing their efforts would lead to even better outcomes for our events. A true servant leader, Mark consistently offers help, even during casual visits to the office. As the leader of the 2025 Events Work Group, Mark’s dedication and hard work have been invaluable. Congratulations, Mark True, on this well-deserved honor!

Danielle Damianov

Affiliate of the Year

We are proud to recognize Danielle Damianov as the 2024 Affiliate Member of the Year. This award honors an Affiliate who has gone above and beyond in supporting the Board while actively balancing their professional and personal commitments. Danielle is an innovator, problem solver, educator, and dedicated contributor, consistently exemplifying excellence in every role she takes on. Despite running a business, raising children, chairing a committee, and traveling the world, she has remained steadfast in her service to the Board. Congratulations, Danielle Damianov, on this well-deserved recognition as our Affiliate Member of the Year!

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