The REALTOR® of the Year (ROTY) Award recognizes an individual who, over the past year, has excelled in service not only to the real estate profession but also to their communities. This individual has made significant contributions to the Association and its members over the past year through committee and volunteer work, and is perceived by their peers and the community as a true professional. Consideration for this award is based on local, state, and national Association activity; civic activity; community service; education and designations; and business practices.

The Community Service Award honors an individual REALTOR® member who gives unselfishly of their time to assist the community in which they live and work. This individual is not only an active volunteer in the Association’s charitable efforts, but also dedicates their time to outside causes like civic and service clubs, nonprofit organizations, fraternal or religious groups, political action, and more. This individual represents the spirit of the REALTOR® family’s constant and unyielding dedication to improving the Howard County community and beyond. Consideration for this award is based on local, state, and national Association activity; civic activity; community service; education and designations; and business practices.

The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to a seasoned REALTOR® who has made considerable contributions to the real estate industry, to their community, and to the Association. This individual’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, and they are seen as a mentor and pillar of professionalism within the real estate community. The real estate profession as it exists today in Howard County has been shaped in part by the leadership of this individual and will forever be improved by their work and dedication to the industry. Consideration for this award is based on local, state, and national Association activity; civic activity; community service; education and designations; and business practices.

The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes an individual REALTOR® who has been licensed for four years or less and who has served not only the real estate profession, but also their communities. This individual has put considerable effort into building their new career through participation in Association and other real estate programs and events, and is working towards a long and fruitful career as a dedicated and professional REALTOR® in Howard County. Consideration for this award is based on local, state, and national Association activity; civic activity; community service; education and designations; and business practices.

The Alan C. Grubb Preferred Partner of the Year Award goes to a Preferred Partner member (formerly Affiliate member) that has gone above and beyond in their contributions to the real estate industry and to the Association. This award is based on local Association activity; support of education and other programs for REALTORS®; community service; and business practices.

The DEI Excellence Award recipient(s) must be an active HCAR member and/or HCAR community partner and/or stakeholder. This individual or organization has made significant contributions to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives over the past year through committee and volunteer work. Consideration for this award is based on local, state, and/or national DEI activity.

The Ilene Kessler Spirit Award goes to an individual who has the same passion and dedication to the real estate industry as the late Ilene Kessler, an HCAR Past President and integral part of our REALTOR® family and community.

Ilene served as President of HCAR in 1999 and President of Maryland REALTORS® in 2007. She was one of the founding members of the Maryland REALTORS® Leadership Academy and served as Chair of the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy Advisory Group.

Whether she was finding her clients the perfect home or fighting for homeownership rights on Capitol Hill, Ilene was a passionate and dedicated REALTOR®. She was philanthropic, serving on the Human Rights Commission of Howard County and serving on a number of committees within the REALTOR® association. Ilene was a mentor and a leader to many in the REALTOR® family.

The People’s Choice Award honors an HCAR member—REALTOR® or Preferred Partner—who stands out in the eyes of their peers. This award was created to recognize those individuals who consistently receive multiple nominations year after year—proof of the impact they’ve made within the HCAR community. While not based on production or business metrics, this award represents the voice of the membership, celebrating a peer-selected individual who embodies professionalism, collaboration, and the spirit of community within the Association. The winner is determined by the highest number of nominations submitted by fellow HCAR members during the awards nomination period.