Awards and Recognition
REALTOR OF THE YEAR
Our 2024 REALTOR® of the Year is a member of the Association who exemplifies the performance standards set by our Code of Ethics, is heavily involved in local, state and national association activities, and is committed to community and business affairs.
This year our REALTOR® of the Year is someone who has been an active member of our Association, donating time to numerous committees, attending conferences and embodying the REALTOR® spirit.
She attends NCMAR events like the NCMAR Nights Out, Lunch and Learns, Membership Meetings, Real Estate Summit, Wake Up Wednesdays and Business Partner Expo. A member of the NCMAR Board of Directors, our REALTOR of the Year currently serves on the Finance Committee, Community Involvement Committee, Membership and Events Committee and Government Affairs Committee. She was a member of the 2023 Honor Society and 2023 Rising Star recipient.
At the state level her participation includes being a member of the MAR Board of Directors and LEAD Training Program. In addition, she attends REALTOR Day on the Hill, Central Region Caucuses and MAR Conferences.
At the National level she attended several NAR Conferences, Legislative Meetings and Brokers Edge.
The North Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is proud to present this year’s REALTOR® of the Year to Katey Tata of Keller Williams Realty North Central.
Katey, on behalf of the members of the North Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, congratulations and thank you for such outstanding service throughout the past year and your continued dedication in the future.
BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR
The selection of Our Business Partner of the Year was difficult due to the caliber of nominees. This year’s award recipient has been an active Business Partner of the Association for several years. Our award recipient has been a generous sponsor of events, serves on committees, attends NCMAR Nights Out and membership meetings.
This year’s Business Partner of the Year served on the Member and Events, Finance Committee and Scholarship Committees. She teaches numerous continuing education classes and Lunch and Learns for NCMAR. She participates in the Business Partner Expo, Business Partner Appreciation event, and sponsors many of our events.
In the community, she is a supporter of Fay Club, teaches adult education at Monty Tech High School and First time Homebuyer education classes.
The 2024 Business Partner of the Year is a helpful, compassionate and knowledgeable member willing to assist everyone she meets.
I am pleased to announce the 2024 Business Partner of the Year is Kim Stone of Bay Equity Mortgage.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The 2024 Rookie of the Year is Sheng Yang of Central Mass Real Estate.
Good Neighbor Awards
Our Good Neighbor Awards recognize the ongoing efforts of individual REALTORS making exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities.
The North Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS is proud of the many members who contribute their time and talents to area charities.
The 2024 Recipients of the Good Neighbor Award Winners.
For 16 years she has served as an elected official in the City of Leominster. Claire Freda serves as the Chair of the trustees of Mount Wachusett Community College. She has been a member of NCMAR for over 40 years. She has served on so many Boards and Committees. She has worked tirelessly to make her city safer, paid special attention to education and has served many veteran initiatives. Claire is a Gold Star wife, the widow of Ron Freda a Vietnam War combat veteran.
Congratulations Claire Freda for your many years of service.
Our next Good Neighbor Award Recipient has dedicated the last several years to a cause dear to her heart. Katey Tata has helped raise $5000 this year so that scholarships can be given out to high school graduates from Leominster and Gardner High Schools. Katey is the founder of The Edward J Whalen Scholarship Fund established in Edwards memory. EJ tragically took his life in 2021. Katey’s goal is to bring awareness of the mental health epidemic and help those struggling with despair.
Congratulations Katey Tata for all your efforts to help others.
Our next Good Neighbor Award Recipient says there is no better feeling than knowing you are making a difference to others. Maria Gautreau is proud of raising awareness of the important mission at Ginny’s Helping Hand. Maria noticed when volunteering at Ginny’s that there was a specific need for peanut butter and jelly for those that receive food from the Pantry. Marie collected over 300 jars this spring to help the pantry. Whether she is collecting food donations or volunteering in the food pantry, Maria is making a difference in her community and share with others who truly need a hand up.
Congratulations Maria Gautreau for your dedication and concern for others.
2024 Rising Stars
This year we wanted to recognize involved members that don’t meet the criteria for the Rookie of the Year or REALTOR of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding committee involvement, production and proficiency as a REALTOR with more than 18 months as an association member. The Rising Stars exemplify professionalism and engagement to NCMAR’s commitment to excellence.
Our first Rising Star is Penny Bedell of Laer Realty Partners.
Since joining the association in 2022, Penney became involved right away. She serves on Membership and Events Committee and Scholarship Committee
She has helped with School supplies drive, Fill a Cruiser food drive and Meat Raffle. Penny attends our membership banquets and assists with set up, cleanup and registration. She is always ready to help when we need it.
Penny, Congratulations!
Our second Rising Star is Kate Jackson of Coldwell Banker Realty. Kate began his REALTOR career in 2019 and became involved right from the beginning. Kate has attended many NCMAR Nights Out, Lunch and Learns, Continuing Education classes, Member Meetings and Community Involvement projects.
Kate is a member of the Membership and Events Committee and earned the Top Producer Award in 2024.
Congratulations, Kate!
2024 Sales Associates of the Year
Our Sales Associates of the Year Awards are voted by their peers to recognize those members that are enthusiastic, accessible, ethical, and exhibit best business practices.
Our 2024 Sales Associates of the Year are:
- Stephanie Pandiscio of Foster Healey Real Estate
- Kurt Thompson of ReMax Liberty
- Lana Kopsala of Coldwell Banker Realty
REALTOR of the Year
Business Partner of the Year
Rookie of the Year
