Texas REALTORS recently held its annual Winter Meeting in Austin on February 10, where it recognized outstanding members and local REALTOR associations through the Texas REALTORS Awards. These awards honor individuals and organizations for their dedication and excellence in the real estate field.
Christy Gessler, the 2025 Chairman of Texas REALTORS, expressed pride in showcasing "some of the state’s hardest working professionals and associations." She stated that the 2024 award winners exemplify a commitment to excellence that benefits local communities and the Texas economy.
Cindi Bulla from the Amarillo Association of REALTORS was named the 2024 Texas REALTOR of the Year. With over 25 years in real estate, Bulla has contributed significantly to her profession and community, holding leadership roles at various levels including as Chairman for both Texas REALTORS and the Amarillo Association of REALTORS.
Robert Wright from Austin received the Distinguished Service Award for his 45-year commitment to the REALTOR organization. Wright has been actively involved with the association since 1992 and helped establish Austin's chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
The Good Neighbor Award went to Kent Redding for his volunteer work with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, aiding Austin's homeless population. Redding is also active with Community First! Village and Hungry Souls.
Shelyna Tinglin was awarded Educator of the Year for her contributions to real estate education, including her service on TREC's Education Standards Advisory Committee and leadership roles within Collin County Area REALTORS.
Adrian Arriaga received the inaugural Richard Miranda Global Achievement Award for his leadership in global real estate over four decades, assisting Spanish-speaking investors and U.S. companies in Mexico.
Local associations were also honored: San Antonio Board of REALTORS for innovation, Houston Association of REALTORS for marketing, and Austin Board of REALTORS for legal education programs. Danielle Tucker Shepard was recognized for an educational program series at Fort Hood Area Association of REALTORS.
Gilbert Gonzalez from San Antonio Board of REALTORS earned the Tom D. Morton Award for his leadership as an association executive. Collin County Area REALTORS won the Mark Lehman Governmental Affairs Achievement Award for its efforts in governmental affairs initiatives.
Jeff Varnell from MetroTex Association was named Grassroots Advocate of the Year for engaging elected officials on real estate policies. Other grassroots recognitions included Diana Barnett, Sandra Breedlove, Amy Hanson, Chad Hovde, Brenda Job, Ken Kiel, Olivia Kiritsy, Carie McNeil, Kelly Rudiger, Taylor Walcik, and Sharon Williamson.
Associations receiving Diversity Recognition Program Awards were Austin Board of REALTORS, Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS, Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS, MetroTex Association of REALTORS, and San Antonio Board of REALTORS.
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) recognized six under-40 members with Realtors to Watch Awards: Naquay Dunbar, Kayla Sorrell, Preston Davis, Miriam Valencia, Randi Houston-Ramirez (Katy), Rick Ramirez (MetroTex), Jose Nieto (Houston), Katherine Nebel (Spring).
Recipients of Texas Accredited Commercial Specialist Scholarships included Porsha Burns (Plano), Lorena Decanini (Frisco), Audrey Munoz (San Antonio), Hanayya Shah (McKinney), Aaron Sowemimo (Houston), Shonda Strives (Irving), Narcippa Teague (Rockwall).
