Masks & Merit: Celebrating Excellence at the MetroTex Awards Gala
Elegance met excellence at this year’s MetroTex Association of REALTORS® “Masks & Merit” Awards Gala, an evening ranging from heartfelt tributes to standing ovations, the night celebrated not just achievement, but impact.
REALTOR® of the Year Awards
The highest honors of the evening recognize members who exemplify the REALTOR® spirit through excellence, leadership, and service.
CCAR REALTOR® of the Year
Winner:
- Amy Hanson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Management
Amy’s leadership at the national and state levels in property management and advocacy distinguished her from her peers.
Other Finalists:
- Kayla Click, Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®
- Raj Nair, RE Konnection
MetroTex REALTOR® of the Year
Winner:
- Nancy Garcia, United Real Estate
Nancy’s leadership in corporate investment and TREPAC fundraising helped Texas achieve record-setting national recognition.
Other Finalists:
- Ericka Alvarez, OmniKey Realty
- Ed Eakin, Compass RE Texas
CCAR Lifetime Achievement Award
The CCAR Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose career reflects extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to the real estate profession and to the Association.
2025 Recipient:
- Mary Leidy, MetroTex Chief of External Affairs and former CCAR CEO
Mary Leidy’s five decades of dedication, leadership, and service to the Association and profession have left a lasting legacy in Collin County and beyond. Her influence continues to shape MetroTex’s future.
MetroTex Broker/Manager/Executive of the Year
This award recognizes a REALTOR® member who is an owner, corporate executive, broker or manager and has demonstrated outstanding service to the real estate profession, the community, and the association.
2025 Winner:
- Letitia Hughes, The Hughes Group Real Estate
Letitia was recognized for her leadership at MetroTex and her public service, including serving on the DeSoto City Council and as President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® – Southwest Dallas Network.
Other Finalists:
- Ashley Hammons, AT Home Texas Real Estate
- Terri Macaluso, Weichert Realtors/Property Partners
MetroTex Vanguard Awards
The MetroTex Vanguard Award honors REALTOR® members who demonstrate excellence beyond traditional residential brokerage while contributing meaningfully to their specialty and community.
2025 Vanguard Award Winners:
- Reece Gentry, RedBranch Realty
Reece was recognized for elevating leasing and property management education and engagement in North Texas.
- Hanne Sagalowsky, Dave Perry Miller Real Estate
Hanne was honored for her international leadership and global real estate involvement.
- Sam Shin, Texas Legacy Realty
Sam was celebrated for his commercial leadership and mentorship within the Korean American real estate community.
Christy Black Volunteer of the Year
Established to honor Christy Black’s legacy of service, this award recognizes extraordinary volunteer spirit.
2025 Winner:
- Jennifer Parker, American Realty Services
Jennifer was honored for establishing the Abigail Parker Memorial Endowment at Texas State University in honor of her late daughter. The endowment has grown to $26,000 and continues to support future educators.
Other Finalists:
- Carie Dallmann, RE/MAX Four Corners
- Don Thomas, Utopia Mortgage
MetroTex Community Service Award
This award is given each year to recognize a MetroTex member whose efforts strengthened communities and changed lives through volunteerism in North Texas.
2025 Winner:
- Marlo Dell’Aquila, Agency Dallas Park Cities
Marlo dedicated more than 300 volunteer hours to the Alzheimer’s Association and Dallas Pets Alive, helping raise awareness, funding, and lifesaving support initiatives.
Other Finalists:
- Andre Shaw, LPT Realty
- Angie Thomas, Elevate Realty Company
Affiliate of the Year Awards
Affiliate members are essential partners in the real estate transaction, and two outstanding professionals were recognized.
CCAR Affiliate of the Year
Winner:
- Shane Hartje, CMG Home Loans
Shane has served across multiple CCAR committees and as a continuing education instructor.
Other Finalists:
- Luke Hamlett, Highlands Residential Mortgage
- Don Thomas, Utopia Mortgage
MetroTex Affiliate of the Year
Winner:
- Mark Alexander, Navy Federal Credit Union
Mark served as 2025 Chair of the MetroTex Affiliate Committee and continues his service through the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.
Other Finalists:
- Stephanie Mills, Tarrant Roofing
- Jennifer Salazar, The Heritage Group
Annual President’s Awards
One of the most personal honors of the night, the President’s Awards recognize individuals who provided trusted counsel, partnership, and steady leadership throughout the year.
Presented by 2025 CCAR President Jennifer Parker, the CCAR President’s Award recipients were:
- Kayla Click, Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®
- Amy Hanson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Management
- Marvin Jolly, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
- Shana Acquisto, Acquisto Real Estate
Presented by 2025 MetroTex President Johnny Mowad, the MetroTex President’s Award recipients were:
- Eloise Martin, Dave Perry Miller Real Estate
- Hanne Sagalowsky, Dave Perry Miller Real Estate
- Russell Berry, Great Western Realty
- Ginger Gill, Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®
Congratulations to all of our 2025 honorees!