Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service award is the highest honor a REALTOR® can receive and is the ultimate recognition for ongoing, dedicated service by a very special REALTOR® who has always set themselves apart as a leader. They are individuals who have held membership in the board for 15 years or more, and are recognized as a local leader whose performance of service and involvement on the Board, the local real estate industry and civic organizations is extraordinary. They are members who are always called to serve on special task forces and work groups to resolve matters of a critical nature. They are respected by those in the industry and community and are a source of knowledge and experience to business colleagues and within the community.
This honor has been bestowed in Berkshire County first to Nancy Kalodner. Nancy was presented with the Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for a lifetime of achievement in the local, state and national REALTOR associations. Her dedication and devotion to the industry has advanced the professional status of members in the REALTOR association, and inspired generations of REALTORS to commit to high ideals, master critical business principals and understand and act in accordance with our Code of Ethics.
Nancy has been a dedicated leader in the real estate profession during her entire career, and is most known as a fantastic instructor on the REALTOR Code of Ethics. During the past 35 years, Nancy has personally trained more than 3,500 fledgling brokers and salespeople on the importance of striving for the highest business principals. A widely sought-after speaker on professional ethics, Nancy taught in 26 states for both National and State Associations. In the education realm, Nancy chaired the National Professional Standards Education Subcommittee in 1995 and is a certified Mediator, ITI Certified Instructor and was honored as a Massachusetts Educator of the Year.
She led our local association as President in 1989 and was honored twice as the Berkshire REALTOR of the Year, both in 1988 and 1992. In 1992, Nancy went on to be named the prestigious Massachusetts REALTOR of the Year, the highest honor of our state association.
Nancy has served in critical positions related to the education and formation of the REALTOR Code of Ethics. Her passion for professionalism began when first inducted as a REALTOR in 1981 and grew with her local appointment in 1982 to chair Berkshire County’s Professional Standards Committee. She went on to be appointed to chair the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee for over 8 years. In the 1990’s, Nancy was tapped to become involved on a national level not just to implement and educate on professional standards, but to help develop and refine our Code of Ethics and hearing process. She accepted a pivotal role when she was appointed by the NAR President to chair the National Professional Standards Committee and Forum in 1997 and 1999.
Nancy remains an integral part of the local real estate marketplace, the association and the industry as a whole. Her dedication, commitment and involvement continues to assist her colleagues countywide.
Nancy has made her home in Monterey, Massachusetts and was a founding Board member of both the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and of IS 183 Art School of the Berkshires, where she also served as Board President. Over the decades, Nancy has been a supporter, adviser, cheerleader and advocate for organizations including Community Access to the Arts, The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, The Great Barrington Fairgrounds, The Mount, Berkshire Theatre Festival, The Berkshire Creative Economy Council, Barrington Stage, and many more.
We were proud to present the second Distinguished Service honor to Debbie Dwyer. This award is the highest honor a REALTOR® can receive and is the ultimate recognition for ongoing, dedicated service of a special REALTOR® who has always set themselves apart as a leader. This award is only bestowed upon individuals who have volunteered for the duration of a long career, and serve as an industry leader on the local state and national levels, with extraordinary civic service to the Berkshire community.
Debbie is a member who is always called to serve on special task forces and work groups to resolve matters of a critical nature. She is respected by those in the industry and community and a source of knowledge and experience to business colleagues and within the community.
She remains an active volunteer in all aspects of the Association, serving on many committees locally in addition to some prestigious positions throughout her tenure. She was named the Berkshire REALTOR of the Year three times (1985, 1989, 1998), was elected to serve as MLS President 3 times and was elected and served as the Board President as well. Debbie also serves on the MAR Board of Directors.
Debbie won the major honor of being named the Massachusetts REALTOR of the Year and served with distinction as Massachusetts Association of REALTORS State President. She has served on many committees at all levels and chairs the National Professional Standards Committee (with past service in Interpretations and MLS Policy).
She was awarded the Omega Tau Rho award of the National Association for Service to the industry and is a REALTOR Emeritus for over 40 years of membership. Bravo to a tireless leader and volunteer. In the community, Debbie can be found supporting many causes, and serves in very important positions as a Trustee of the Berkshire REALTOR Housing Fund, The Massachusetts Charitable Foundation and the National REALTORS Relief Foundation.