Realtor® of the Year: Lyndon Smith

The Realtor® of the Year Award recognizes a member who has displayed sincere commitment and devotion to the residential real estate industry and the community. This person encapsulates the Realtor® spirit and the high principles of integrity, adherence to the code of ethics, principles of good real estate practice, civic activity and participation in local, state and national efforts.

Lyndon Smith is a true leader in his profession and his community. A native of Minneapolis, he has stayed true to his commitment to help his neighbors in their quest to own their own home. He is a champion of homeownership for all. Lyndon understands the importance of the association’s work to help protect the profession from unnecessary regulation. He is an ambassador for the REALTOR® Party Action Committee and has been a longtime major investor.

Lyndon has been on MAR’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee where his thoughtful leadership has guided decision making.

His generosity to the MAR Foundation is well known. His donations have helped the Foundation surpass its fundraising goals.

He is a respected leader at Edina Realty where he serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Team.

Rising Star: Jackie Berry

The Rising Star Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who are successful in their real estate careers and have demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation, and commitment to raising the bar in real estate.

Jackie Berry embodies the spirit of this award. Her passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging helped inspire the association to take bold action in 2022. She was a key leader in MAR’s efforts to shed light on the homeownership gap and to do something about it. Jackie led the task force that crafted MAR’s apology for helping create racial disparities in homeownership and developed the policy actions MAR is taking to help remove barriers for Black homebuyers and other people of color. She is a respected voice in the community and at MAR, where she serves as Chair of the DEI Committee and on the Board of Directors. She’s also an Office Ambassador for Edina Realty’s Diversity and Inclusion Team.

Good Neighbors: Liz Fagen & Jonna Kosalko

The Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtors® for their commitment to serve as leaders in our local communities. These people have made a difference in the lives of others and because of this award, their charity receives a $750 contribution from MAR.

Liz Fagen volunteers in several capacities to help her fellow neighbor. She recently started a program to drive positivity in her city of Big Lake. She also helps those impacted by homelessness. Liz started a mom’s support group that has grown to more than 2,000 mothers. And she is planning a new group for women business owners.

Jonna Kosalko serves on several boards in the community focused on improving quality of life. She has a passion for the arts and serves on the boards for the Gremlin and Trademark Theaters and as a panelist for the St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grant Program. She’s newly elected to the board of the Lift Garage in Minneapolis, which supports housing stability by providing low-cost car repair. She’s been active in her condo association and neighborhood groups in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park.

Thank you to our Good Neighbors and all Realtors® doing good in our community!