Minneapolis Area REALTORS® honored award winners and installed leaders at annual celebration 

(Minneapolis, MN, February 9, 2023) – Minneapolis Area REALTORS® (MAR) has recognized Lyndon Smith of Edina Realty as its 2023 Realtor® of the Year. The award was among several honors that were announced at MAR’s annual Leadership Installation and Awards Celebration on January 19. 

“I am surprised and humbled by this honor,” said Smith. “I have dedicated a lot of time to the association and the real estate profession because I love to give back what’s been given to me. I enjoy helping other Realtors® understand the benefits of getting involved in the association, which works so hard to help them be successful. And I am passionate about MAR’s efforts to reduce racial disparities in homeownership, which I look forward to supporting during my time as REALTOR® of the Year and in the years ahead.”  

MAR’s Realtor® of the Year award is presented to someone who has displayed sincere commitment and devotion to the association, real estate industry and community. Smith is a long-time leader at MAR who has served on MAR’s Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and as chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He also contributes to the community through his support of the MAR Foundation which provides grants to housing non-profits in the Greater Minneapolis area. Smith has been a Realtor® with Edina Realty for more than 25 years and is a member of their Diversity and Inclusion Team.  

MAR’s Rising Star Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who are successful in their real estate career and have demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation, and commitment to raising the bar in real estate.  Jackie Berry, a Realtor® with Edina Realty, was presented with the Rising Star award for her efforts to help close the gap in homeownership.  She chaired the task force that developed MAR’s apology for its role in the racial disparities and crafted policy changes that MAR is making to reduce barriers to homeownership. Berry is chair of MAR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and serves on Edina Realty’s Diversity and Inclusion Team.  

MAR’s Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtors® for their commitment to serve as leaders in our local communities. Liz Fagen, a Realtor® with RE/MAX Results, was honored for her community service work in her city of Big Lake, including helping those impacted by homelessness. And Jonna Kosalko, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty, was honored for her volunteer work supporting the arts, neighborhoods and housing stability.   

MAR’s 2023 Officers and Board of Directors were also installed at the event, including Jerry Moscowitz as President. Moscowitz has been a Realtor® with RE/MAX Results for 19 years, earning their Executive and Hall of Fame awards. He has served as chair of MAR’s Government Relations Committee and as MAR’s Board Secretary. He’s also a member of the Minnesota Association of Realtors® Board of Directors and is Minnesota Past President of the Certified Residential Specialist designation. 

The other officers installed at the event are Jamar Hardy of Edina Realty as President-Elect, Shae Hanson of Keller Williams Integrity Realty as Treasurer, and Frank D’Angelo of EXIT Realty as Secretary.