MEET THE AWARD WINNERS
Each year, the Association recognizes members with our most prestigious awards: REALTOR® of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, and Good Neighbor of the Year. In addition, the Association awards the “Outstanding Leader Award” and the “John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award” to deserving recipients. All the award winners have contributed hundreds of hours to causes that benefit the association members and have also dedicated time to many community programs and are considered ambassadors for the real estate profession.
2024 REALTOR® of the Year
The REALTOR® of the Year Award winner is Steve Medeiros. Steve has been a member of Bay East for 14 years and has developed a strong passion for advocacy. In addition to being 2023 Bay East President and serving on several Bay East committees, Steve worked to advance the awareness and expansion of the REALTOR® and Affiliate Wellness Program (RAW), a support group where members help each other in a confidential and anonymous setting to discuss anything that may be affecting their business or personal lives.
2024 Rookie of the Year
Huili Liao received the Rookie of the Year award. While being in the real estate industry for just over a year, Huili found the journey to be more rewarding than the destination. She is always thrilled to share any aspect of her career with friends, family, and peers and is dedicated to maintaining that excitement for years to come through her volunteerism and truly doing all she can to improve the life of every client she meets.
2024 Platinum Affiliate of the Year
Susan Munkner is the 2024 Platinum Affiliate of the Year. She has gone above and beyond, dedicating countless hours as both chair and vice-chair of the Affiliate Committee and member of the Tri-Cities Marketing Council and I.D.E.A. Committee. Her unwavering commitment and passion for supporting Platinum Affiliates and REALTOR® members make her a truly remarkable leader. Susan is always ready to step up, lend a hand, and make a difference!
2024 Outstanding Leadership Award
Sheila Cunha received the Outstanding Leader award. In addition to her involvement with Bay East, Sheila is past chair of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She served on the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council for over 12 years. Sheila is a passionate advocate for home ownership and housing providers.
2024 JOHN DEADRICH DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Jennifer Branchini received the John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service award. Jennifer is the 2025 NAR Vice President of Association Affairs as well as a past President of C.A.R. and Bay East. She is passionate about mentoring fellow members and real estate professionals in their career journeys while working to advance the profession at local, state, and national levels.
2024 Good Neighbor of the Year
Joe Loparo is the 2024 Good Neighbor of the Year award winner. This award honors a Bay East member who goes above and beyond to make a difference in their community. Joe’s dedication to serving Alameda has earned him widespread recognition. His commitment to giving back makes him an invaluable member of both Bay East and the community he serves.