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.
2022 REALTOR® of the Year
Bill Espinola, with Park View Realty in Hayward received the REALTOR® of the Year award for demonstrating the highest level of integrity and commitment to Bay East and the real estate profession. Espinola has earned several professional designations from the National Association of REALTORS® and has served on the Bay East Board of Directors and served serving as chair of the Bay East Local Government Relations and Political Activities committees. He also serves on the California Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors. Espinola is a tireless advocate for home ownership and housing providers.
2022 Rookie of the Year
Glen Riggs, with Elation Real Estate in Pleasanton received the Rookie of the Year award. Riggs helps organize and promote the Valley Real Estate Network meetings and events, and volunteers with the East Bay Children’s Law Office, If Only You Knew Foster Care, and the Valley Humane Society.
2022 Platinum Affiliate of the Year
Christian Carr, with Loan Depot in received the Platinum Affiliate of the Year award. Carr is an active member of the Central County Marketing Group and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Alameda County Network.
2022 Outstanding Leadership Award
Nancie Allen, with Compass in Fremont received the Outstanding Leader award. This award is given to a past president of the Association who continues to pursue the vision of excellence in the name of Bay East. Allen promotes the Bay East, California Association of REALTORS®, and National Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards programs in addition to providing valuable meeting management training and support to Bay East leaders and committee members.
2022 JOHN DEADRICH DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Sandi Gomes, with Pride Properties in Livermore, received the John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service Award for her contribution to Bay East during 2022. Named in honor of Bay East’s first president, this award is traditionally given to a single Bay East member who exemplifies the self-sacrifice, vision, and accomplishments of the greatest leaders who have shaped the real estate profession. Gomes serves on the Bay East Board of Directors, Bay East Local Government and Political Activities committees and on the California Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors. She was honored for her consistent advocacy for home ownership at the local level and leadership contributions to Bay East and organized real estate.
2022 Good Neighbor of the Year
Diane Johansen, with Re/MAX Accord in Castro Valley, received the Good Neighbor of the Year award. This award recognizes a Bay East member making a positive contribution to their communities. Johansen is an active volunteer with Shepperd’s Gate in Livermore helping victims of domestic violence and substance abuse recover.