MEET THE AWARD WINNERS
Each year, the Association recognizes members with our most prestigious awards: REALTOR® 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.
2020 John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award
Three Bay East members, Past President Nancie Allen, President-Elect Sheila Cunha, and Treasurer Steve Medeiros are each recipients of the 2020 John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service Award.
Named in honor of the Association’s first president and founding father, this award is given to Bay East members who exemplify the self-sacrifice, vision and accomplishments of the greatest leaders who have shaped the real estate profession.
As 2020 Association Officers, Nancie, Sheila, and Steve have each made invaluable contributions to Bay East in an unprecedented year, willingly giving their time and energy to address additional challenges due to the global pandemic. Their commitment to leadership during an uncertain year for the real estate profession helped ensure Bay East was able to provide crucial services and products to its members as well as serve as a powerful and effective advocate for homeownership.
2020 REALTOR® of the Year
June Burckhardt with Legacy Real Estate received the 2020 REALTOR® of the Year Award for demonstrating the highest level of integrity and commitment to Bay East and the real estate industry.
June has been a dedicated member of the Bay East family since 2004 and in 2020 has been an active member of the Board of Directors Bay East Homeownership Opportunities, Bay East Strategic Planning, Bay East Executive and Tri-Cities Marketing committees. June is also an active volunteer in her hometown of Fremont where she is a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, a Harvest Food Bank Coordinator, and works with the annual Adopt an Angel project.
2020 Affiliate of the Year
Leah Nishi with Farmers Insurance received the 2020 Affiliate of the Year Award. Bay East Platinum Affiliate Members contribute time, money, and resources to support the real estate profession. Leah served as the 2020 Community Relations Committee vice chair and has been an active member of the Affiliate & Inforum Marketing Committee, and an effective advocate for local businesses. Leah helped promote a new homelessness service center in Alameda and secured a $1,500 grant for the Alameda Education Foundation. Leah finds where there is a need and willingly steps up to help with a positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
2020 Good Neighbor of the Year
We are proud to share that Louise Lovewell with RE/Max Accord, is the 2020 Good Neighbor of the Year. A REALTOR® for more than 40 years, Louise joined Bay East in 1979 and in addition to being a productive REALTOR® she is actively involved in the community with a number of charitable organizations including Building Futures for Women and Children, Western Service Workers Association, Washington Elementary School, Dig Deep Farms, and San Leander Church. Giving back to those in need is an integral part of Louise’s life and she believes the more you give, the more you receive.
2020 Outstanding Leadership Award
Jennifer Branchini received the 2020 Outstanding Leader Award. Jennifer joined Bay East in 1998 and after serving on her first committee, she saw what a difference she could make. Jennifer’s focus, from the beginning, has been to help the Association to plan for the future, through strategic action and leadership development, and it continues to be her passion today. Currently serving as the 2021 California Association of REALTORS® Treasurer, Jennifer embodies what it means to lead and is asset to Bay East and the entire real estate community.