The COVID-19 pandemic has offered unique challenges to the real estate industry. Just as REALTORS® have adjusted to serve their clients, Association Executives (AE) have pivoted to ensure REALTOR® members were supported when faced with uncertainty.
Now’s the time to formally recognize the hard work AEs have done behind the scenes. The nomination period for the AEN Award of Excellence is now open.
The AEN Award of Excellence was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding dedication and exemplary service.
The award was created in the name of Frank Johns, a former Executive Vice-President of the Calgary Real Estate Board. Johns was a mentor and leader among Executive Officers and freely shared his expertise and wisdom for the betterment of the industry throughout his long career.
The AEN Award of Excellenceis only presented to a truly deserving AEN member who exemplifies professionalism, commitment and leadership within the community of REALTOR® associations.
“I know the incredible passion we all give to our work and how seriously evaluating excellence is taken by the AEN, and that makes it all the more special,” says Alan Tennant President and CEO of CREB® and the 2020 recipient of the AEN Award. “This recognition meant the world to me as do the relationships I have in the AE community.
“I truly love my work. My colleagues know that the work of an association executive is very challenging but also rewarding. Our members and particularly our volunteer leaders can be difficult—sometimes, really difficult—but, it is all worth it when we achieve great things together…this is our world and it is my privilege to share it with my colleagues.”
All senior board or association staff are eligible for the award provided they meet the award criteria. While many recipients have been nominated near the end of their career, it’s not considered a retirement award.
Full award criteria:
- Executive Officers or senior association staff with more than five years of service in a REALTOR® association;
- Nominees must be AEN members in good standing;
- The nominee must have the Canadian REALTOR® Association Executive (CRAE) designation;
- Nominees must exemplify the characteristics outlined below:
- Service and dedication to the REALTOR® community
- Leadership in association management
- Co-operation and support to his/her peers
- Participation in professional or service organizations
- Community involvement, beyond the call of their position
- Accomplishments at the board/association
And who, overall, represents the professionalism symbolized by this award.
The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2022. A selection committee will review all applications to ensure nominees meet the rigorous criteria of the award.The award will be presented during CREA’s Annual General Meeting in April.
New for 2022: a $250 charitable donation will be awarded to the winning candidate’s charity of choice.
Past Recipients
| 2020 | Alan Tennant Chief Executive Officer Calgary Real Estate Board® |
| 2019 | Bill Duce Executive Officer Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® |
| 2018 | Roger Boutilier Chief Executive Officer Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® |
| 2017 | Gord Archibald Executive Officer Association of Regina REALTORS® |
| 2016 | Bill Madder Chief Executive Officer Association of Saskachewan REALTORS® |
| 2015 | Eileen Rohs Executive Officer REALTORS® Association of Lloydminster & District |
| 2014 | Hugh Foy Director of Commercial and Member Services Toronto Real Estate Board |
| 2013 | Brad Scott Chief Operating Officer Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver |
| 2012 | Bill Benoit, CAE Executive Officer Vancouver Island Real Estate Board |
| 2011 | Arnold Jones Executive Officer Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® |
