Michael D. Oldenettel, managing broker of RE/MAX Professionals in Springfield, was named the 2018 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year at the state association’s Public Policy Meetings in East Peoria today. The award honors individuals whose dedication to excellence has profoundly enhanced the industry.

Michael D. Oldenettel reacts after being named Illinois REALTOR® of the Year

Michael D. Oldenettel is congratulated by his colleagues after being announced 2018 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year.

“I am humbled and thank you,” Oldenettel said after the surprise announcement was made. He said real estate has always been more than a job and he cherishes the REALTOR® friendships he has made over the years.

“I try to ask new agents to get involved, do something,” he said. “This industry has been good to me, this association has been good to me and all of you have been good to me.”

In a real estate career that has spanned nearly three decades, Oldenettel has been active in all levels of the REALTOR® association. In 2013, he led the statewide association as president of Illinois REALTORS®.

Oldenettel served two terms as president of his local association. He is a long-time member of the National Association of REALTORS®’ Board of Directors and has chaired two national committees.

He is a strong believer in the power of REALTOR® political advocacy and is among an elite group of REALTORS® who have been inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame for lifetime contributions of at least $25,000.

Oldenettel is a real estate industry trainer who is committed to promoting education, ethics and professional development. He is a past president of the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation and has served as dean of the REALTOR® Institute Working Group. In 2016, he was appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner to serve on the Illinois Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board.

He is equally committed to volunteering and lending a hand in his community and in 2017 was honored as his local association’s local REALTOR® of the Year.

In his hometown, Oldenettel is active with the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, with Salem Lutheran Church and School and is vice chair of the city of Jacksonville’s Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.  He has served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber, on the advisory board for the Salvation Army, as a youth soccer coach for the Jacksonville Soccer Club, as a co-chair for the school district’s Vision 117 Committee, as a diver for the Jacksonville/Morgan County Underwater Search and Rescue Dive Team and is a past president of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club.

Congratulations to Michael D. Oldenettel, who will be formally recognized and celebrated at the REALTOR® of the Year Award banquet April 9 in Springfield!