Illinois REALTORS® stand out for their professionalism and market expertise, and the association has several awards to honor those who are among the very best in the industry.
2026 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year Sarah Ware
Distinguished Service Award
Illinois REALTORS® awards the Distinguished Service Award to honor those who have provided outstanding contributions and service to the Illinois REALTORS® and their communities. Individuals who receive the award are recognized as leaders whose performance and involvement in the real estate association has been extraordinary. Recipients continue to remain active in the real estate industry, influencing others with their knowledge and experience.
Past recipients
2020
Mabél Guzmán
2013
Sue Miller
Al Suguitan
2011
Max Mitchell
Judy Stowe
2009
Doug Carpenter
Gary Clayton
2006
Loretta Alonzo
John Vranas
2005
Terry Penza
Jack Potter
Winnie Stortzum
2004
John Kretchmar
Frank Williams
Anne Zickus
2003
Mac Boyd
Donna Garver
Ann Hallock
2002
Phyllis Jeske
Don Truitt
2001
Dan Bock
George Patt
Roberta Griffin
Wayne Edwards
Illinois REALTOR® of the Year
The Illinois REALTOR® of the Year award is the highest honor the Illinois REALTORS® can bestow on a member. It is presented to an individual whose dedication to excellence has most profoundly enhanced the professional image of REALTORS® in the State of Illinois. The award recognizes the Illinois REALTOR® of the Year’s personal leadership and service qualities, applied not only to the real estate industry, but also to the promotion of civic, community and charitable causes. The award, while not granted for a specific business accomplishment, is earned by REALTORS® who have made a mark in the real estate industry.
Previous winners
Sarah Ware, Chicago, 2025
Michael Gobber, Elmhurst, 2025
Ayn Bartok, Harrisburg, 2024
Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, Chicago, 2023
Ed Neaves, Bloomington, 2022
Doug Carpenter, Mokena, 2020
Michael D. Drews, Aurora, 2019
Michael D. Oldenettel, Jacksonville, 2018
Sue Miller, McHenry, 2017
Chris Read, Woodridge, 2016
Loretta Alonzo, LaGrange Park, 2015
Pat Callan, Wheaton, 2014
John Vranas, Chicago, 2013
Kay Wirth, Crystal Lake, 2012
Lynn Madison, Lake Zurich, 2011
John C. Kmiecik, Chicago, 2010
John Veneris, Downers Grove, 2009
Patrick Dalessandro, Niles, 2008
Nancy Koch, Morton, 2007
Judie McConville, Ottawa, 2006
Toni Sherman, Glen Ellyn, 2005
James Kinney, Chicago, 2004
Alex LaBelle, LaGrange, 2003
Jean Crosby, Rockford, 2002
H. Sue Wiskowski, Aurora, 2001
Phil Johnson, Belleville, 2000
Marilyn Glazer, Skokie, 1999
Arlen Speckman, Kankakee, 1998
Dick Crosby, Rockford, 1997
R. Rex Rowland, Christopher, 1996
Alice Roth, Barrington, 1995
Gerald Perlow, Chicago, 1994
Patricia Ortseifen, Lake Forest, 1993
Randall Raynolds, Springfield, 1992
William Griffin, Naperville, 1991
Walt Schlemer, Edwardsville, 1990
Don Ursin, Oak Brook, 1989
Lydia Franz, Barrington, 1988
Myron Thaden, Olympia Fields, 1987
Ralph Martin, Des Plaines, 1986
Jack Hamer, Naperville, 1985
Ruth Thiel, Evanston, 1984
Leo Sheridan, Evanston, 1983
Roy Fair, Aurora, 1982
John Picken, Rockford, 1981
Ronald Chinnock, Chicago, 1980
Robert Cook, Springfield, 1979
Douglas Carson, Melrose Park, 1978
Richard Rauch, Chicago, 1977
Vincent Penza, Jacksonville, 1976
Robert Steger, Steger, 1975
Ralph Pritchard , LaGrange, 1974
Kathryn Duncan, Robinson, 1973
Ray Speckman, Kankakee, 1972
M. Edward Smith, Des Plaines, 1971
Morgan Fitch, Chicago, 1970
Arthur Mohl, Chicago, 1969
William Allmart, Glen Ellyn, 1967
Robert McGuire, Evanston, 1966
Rich Port, LaGrange, 1964
Frank Syms, Chicago, 1962
Legacy Award
Marsha and Gary Clayton hold a picture of the Illinois REALTORS® headquarters after he’s given the Legacy Award.
The Illinois REALTORS® Legacy Award is the highest distinction awarded by the association and is intended to recognize and honor individuals who have established an unparalleled lifetime record of leadership, service, and contribution to not just the local, state and national REALTOR® family but to their communities and to their state through civic and other community involvement. The Legacy Award is given to those whose contributions to and influence upon their city, their state, and the real estate industry create a positive impact for the benefit of multiple generations.
2020
The Legacy Award honors Gary Clayton for the many positive changes that came about during his tenure and the ceremony gave him an opportunity to thank previous leadership teams and staffs for their support.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dan Goodwin. Photo by Randy Squires.
2017
Daniel L. Goodwin, chairman and CEO of the Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. He was honored for service to the industry and for a lifelong commitment to fair housing for all.
Margery Shinners Rhino Award
The Margery Shinners Rhino Award is given annually to the Illinois REALTORS® association executive who symbolizes strength, leadership and loyalty to the profession.
Past recipients
2022: Michelle Mills Clement
2021: Kyle Anderson
2019: Linda Green
2018: Deb Frazier
2017: Deb Borgwald and Margery Shinners
2016: Dallas Hancock
2015: Pam Krieter
2014: Dan Sale
2013: Jim Haisler
2012: Ginger Downs
2011: Al Suguitan
2010: Wayne Edwards
2009: Gary Clayton
2008: Terry Penza
Political Involvement Award
Illinois REALTORS® works on private property issues at the local, state and federal level. This award is given for outstanding political and legislative service to the REALTOR® organization.
Past recipients
2023: Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®
2022: Matt Silver, Mark Massey, and Steve Myers
2018: Pat McCarthy
2017: Piero Orsi
2016: Sonia Anaya
2015: Ed Neaves
2014: Lynn Madison
2013: Stan Sieron
2012: Gerald N. Perlow
Presidential Medallions
This award is given by an outgoing Illinois REALTORS® president to honor those who made a difference during the president’s term of service.
Past recipients
2025
Michael Gobber
Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris
Greg St. Aubin
2024
Matt Difanis
Kinga Korpacz
Sarah Ware
Deena Zimmerman
2023
Kristie Engerman
Ed Neaves
Michael D. Oldenettel
2023 Staff of Illinois REALTORS®
2022
Anthony Hebron
Alex Ruggieri
Andy Velkme
2021
Matt Difanis
Lutalo McGee
Michael D. Oldenettel
Mike Scobey
Ginger Sreenan
Rebecca Thomson
2020
Jeff Baker
Kristen Butcher
Tracey Royal
Len Taylor
Mario Treto, Jr.
Betsy Urbance
2020 Staff of Illinois REALTORS®
2019
Doug Carpenter
Matt Difanis
Sue Miller
Michael D. Oldenettel
Nykea Pippion McGriff
Sarah Ware
2018
Jean Crosby
Zeke Morris
Courtney Q. Jones
Mabél Guzmán
2017
Vicky Turner
Sonia Anaya
Alex Ruggieri
Chris Read
Deb Prodehl
Lynn Madison
2016
Pam Krieter
Lynn Madison
Ed Neaves
Vicky Sampah
Steve Volkodav
2015
Bob Eby
Mábel Guzmán
Ed Neaves
Chris Read
Vicky Turner
Dan Wagner
2014
Jim Barbagallo
Mábel Guzmán
Phil Johnson
Connie Stellhorn-Schanter
