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The Bay East Association of Realtors recognized six top members for accomplishments during 2024 with its annual awards program this winter.
The awards, distributed during the trade association’s gala on Feb. 1, included Realtor of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Platinum Affiliate of the Year, Outstanding Leader, Good Neighbor of the Year and the John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award.
“Each demonstrated ethical standards and professionalism, active community involvement, and a high level of service to the real estate profession,” association reps said. “The 2024 Bay East recipients have dedicated themselves to serving others in every aspect of their careers while simultaneously supporting the Realtor community and real estate industry at large.”
Bay East, which is based in Pleasanton, represents more than 6,000 residential and commercial real estate professionals in the Tri-Valley and beyond. Here are the 2024 award winners, including descriptions provided by the association:
Realtor of the Year
Steve Medeiros, with Realty Experts in Fremont, received the Realtor of the Year award for demonstrating the highest level of integrity and commitment to Bay East and the real estate profession.Â
Medeiros has been a member of Bay East for 14 years and has developed a strong passion for advocacy related to Realtor issues as he maintains and cultivates relationships with elected officials, city councilmembers and city staff in the Bay Area.
His commitment to Bay East, the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors has proven to be inspiring for fellow Realtors, as he’s viewed to be a vibrant and motivational leader.
In addition to being 2023 Bay East president and serving on several Bay East committees, Medeiros worked to advance the awareness and expansion of the Realtor and Affiliate Wellness (RAW) Program, a support group where members help each other in a confidential and anonymous setting to discuss anything that may be affecting their business or personal lives.
Rookie of the Year
Huili Liao, with Intero Real Estate Services in Fremont, earned the Rookie of the Year award which recognizes a new Realtor who demonstrates high principles of integrity, adherence to the Realtor Code of Ethics, and furtherance of the principles of good real estate practice, civic activity and business accomplishments.
While being in the real estate industry for just over a year, Liao found the journey to be more rewarding than the destination. Liao realized that furthering her education as a real estate professional leaves her feeling excited for the future and brings a self-described glimmer to her eyes.
Platinum Affiliate of the Year
Susan Munkner, with Chase Bank, took home the Platinum Affiliate of the Year award. Munkner supported the real estate community through her involvement with the Women’s Council of Realtors and Bay East’s Tri-Cities Marketing Council.
In her seven years as a Platinum Affiliate member at Bay East, Munker has held leadership roles that allowed her to assist in improving educational events to truly interact with Realtors in a meaningful way to develop genuine relationships. She’s been an engaged member of multiple committees at Bay East which has allowed her to share her dedication to advocacy for Realtors and local issues tapping into her passion for uplifting the community.
Outstanding Leader
Sheila Cunha, with Legacy Real Estate Associates in Pleasanton, was awarded as Outstanding Leader, which is given to a past president of the association who continues to pursue the vision of excellence in the name of Bay East.
Cunha has served as Bay East president, has served on the Bay East Board of Directors and as chair of the Bay East Local Government Relations and Political Activities committees. She also serves on the C.A.R. Board of Directors and as a leader in the C.A.R. advocacy program.
In addition to her involvement with Bay East, Cunha is past chair of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She served on the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council for over 12 years. Cunha is a passionate advocate for home ownership and housing providers.
John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award
Jennifer Branchini, with Compass in Pleasanton, received the John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service Award for her contribution to Bay East during 2024.
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.
Branchini is the 2025 NAR vice president of association affairs as well as a past president of the C.A.R. and Bay East. Branchini is passionate about mentoring fellow members and real estate professionals in their career journeys while working to advance the profession at local, state, and national levels.
Good Neighbor of the Year
Joe LoParo, with Keller Williams Advisors in Alameda, was honored with the Good Neighbor of the Year award, which recognizes a Bay East member making a positive contribution to their communities.Â
LoParo is determined and committed to making a positive impact in Alameda County, fostering a supportive and caring community for all. For more than five decades, LoParo’s volunteered with many community organizations and has influenced others to become more involved in their communities as well.
As a veteran, serving the community for LoParo feels like an extension of his service to the country. From distributing toys for less fortunate children to public safety and helping coordinate events with the Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission, LoParo holds each of the organizations he partners with very close to his heart.
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