Hall of Fame

William B. “Bill” Lawson
Northeast Atlanta Metro Association

Bill Lawson has been a GAR member for more than 45 years and has set a standard for professionalism throughout his career that many others have learned from and followed. He has ensured that he and his peers adhere to the highest standard in the real estate industry by leading by example, always ensuring his actions reflect a positive and professional attitude upon him, his brokerage, and the REALTOR® association. Bill’s long-term journey for professionalism led him to serve on the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association’s (NAMAR) Professional Standards Committee for over 26 years. In addition to serving and chairing on several other committees at NAMAR, Bill’s notable service to his local board culminated with his election as NAMAR President in 1986.

At the state level, Bill served as the Dean of the Graduate REALTOR Institute in 1991 after serving for several years as a GRI Governor. He served as a Scholarship Foundation Trustee for eight years, and as a GAR Regional Director for Region 2 for two terms between 2001 and 2005. Bill also served on the GAR Professional Standards Committee for several years, and was instrumental in developing the statewide Professional Standards Program, for which he served as an instructor between 1992 and 2006. Bill was recognized for his hard worked and dedication, being named the Georgia CRS of the Year in 1987 and the GAR REALTOR® of the Year in 2001.

Robin Lance
Savannah Area REALTORS®

Two words that describe Robin Lance are leadership and consistency. Robin has been a licensed agent since 1977, and became involved with the REALTOR® association immediately. Her long-term commitment to the association has led to a variety of committee work and leadership positions at the local, state and national levels. Robin is a member of the Savannah Area REALTORS®, and her leadership potential was evident early on. In the first ten years of being in the business, Robin served as president of three real estate groups within the Savannah area – first for the Savannah Chapter of the Young Council of Realtors in 1981, then as President of Women’s Council of Realtors Savannah network in 1984, and finally as President of the Savannah Area REALTORS® in 1987. Today, Robin is still active with her local board, having recently chaired the Konter Hall of Fame Committee.
At the state level, Robin served on a myriad of committees, task forces, and presidential advisory groups. Her service includes being a Trustee for the GAR Disaster Relief Foundation, serving as a Federal Political Coordinator for Senator David Perdue, serving as GAR President in 2013, and serving on the task force that acquired a site and built a new building for GAR Headquarters.

Robin is a champion of RPAC and has been a Major Investor for many years. She is currently a Golden R and a President’s Circle members, and has been named to NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame. In 2017, she was awarded the Emeritus Award for 40 years of service to the REALTOR® association.

Dale Washburn
Central Georgia

Upon acquiring his real estate license in 1976, Macon native Dale Washburn hit the ground running and continues both his practice and his dedication to the profession today. As co-founder of Washburn & Associates, Dale has earned an array of awards and recognition at the local and state levels. He served as president of the Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS® (MGAR) in 1992, and was honored as MGAR’s REALTOR® of the Year in 1994. Dale is currently a member of the Central Georgia Board. At the state level, Dale served in numerous positions and committees, most notably as GAR Region Director of Region 5, and as a GAR Vice President for two terms. In 2004, Dale was named GAR REALTOR® of the Year.

Dale’s passion for the industry and the REALTOR® association is particularly evident in two areas: education and governmental affairs. In 1997, Dale became a licensed instructor, and subsequently taught pre-license classes at Macon State College and later formed a real estate school, the Dale Washburn School of Real Estate, which still operates today. Dale drafted a textbook for pre-license students and developed a 25-hour post license course. Additionally, he has traveled through the state teaching classes on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. In 2018, Dale was elected to serve as the Georgia House Representative for District 141. He continues to serve the real estate profession and the public by supporting legislation that promotes private property rights.

Anne Gault
DeKalb

As a businesswoman, Anne Gault was a consistent top producer, achieving Million Dollar Club status for several years running, while working extensively in the DeKalb County and greater metro Atlanta markets. She earned a Five Star Circle of Service Award in 1998, and a Captain of Industry Award in 2000 from the Atlanta REALTORS®. She and was named REALTOR® of the Year for the DeKalb REALTORS® in 2004, and in 2012, was named REALTOR® of the Year for the Atlanta REALTOR®.

Anne had a long, impactful career with the REALTOR® association, serving on numerous committees for both the DeKalb REALTORS® and the Atlanta REALTORS®. In 2002, she served as President of the DeKalb REALTORS®. She was also a two-time president for the Atlanta Network of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, in 1993 and again in 2005. In 2011, Anne served as GAR President, where her impact is still felt today.

During Anne’s Presidential tenure, she championed the initiative to charge non-members to use the GAR forms, which was approved by the GAR Board of Directors in early 2012. This change has brought on a substantial revenue stream for GAR that, among other things, allowed us to pay off the mortgage on our new building in less than four years.

Anne served the REALTOR® Association up until the end of her life. When she passed away in April 2019, she was serving as the chair of the GAR 100-year anniversary committee.

Josiah Flournoy
Columbus

In 1917, during World War I, Josiah Flournoy introduced a resolution proposing Columbus as a military site due to its proximity to railroads, good weather, and general location. The resolution was adopted in May of that year, and the site eventually came to be known as Fort Benning. Eight years later, in 1925, Josiah served as GAR President. Additionally, Josiah was a founding member of the Georgia Real Estate Commission, serving 1926-38 and 1943-47. Apart from his real estate accomplishments, Josiah patented a device that delivers insecticide to crops.

Mary V. Nelson
DeKalb

Mary V. Nelson has the distinction of being GAR’s first female recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year award, and for good reason. After forming Nelson Realty in the 1960’s, Mary quickly became involved in the REALTOR association. She served as DeKalb’s President and as President of the MLS. She was a charter member of the Georgia Chapter of the Certified Residential Brokers, and she served as President of the Georgia Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Mary is credited to helping establish 13 local chapters during her tenure in Women’s Council. A member of the first graduating class of GRI, Mary went on to serve as an instructor, a governor, and was Dean in 1977-78, instituting the first budget for GRI. DeKalb REALTORS® named an award for her, the Mary Nelson Spirit Award, and GAR has named its Governor’s Award in her honor as well.

H.P. “Pink” Persons, Jr.
Macon

Known to all as Pink – has the distinction of being the only two-time REALTOR of the Year award recipient for GAR. Before his real estate career began, Pink served as a Lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II flying B-24’s and B-29’s. Pink was GAR President in 1965, and earned REALTOR® of the Year honors in 1966 and 1970. He served as owner, president and Chairman of the Board of Murphey, Taylor & Ellis, Inc. An active member of his community, Pink served on the Board of Directors of the Home Federal Savings and the Loan and the Georgia Bank & Trust Company, and was President of the Macon Civic Club.

Charles Rowland
Savannah

Charles Rowland served as GAR President in 1930. He was a two-time President of the Savannah Board and was one of the top organizers of GAR once our charter was established. Charles traveled to Boston to serve on the Board of Directors for what is now NAR, and served as a director for the Georgia Fair Association and the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association. Charles also served in the Georgia National Guard for 15 years, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Charles served on the military staff for three Georgia governors as aide-de-camp.

Porter Sanford III
DeKalb

Porter Sanford III opened Sanford Realty Company in 1965, alongside his wife, Bobbie. Sanford Realty was the first minority owned real estate company in Dekalb County, and eventually grew to over 75 agents. In 1975, after approximately 10 years of applying for membership, Porter and Bobbie Sanford were accepted into the DeKalb Association (and thus, GAR) as its first Black members, leading the way for the integration of the association.
Porter was a founding member of the Samuel Jones Boys Club, the First Southern Bank and the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County. He served on the Board of Directors of the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Authority and was elected to the Dekalb County Commission in 1994. During his tenure at the Super District 7 post, he was elected as the first Black presiding officer of the Commission. Porter’s affiliations included the Empire Board of Realtists, for which he served as President, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, the Grady Hospital Board of Visitors, the Regional
Leadership Institute, and the South Dekalb Business Association. He was a lifetime member and past president of the Atlanta Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, and was active in the Clark College Alumni Association, the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, and the Shriners.

In recognition of his contributions to DeKalb County, the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center was named after him.

Walter Scott
DeKalb

Walter Scott was a founder of the DeKalb REALTORS®, the 1964 DeKalb President, and the 1968 GAR President. During his Presidency, Walter was involved in advocacy for the development of Highway 78 and was a pioneer of public relations for the association by obtaining radio and press coverage of real estate issues. During his term, a Commercial-Industrial Division was established. Walter served as Regional Vice President of NAR and was inducted into its honorary fraternity, Omega Tau Rho. Walter received the NAR Distinguished Service Award – only one of two GAR members to ever receive this honor.

Valentino “Val” Sheridan
Macon

Valentino “Val” Sheridan was the first individual in Macon to be awarded the Million Dollar Sales Award and in 1956, was named Georgia REALTOR of the Year. He founded Sheridan Solomon and Kernigan in 1979, and served as CEO and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1997. Val was involved in numerous causes that bettered the local community, including serving as Chairman of the Macon Red Cross Chapter and as President of the United Givers Fund for which he was profiled by Life magazine. As President of the Macon Arts Council, Mr. Sheridan spearheaded a campaign which saved and restored the Grand Opera House. As an Eagle Scout, Val stayed involved with the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.

Horace Stillwell
Savannah

Horace Stillwell took the initiative to correspond with 26 brokers throughout the state in order to organize our profession in Georgia. He saw organization as the key to stabilizing commissions and curbing unscrupulous individuals involved in the early days of the industry. Horace joined alongside Ward Wight of Atlanta, who is also in our Hall of Fame, and together they acquired the charter for the Georgia Real Estate Association. Subsequently, Horace was our first GAR President in 1920.

Robert T. “Bob” Hamilton
Atlanta

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Bob joined his father at Century 21 Hamilton Realty in 1971, the same year he joined the DeKalb Association. His REALTOR Association service included serving as President of the DeKalb Association, serving as a GAR Metro Regional Vice President, and as a Federal District Coordinator for Georgia’s 4 th Congressional District. Additionally, Bob taught both pre- and post-license classes at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. At the national level, Bob served on MLS Policy Committee, Professional Standards Committee, and the Convention Committee. In 1990, Bob served as President of GAR.

In 1995, Bob was named as GAR’s Chief Executive Officer. During his 14-year tenure, he was awarded the GAR’s President’s Award by 2001 President, Barbara Kennon. In 2009 Bob served as chair of NAR’s AE Institute and was inducted into the NAR AE Bud Smith Society. Since his retirement from GAR in December 2009, Bob was elected to serve as a board member of FMLS and most recently received REALTOR Emeritus status from NAR. Today, as he is inducted into the GAR Hall of Fame, Bob receives GAR’s highest honor.

Donna Rowe
Marietta

After a distinguished career as a captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, Donna embarked on her career in real estate, and became involved in the REALTOR association, most notably in the political arena. As a staunch advocate for private property rights, Donna has served in a number of roles including Cobb Association Political Action Committee Chair, Federal 7 th District Coordinator, RPAC Trustee, GAR Transfer Tax Task Force Chair, and as a member of NAR’s Issues Mobilization Committee. Donna has also served as Cobb Association President, and her local level recognition includes the Cobb Association Realtor of the Year Management award, and the Multi-Million Dollar Club at the Diamond Phoenix Level.

At the state level, Donna has received the GAR President’s Award and the Dick McCrudden Award. In 2017, Donna received GAR’s Good Neighbor Award for her work with Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Chapter One, where she has served for more than 20 years as either an officer or director. Additionally, Donna has the distinction of being the first woman inducted into the Georgia Military Hall of Fame.

Bobbie Sanford
Decatur

In 1965, Bobbie and her late husband Porter Sanford III opened Sanford Realty, becoming the first African American real estate firm in DeKalb County. Sanford Realty provided a pathway for other African Americans to launch their real estate career, and served on the front lines of the fight against segregation and unfair housing practices. Bobbie’s determination and work ethic helped Sanford Realty to grow from 5 agents to 75. In 1975, Bobbie and Porter were admitted to the DeKalb Association of Realtors after 10 years of applying and encountering opposition. Eventually, Bobbie became the first African American woman to serve as the President of the DeKalb Association. Bobbie served the DeKalb Association tirelessly on a variety of committees, and received the REALTOR of the Year award for DeKalb in 2002, and the Clark Harrison Community Service Award in 2009. At GAR, Bobbie served on several committees, including Forms, Professional Standards, Bylaws and Multi-Cultural Diversity. Bobbie served on the Education Advisory Committee for the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and currently sits on the board of Georgia MLS.

Tom Spurlin
Atlanta

Tom Spurlin started his career in real estate in 1972 and has been an active volunteer for the Realtor association from the beginning. From founding the first Young Realtors Club for the Atlanta Realtors Association to teaching appraisal classes for the Appraisal Institute, GAR, and Georgia State University, to serving as President of the Women’s Council of Realtors Georgia network, Tom’s experience and expertise has led to an array of recognition throughout his career. He is a qualified expert witness in eight metro counties, and the Atlanta REALTORS Association has awarded him the Captain of Industry, Five Star Circle Award, the Ed Isakson Award and the President’s Award – six times!

Tom has been awarded Member of the Year for both the Atlanta network and the Georgia network of Women’s Council. In 2002, Tom was named GAR’s Realtor of the Year. Currently, Tom serves as the Federal Political Coordinator for U.S. Congressman John Lewis.

Bert Harrington
Atlanta

Upon obtaining his real estate license in 1979, Bert Harrington immediately became involved in the REALTOR® association at every level. From being a charter member of the Young Council of REALTORS® to serving as a GAR Regional Vice President to serving on the Board of Governors for the National Council of Residential Specialists, Bert’s various contributions demonstrate a long-term commitment to professionalism in the real estate industry. His accolades include CRS Member of the Year for the Georgia Chapter, the GAR President’s Award, REALTOR® of the Year for the Atlanta REALTORS®, the Phoenix Award and the Captain of Industry Award, among others.  Additionally, Bert is NAR Certified as an Ombudsman, and has held his GRI and CRS designations for decades. Bert is currently an Associate Broker in the Sandy Springs Office of RE/MAX Around Atlanta, returning to sales after 15 years as a Real Estate Owner/Broker of the Alpharetta office of REMAX Greater Atlanta.

Judy Presley
Gainesville

Judy is a tireless businesswoman and a long-time devoted volunteer within the REALTOR® organization. Licensed since 1976, Judy worked her way up from sales agent to qualifying broker, and she is currently a Keller Williams franchise owner with three market centers and five satellite offices. Judy has served in numerous leadership roles for GAR including GRI Dean, Scholarship Trustee, RIAC Trustee, and most notably as President of GAR in 2006. In 2007, Judy was honored as GAR’s REALTOR® of the Year. In addition to the Hall of Fame honor, Judy received the Dick McCrudden Award during the 2018 Inaugural & Legislative Conference & Expo for her service and dedication to RPAC. Judy is a member of the NAR President’s Circle and is a long-time member of both the GARPAC and NAR Halls of Fame.

Additionally, Judy volunteers her time with the Keller Williams- KW Cares program which helps raise funds for REALTORS® and their families in need. Judy is also a regular volunteer with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

Greg Dunn
Columbus

Greg Dunn is the broker of Dunn Realty Company in Columbus and has been a REALTOR® since 1972. After serving as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, Greg returned to Columbus and earned degrees in accounting and real estate from Columbus State University. For three decades, Greg taught real estate pre-license classes at his alma mater, and has authored books and online courses focused on real estate. In 1986, he founded U.S. Books, Inc., which was approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission as a school. Greg earned the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations and is a past chair of the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s (GREC) Education Advisory Committee.  He taught for REBAC and has been a Federal Political Coordinator. He is a GAR Scholarship Foundation Trustee, and was a contributing writer and editor for Georgia REALTOR® magazine. Greg is a charter member and a former president of Georgia Chapter of the Real Estate Educators Association (GREEA). GREEA has honored Greg as Educator of the Year and the Distinguished Career Award. He received the REALTOR® of the Year award from the Columbus Board in 1989, and was named GAR Instructor of the Year in 2001.

Denny Jones
Marietta

From extensive involvement in the GRI program to being a founding member of the Young Council of REALTORS® (YCR) in the early 1980’s to his commitment to governmental affairs, Denny Jones has demonstrated a well-rounded commitment to the betterment of REALTORS® throughout Georgia and beyond. Denny is currently Co-Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Greater Atlanta. He holds both the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations. As a member of the Cobb Association (CAR), Denny serve on numerous committees through the years, and was President in 1985. Denny has served GAR in several roles, including RPAC Chair, GRI Dean, Regional Vice President ,and as a Federal Senate Coordinator for Senator Sam Nunn. At the national level, Denny has chaired the Political Affairs Committee as well as the Congressional Liaison Subcommittee for the National Association of REALTORS®. Denny’s other accolades include YCR Lifetime Achievement Award, CAR Lifetime Achievement Award, CAR Excalibur Award, CAR REALTOR® of the Year (in 1982 and 1985), and GAR’s Dick McCrudden Award.  Denny currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Southeastern Legal Foundation.

Jan Baker
Hoschton

Jan Baker currently serves as Regional Vice President for Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services and holds the GRI, ABR, and ABRM designations. Jan is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Club. She served as President of the Cherokee Association in 1987, the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS® (NAMAR) in 1997, and for Georgia REALTORS® in 2005. She is a past Georgia Chapter WCR President, and a past Chair of the National WCR Awards Committee, as well as a past National WCR Governor. At the national level, Jan has served as an RPAC Trustee, an NAR Director, and on both the Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee and the Public Policy Coordinating Committee. Jan also served on a state task force that was charged with drafting of the Georgia Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Act (BRRETA).

She is a member of the NAR President’s Circle and was inducted into the GARPAC Top Investors Hall of Fame at the Gold Level in 2012. She is also a member of NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame.

Jan’s accolades include REALTOR® of the Year five times at the local level and 2003 GAR REALTOR® of the Year. She received the Dick McCrudden Award in 1999, and the GAR President’s Award in 2000.

Dana Bauguss
Lawrenceville

Dana Bauguss is a Senior Vice President/Managing Broker for Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services. During her career, she has earned the title of Power Broker Office, REAL Trends Top 500 Offices, Atlanta’s Top 25 Offices, and she is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Club Award. Dana holds the GRI, CRB and CRS designations, and the At Home with Diversity Certification. Dana is a member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS® (NAMAR), where she served as President in 1989. She has also served as President of the Gwinnett Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® in 1995, and she has received the REALTOR® of the Year Award four times at the local level. At the state level, Dana has served GAR in a variety of capacities, most notably as President in 2010. Dana was President of the Georgia Chapter of the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), She received the prestigious REALTOR® of the Year Award from GAR in 2009, and was the recipient of the GAR President’s Award in 1994. Dana has been a Sterling R donor for several years, and in 2013, was inducted into the GARPAC Top Investors Hall of Fame at the Bronze Level.

Rufus Burkhalter
Savannah

Rufus Burkhalter was known to many in Savannah and beyond as “Mr. REALTOR®, ” a true southern gentleman in real estate. He was the face of professionalism and his actions spoke volumes when his word and handshake were offered to seal the deal. One notable fact was that when the Savannah Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) was ready to move from downtown Savannah to its current location in midtown, Rufus personally signed the note for the new building, which now bears his name. Rufus served as President of both SABOR and Savannah Multilist in 1981. He also served on every SABOR committee at least twice. His accolades include being named an honorary Director, the Charles Fulton Award, and he is a Hall of Fame inductee. At the state level, Rufus served as a GAR Director, and served on virtually every committee, most notably the Strategic Planning Committee, as well as a Non-Dues Revenue Task Force. In the community, Rufus carried the REALTOR® flag proudly, living and working by the Code of Ethics. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, the Savannah Yacht Club, and the Savannah Golf Club. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, an Alee Temple Shriner.

Rufus was married to the late Mary Burkhalter. He passed away in 2006.

Norm Grayson
Athens

Norm Grayson has been a shining example of professionalism in the real estate industry for more than five decades, both in his hometown of Athens and throughout Georgia. Norm served the Athens Board as President in 1971 and again in 1999. He has chaired the Ethics Committee, Awards Committee and the Commercial/Land Committee several times. Norm has served in many leadership roles at the state level including the Membership Committee, Political Affairs, Education and Convention Committees. He also served as a GAR Director for more than ten years and served on the GAR Executive Committee, GAR Regional Vice President (now referred to as Regional Director) and on the Board of Governors for Georgia REALTOR® Institute. At the national level, Norm served on the NAR Board of Directors for a total of six years. He served on the Farm and Land Institute from 1970 through 1984, was an active member of the RPAC Committee from 1978 through 1995, and is a Life Member of CCIM. Norm also served on NAR’s Financial Institutions and Federal Taxation Sub-committee. Additionally, he was the Federal Senate Coordinator for Senator Sam Nunn, Senator Wyche Fowler and Congressman Doug Barnard.

Barbara Kennon
Columbus

Barbara Kennon served as GAR President in 2001, and was tasked with presiding over the GAR Annual Convention that year, which began on September 11. On that infamous day and in the days that followed, Barbara brought her strength of commitment for the REALTOR® family and wrapped each of the attendees up in the warmth of family protection. She was truly the right person at the right moment to lead this organization and its members out of the darkness of the day and into the future. Barbara has served the Columbus Board of REALTORS® as a Director and has chaired multiple committees, including RPAC, Programs, Membership, Public Relations, and Strategic Planning. She served as the Columbus Board’s President in 1983. In addition to serving as 2001 GAR President, Barbara has served as an RPAC Trustee, GRI Dean and Governor, and two terms as Regional Director. She was an alternate Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson from 2008 through 2012, and is the current FPC for Senator Isakson. Barbara was named GAR REALTOR® of the Year in 1984, and was inducted in the GARPAC Top Investor Hall of Fame in 2011. At the national level, Barbara has served as NAR Region 5 Vice President, chaired the Meeting and Planning Committee, and has also served on the Executive and Issues Mobilization Committees. Barbara has been a member of NAR’s President’s Circle since 2005, and was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame in 2010.

Ronnie Perry
Brunswick

Ronnie Perry believes that actions are what sets a REALTOR® apart from others who practice real estate. His service includes serving as President of the Brunswick- Glynn Association (now called Golden Isles Association/GIAR) in 1988 and the MLS Board of Directors President in 1987, 1991 and 2012. He was named REALTOR® of the Year for his Board in 1987 and again in 2004, and was honored as GAR’s REALTOR® of the Year in 2005. Ronnie has served on the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s Education Advisory Committee, and is a proud recipient of the GRI designation. Ronnie is a member of NAR’s President’s Circle, and has been inducted into both GARPAC’s Top Investors Hall of Fame and NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame.  Ronnie’s has served as Chairman of the Glynn County Airport Commission, Chairman of the Brunswick Development Authority and designed and coordinated the marketing campaign for Glynn County Animal Services which has brought awareness to the cause and has united the public and the REALTOR® community together for a common cause. Ronnie is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club of Brunswick and Coastal Baptist Church.

Charles Daniel “Dan” Blackshear
Albany

Dan Blackshear held many leadership roles on the local, state and national levels of the REALTOR® organization, and in real estate leadership positions. Originally appointed by then-Governor Jimmy Carter, Dan served as a member of the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) from 1971-1987, and was Chairman for 14 of those years. Dan was a member of the GRI Board of Governors, and was a member of the first GRI graduating class in 1971. In 1972, Dan received the REALTOR® of the Year award for the Albany Board and for GAR. Dan served as the President of the Albany Board of REALTORS® in 1967 and as President of the Georgia Association of REALTORS® in 1974. He also served as President of the National Association of Real Estate License law Officials (NARELLO – now known as ARELLO) from 1978-79.  Dan founded Albany Realty Company in 1959. Since his passing in 1989, the company has been operated by his children, Bonny Blackshear Dorough and Charles Daniel Blackshear, Jr.

John A. Kaufman
Brunswick

John A. Kaufman attended his first state convention in Atlanta in September of 1957. He was an active member of the REALTOR® association until his passing in 2012. John began working as a full-time REALTOR® on December 16, 1959, and became secretary of the local board in 1960. In 1963, he was President of the local board. He became chairman of the GAR Education Committee in 1966 and in 1967 he was elected Secretary of the GAR. John was appointed as founding Dean of GRI. After being invited by Rich Port, NAR president, John traveled to the ILLINOIS’ GRI meeting to learn how to establish GRI in Georgia. John remained Dean of GRI for six years, and by 1972, Georgia had the #3 GRi school in the nation, behind Illinois (#1) and Texas (#2). John held the following leadership positions and received recognition in the local, state and national REALTOR® associations: Golden Isles Association of REALTORS® – 1963 President; Georgia Association of REALTORS® – 1969 REALTOR® of the Year; Georgia Association of REALTORS® – 1970 President; National Association of REALTORS® – 1970-1977 Past Director; Golden Isles Multiple Listing Service Board Director – 2003-2005.

Sally O. Washburn
Atlanta

Sally Washburn began her real estate career in 1960. In 1964, she opened Washburn Realty with her husband, Thomas L. Washburn, Jr. She later joined Northside Realty, and in 1981, was appointed vice president and managing broker of the North Springs office. Senator Johnny Isakson – who was Northside Realty’s President at that time – appointed Sally as developer of a coaching and mentoring program for new sales associates. Sally joined the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® in 1960, and throughout her career served the Board in many capacities. Sally was the first woman elected to the Board of Directors, the first female president in 1976, and was the first woman awarded the REALTOR® of the Year award for the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® in 1976. Sally also served the Georgia Association of REALTORS® in many capacities, including 15 years on the Board of Directors. She served as president of the Georgia Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and two terms as a Governor for the National Women’s Council of REALTORS®.  Sally received several accolades throughout her career, including the 1988 Woman of the Year for the Georgia Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, the Jade Award for the National Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, and E.A. Isakson Lifetime Commitment Award for Northside Realty in 1997 and REALTOR Emeritus membership status from the National Association of REALTORS in 2006.

Gilmer “Buddy” Weston
Atlanta

Buddy Weston has served in leadership positions as President of both the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® (ABR) and the Georgia Association of REALTORS®. Buddy has also been recognized for his endless contributions to our profession and has received numerous accolades for his contribution throughout the course of his career, including twice being named REALTOR® of the Year for ABR, Captain of Industry Award, and the Sally Washburn Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. Buddy has taught the Code of Ethics to new members for over 20 years, encouraging new members to take the Code of Ethics seriously and to understand the importance of the Professional Standards process. Buddy was critical to the structuring of the multi-board agreement structure that was established in 2001. Buddy then led the task force that established the structure for the statewide Professional Standards Cooperative that was put in place in 2011. Buddy has served as the Dean of the Board of Governors of the Georgia Institute of Real Estate and has been so dedicated to the high quality of education and higher learning for the future of our real estate industry.

John W. Cox
Dunwoody

After a 24-year career as a noted REALTOR® in DeKalb County, John Cox was hired as the first Executive Vice President of GAR in 1975, serving until his retirement in 1990. For several years, John Cox was the face of the REALTORS® at the Georgia Capitol Building. John worked tirelessly to protect the real estate industry and to promote private property rights to the legislature. John was also a leader in education for REALTORS® and presided over an era of rapid growth for professional development for REALTORS®. The Boardroom at the GAR Headquarters building in Atlanta was dedicated to John in 2005.

Bob Disharoon
Fayetteville

Bob Disharoon served with distinction in the U.S. Army for four years before entering into a long and successful career with Tri-City Realty & Mortgage in Peachtree City. The company was founded in 1962, and he served as President, earning a reputation for honesty, integrity and commitment to the real estate industry through the years. Bob was a dedicated member of the REALTOR® organization, having served as President of GAR in 1984, President of the Fayette Board in 1987, and was a director at Georgia MLS. He was honored as the recipient of the GAR REALTOR® of the Year Award in 1987. Bob also served his community with distinction as the Chairman of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce in 1980, and he was named Fayette County Business Person of the Year in 1981. Bob was the first Chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority and was a charter member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club, serving as its President in 1981-1982. He was an active member of the Kenwood Christian Church, where he served as elder and trustee and was the building program supervisor. Bob was also on the Board of Trustees of Atlanta Christian College and contributed to the organization and success of the Christian City Home for Children.

George Holtzman
Hinesville

George Holtzman has been a positive influence on the real estate profession in Georgia for more than 40 years. George was appointed to the Georgia Real Estate Commission by Governors Zell Miller, Roy Barnes, and Sonny Perdue, serving almost two decades on GREC, with several appointments as Chairman and Vice Chairman. George also served as President of GAR in 1993. In these positions, George was able to represent the interests of coastal Georgia to legislators as well as leaders throughout the real estate community across the state. As an Army veteran, George has an unwavering commitment to military families. He has served as the President of the Coastal Empire Association of the United States Army, an organization of more than 10,000 members that supports the military community. George is also a staunch supporter of his local community, devoting countless hours through the years to organizations such as Toys for Tots, Bradwell Institute Band Boosters, Rotary Club, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Manna House, Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart & Hunter, and Kirk Healing Center in Hinesville.

Ed Isakson
Atlanta

Ed Isakson’s number one commitment to the real estate industry in Atlanta was education. He began this important project first by participating in the real estate programs offered by the Atlanta Real Estate Board (now, the Atlanta Board of REALTORS). Next he began establishing scholarships throughout the industry at colleges such as the University of Georgia and Georgia State University so that REALTORS and others could obtain college degrees to move their lives forward. These scholarships still exist today. Ed also served on the Board of Commissioners of the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and chaired the board as well. Ed was also instrumental in establishing the Atlanta REALTORS Center as well as the GAR Headquarters Building. The Atlanta Board gives an award each year in Ed’s honor. The E.A. Isakson award is given to “the outstanding individual who through his leadership and initiative has brought about a significant change, the result of which brought a lasting benefit to individuals, the Atlanta community and the real estate industry.”

Johnny Isakson
Atlanta

Every real estate professional and homeowner in Georgia has benefited from Johnny Isakson’s lifetime of work. Following in the real estate footsteps of his father, Ed Isakson, Johnny quickly rose to prominence in his company, Northside Realty, by serving as a Managing Broker and eventually serving 22 years as President. Johnny was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1976 and served five terms, including two as minority leader. He was elected to the Georgia Senate in 1992 and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999, where he served until he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2005. In 2019, Johnny resigned from the Senate during his third term due to advancing Parkinson’s disease. Johnny was a staunch supporter of the Code of Ethics and the role of the real estate professional in the real estate transaction. Johnny exemplified the true spirit of REALTOR® service, claiming that there were no strangers, only “friends and future friends.” After his retirement from the Senate, Johnny dedicated his life to raising awareness and funding for research related to neurocognitive diseases through The Isakson Initiative.

R. Neal Jackson
Monroe

Neal Jackson has a dedicated career of service to the REALTOR® organization, his community and to the state of Georgia. Neal is the broker for Coldwell Banker Jackson Realty in Monroe, a business he started more than 40 years ago. Neal has served on virtually every committee for the Walton-Barrow Board as well as GAR, and served as the GAR President in 1999. He has also served as the Region 5 RVP for the National Association of REALTORS®. Neal was appointed by former Governor Zell Miller to the Georgia Real Estate Commission from 2001-2005, and was the Chairman in 2004.

Al H. Jennings, Jr.
Atlanta

Al Jennings set the standard for remarkable leadership for his honest approach and ethical manner in his daily business. Among his litany of accomplishments, Al was heavily involved with the building of the Atlanta REALTORS® Center, even serving as Superintendent of the building’s construction. Al served the Atlanta Board of REALTORS as a chairman for nearly every committee and on the ABR Board of Directors for nearly half of his career. He never missed a Board Meeting and was always concerned with the success of the organization and most importantly, that the operation and the administration of the association was conducted fairly and honestly at all times. Al served as the Atlanta Board President in 1981 and as GAR President in 1982. Al is one of only two Georgia REALTORS® to have ever been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Harriet Konter
Savannah

Harriet Konter blazed the trail for women serving in GAR leadership roles as the first female president of GAR in 1987. Her REALTOR® association involvement stretches over many decades and includes leadership roles with the Savannah Board of REALTORS® (SABOR), GAR, NAR, and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Harriet’s accolades include REALTOR® of the Year for both SABOR and GAR, the Omega Tau Rho Medal from NAR, and NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame.  Along with her late husband, Larry, Harriet founded Konter Realty in Savannah, which she still operates today. Harriet and Larry Konter were the second couple in the U.S. to serve as Presidents of a state association of REALTORS®. SABOR created the Konter Award in honor of the couple, which inducts REALTORS® into the SABOR Hall of Fame.

Lawrence J. Konter
Savannah

Larry Konter was President of Konter Realty Company, Residential Equities, Inc., Vice President of Konter Management Company in Savannah, alongside his wife, Harriet. Larry was extremely active in all levels of the REALTOR® organization throughout his real estate career, serving as GAR President in 1977 and as Regional Vice President for NAR in 1979. Larry encouraged his colleagues to get involved with the REALTOR® association and to give back to their profession. He was as a staunch supporter of RPAC and an avid proponent of REALTOR® continuing education.  Larry was also heavily involved in other organizations, including the Home Builders Association of Savannah and the South Georgia Chapter of IREM. In his community, Larry was an instructor of real estate at Savannah State College, a director of the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, a member of the Chatham County Housing Code Board of Appeals, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce Military-Civilian Task Force.

Harry Norman, Jr.
Atlanta

Harry Norman learned the real estate business from his mother, having assisted her with preparing the yards and washing the windows of properties for open houses as a young boy. From those early beginnings, one of the most influential and steadfast real estate companies in Georgia was born and continues to thrive in 2012. Harry was an active member of the greater Atlanta civic and real estate communities. He was a founding member of the Buckhead Coalition and a founding member of the Masterminds, an organization which became the Realty Alliance, an association of the largest independent real estate firms in the country. Harry was also a founding member of the First Multiple Listing Service in 1957 and served as its president twice. He was a lifelong member of its Board of Directors. His other involvements include the Buckhead Business Association, the Buckhead Rotary Club and Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church.

Carl Schultz
Atlanta

After the fall of communism in east central Europe and the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, a capitalist economy had to be built from the ground up – a stock exchange, a securities commission, unemployment offices, investment and pension funds and building societies. Carl Schultz worked tirelessly alongside international appraisal associations and government agencies to help establish appraisal standards, education and real estate regulations at that time. Carl worked in several countries including Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia. Carl served as a dedicated REALTOR® volunteer on the local, state and national levels. In addition to serving as President of the Atlanta Commercial Board, GAR, and having been named as REALTOR® of the Year for ACBR and GAR, Carl is one of only two Georgia REALTORS® to have ever been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of REALTORS®.

John S. Thibadeau, Sr. 
Cumming

John Thidabeau is a founding member of the Dekalb Association of REALTORS® (DAR) and was instrumental in guiding GAR into a modern era by hiring an Executive Vice President and securing land for a new headquarters building as well as serving as Building Committee Chair. John was also a found member of Georgia MLS and has served as the Chairman of the Georgia Real Estate Commission. He was named REALTOR® of the Year for DAR in 1963 and 1981 – the only person to receive the award twice – and for GAR in 1963. John is an avid civic volunteer and his list of accomplishments include Paul Harris Fellow, Decatur Rotary Club; Metro Atlanta YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 1985; Board of Directors for Atlanta Area Boy Scouts; and Distinguished Lecturer, College of Business Administration, Executive Advisory Council, University of Georgia.

Ward Wight, Sr.
Atlanta

Ward Wight Sr. served as the President of the Atlanta Real Estate Board twice, first in 1922 and again in 1940. He was also the President of the Georgia Real Estate Board in 1929. In 1940, Ward was instrumental in the formation of the Central Atlanta Improvement Association. This Association’s work was very successful in large part by bringing together the heads of the Retail Merchants Association and members, the Bankers Association and a dynamic group of the property owners of large properties in downtown Atlanta. Soon after this Association was turned over to its own management team, the name was changed to Central Atlanta Progress and this organization continues to be a factor in downtown Atlanta. Ward was also a very active member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, having received his MAI designation as one of the first three in Atlanta.