Derek Sprague

2025 AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award Recipient

Derek Sprague, RCE

Derek is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific West Association of REALTORS® (CA), a position he has held since May 2025. Previously, he was the Association Executive of the Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® (CA). Derek received the 2025 AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award because, during that time, he transformed the local association into a more collaborative, forward-thinking association, fostering a culture of inclusion, professionalism, and mentorship, empowering both staff and members to lead. Derek raised the visibility and professionalism of REALTOR® association management, promoted young member involvement, and strengthened the legacy of YPN staff participation.

Purpose

The AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award recognizes one young executive professional who has fostered greater involvement and increased professionalism among his or her YPN AE peers and REALTOR® members.

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Eligibility

  • Only full-time association executives (chief staff or staff specialists) of a REALTOR® association or MLS will be considered.
  • Nominee must be age 40 or under.
  • Nominee must have previously or are currently participating at the local, state, and national levels of the REALTOR® association.

Award Criteria

To achieve recognition, it must be demonstrated that nominees:

  • Provide greater exposure and awareness of REALTOR® association management to attract and support young executives to the profession.
  • Promote young member involvement at all three levels of the REALTOR® association to ensure a strong base of volunteer leaders
  • Solidify the legacy of YPN staff involvement to ensure a voice for the younger generation in REALTOR® association management

Nomination Procedures

The nomination form for the AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award will open in September 2026. Nomination forms are submitted online. The AEC/Recommendations and Recognition Advisory Board believes that "honor seeks the candidate," not the reverse; therefore, politicking and campaigning are strongly discouraged.

Selection Timeline

The selection will be made by the AEC/Recommendations and Recognition Advisory Board during NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience. The recipient will be recognized at the AE Institute and will receive a personalized plaque.

Questions regarding the AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award may be directed to Andrew Scoulas at 312-329-5974 or ascoulas@nar.realtor.