2025 Magel Award Recipient
Rebecca F. Grossman, RCE
Rebecca is the Chief Executive Officer of the Scottsdale REALTORS® (AZ), a position she has held for the past 14 years. Rebecca is regarded as the embodiment of servant leadership, openly sharing her own expertise while eagerly absorbing insights from others during her 37 years as an Association Executive. Rebecca is steadfast in her belief that our collective success depends on strengthening both our REALTOR® members and the AEs who support them. Through her volunteerism, advocacy and mentorship, Rebecca continues to shape the next generation of leaders who will sustain their association for years to come. She leads not from authority, but from respect -- the kind that is earned through consistency, humility, and unwavering professionalism. The Magel Award honors excellence, but it also celebrates heart. Rebecca’s leadership, humility and unwavering dedication to her peers represent the very essence of this standard.
Purpose
The William R. Magel Award of Excellence is presented annually to an individual who has truly excelled in his or her role as an association executive of a REALTOR® association.
The most compelling candidates are those who are well-known within the AE community, with an extensive record of participation, mentorship and contributions that is consistent with the Award’s qualifications. The Magel Award recipient should be a person of such achievement and stature that we all say “of course,” when the recipient is announced.
Who Was William R. Magel?
William R. Magel began his career as an executive officer in 1956 at the Kalamazoo Board of REALTORS®, Michigan. He also served as executive vice president of the Bronx Board of REALTORS®, New York; executive vice president of the New York State Association of REALTORS®; executive vice president of the REALTORS® National Marketing Institute; administrative vice president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®; and senior staff vice president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. He was appointed to begin service January 1, 1979, as executive vice president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® before he suffered from a heart attack and passed away on July 19, 1978.
Eligibility
All paid local, state, and regional MLS association chief staff officers are eligible. Eligibility must be confirmed before the nomination is processed. Individuals receiving this award are to be thoroughly screened and evaluated to make sure that the distinction of this award remains the highest, and it is truly an honor that will never be taken passively by association executives of the REALTOR® association.
Award Criteria
The candidate must have served at least ten (10) years, prior to nomination, in the capacity of either a chief executive officer of a local or state association of REALTORS®, or a combination of both. The candidate must have served at least one (1) term as a member of the Association Executives Committee. The candidate must have exhibited leadership abilities in his/her capacity as an association executive.
A statement shall be obtained from the local or state association for whom he or she served as executive officer specifying in detail the manner in which the candidate excelled in serving his or her respective organization.
Nomination Procedures
The nomination process for the 2026 Magel Award will open in September 2026.
Nominations may be submitted by any person other than the candidate and must be accompanied by a letter prepared by the person making the nomination, setting forth the details of the nominee’s accomplishments and contributions consistent with the criteria. All Magel Award nomination forms submitted for consideration are kept strictly confidential and will not be returned.
Up to five recommendation letters will be permitted. In the AEC/Recommendations and Recognition Advisory Board's experience, the best letters are those that bring to light or emphasize intangible qualities that cannot be communicated through objective sources such as lists of committee participation.
Selection Timeline
The name of the recipient will be announced during the Association Executives Committee meeting at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience. The recipient will receive a personalized plaque at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings.
Questions regarding the William R. Magel Award of Excellence may be directed to Andrew Scoulas at 312-329-5974 or ascoulas@nar.realtor.
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