2026 Magel Award Recipient
Tricia Thomas, RCE
Tricia Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bay East Association of REALTORS® (CA), where she has served for 37 years. Tricia is active in the REALTOR® organization and has an extensive record of participation, mentorship, and contributions, advancing the purposes of the organization at the local, state, and national level. Tricia's professional legacy can be described in one word: remarkable. Over nearly four decades, she has helped shape the Bay East Association into a strong, member-focused organization serving thousands of real estate professionals. Tricia has guided the association through economic cycles and tremendous industry change, advanced technology and regional collaboration, championed advocacy and homeownership, and built a professional culture grounded in service. Tricia's influence also reaches well beyond formal committee service. She is a sought-after mentor to association executives as well as members, generously sharing her experience and helping colleagues and members grow as leaders. Colleagues and members describe Tricia as a visionary who leads with compassion—qualities reflected in the respect she has earned across the profession. Leading with integrity, Tricia is respected because colleagues and volunteer leaders know where she stands, know that she will listen, and know that her decisions are grounded in what she believes is best for the organization and the people it serves. Tricia listens carefully, brings people together, and consistently helps move complex conversations toward productive outcomes. The William R. Magel Award recognizes executives whose leadership elevates both their organization and the profession. Tricia has done exactly that: She represents the very best of the association executive profession.
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 2027 Magel Award will open in September 2027.
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.
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.
All Magel Award nomination forms submitted for consideration are kept strictly confidential and will not be returned.
Selection Timeline
The name of the recipient will be announced during the Association Executives Forum at NAR NXT™. The recipient will be recognized at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and receive a personalized plaque.
Questions regarding the William R. Magel Award of Excellence may be directed to Andrew Scoulas at 312-329-5974 or ascoulas@nar.realtor.
