CLEVELAND (Sept. 16, 2025) - Columbus REALTORS® members took home multiple honors at the Ohio REALTORS® Annual Convention & Expo awards ceremony, with central Ohio nearly sweeping the program.
To open the evening, John Royer, 2016 Columbus REALTORS® President, received the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing a long-standing member’s exceptional service at the local, state, and national levels. Royer has served as a REALTOR® Federal Political Coordinator for many years and received the Mary L. Pollock Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Past Columbus recipients include Lorri Molnar (2020), Sue Lusk-Gleich (2016), Ted Oatts (2013), Lynda Long (2012), Brad Bennett (2011), and Charlotte VanSteyn (2004).
Bob Miller, a past president of both Columbus REALTORS® and Ohio REALTORS®, received the Vincent T. Aveni Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an Ohio REALTORS® past president for sustained service to the industry. Previous Columbus honorees include Greg Hrabcak (2022), Barbara Lach (2013), George Smith (2011), and Harley E. Rouda (2009).
For the second time in three years, the Columbus REALTORS® Young Professionals Network was named Ohio YPN of the Year. Co-chair Morgan Whalen accepted the award, accompanied by staff liaisons Julia Maldonado and Ashley Amburgey; co-chair Emilie Hausch was recognized in absentia.
The evening also celebrated the association’s future leadership as President-Elect Gloria Alonso Cannon received the Mary L. Pollock Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring an Ohio REALTOR® who consistently advances the profession without seeking recognition.
“Congratulations to John, Bob, Gloria, and our YPN leaders,” said Buffie Patterson, 2025 President of Columbus REALTORS®. “These awards reflect sustained service and real impact for clients and communities across central Ohio. I’m proud of how our members show up in their businesses to advance housing opportunity.”
Additional recognitions
CeCe Beck and Candace Caulkins were named Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Stephanie Hampton and Rodelyn Frijas graduated from the Ohio REALTORS® Leadership Academy. Cindy Jacobs was elected Ohio REALTORS® District 1 Vice President for 2026–27.
