Rising Star of the Year

Award Recipients

The “Rising Star” is awarded to a Salesperson who has provided exemplary experience and knowledge in the industry and their community. By leading through their passion, the “Rising Star” is involved in Associations (local, state, and national), continuing education, donating to CORPAC, The Foundation and giving back to their community while maintaining sales performance. For more information, or to nominate yourself or someone else, please click here.

Following are the award recipients for the Columbus REALTORS®.

2025 Rising Star of the Year - Emilie Hausch

Emilie Hausch is a REALTOR® with Red 1 Realty. Licensed in 2023, she immediately hit the ground running, selling 18 units for a volume of nearly $6 million. Originally from the rural Toledo area, Emilie moved to central Ohio in 2021 with her husband and dog and instantly felt at home. As she stepped into the real estate world, Emilie created an Instagram profile tailored to her business, and later started a TikTok account, not knowing that it would change the trajectory of her career. She emphasized that creating this social media presence was “second nature” for her. It is a place that she often uses to promote local businesses and creators, while also posting about her experiences as a new REALTOR®.

With increasing online attention from the central Ohio community, Emilie’s social media platforms quickly gained traction, attracting over 100,000 likes and millions of views on TikTok alone. Emilie stated, “My social media presence has been the most consistent avenue of forming connections. My reach really grew when I realized that TikTok was rivaling Google for Search Engine Optimization, especially for homebuyers. I have the unique opportunity to provide useful insight and forge new connections through social media.”

Most of Emilie’s clients are new to central Ohio and have reached out through social media because of her authenticity, reliability, and relatability. One of her favorite aspects of being a REALTOR® is helping people transition not only into a new home but also into a new city or state, providing a friendly face and a helping hand along the way. Emilie believes in a strong sense of community, both physical and virtual. She actively works to build this sense in her community and daily life, where she volunteers her time for local and state organizations. Locally, Emilie serves as the 2025 Co-Chair for the Young Professionals Network with Columbus REALTORS® and is a member of the Builder-REALTOR® Advisory Committee. She also participates in the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Coalition. At the state level, Emilie is a member of the Ohio REALTORS® Young Professionals Network.

2024 Rising Star of the Year - Emily Smith

Emily Smith with Keller Williams Consultants was named the 2024 Columbus REALTORS® Rising Star of the Year. Smith received her license in 2021, and in her short tenure, has amassed an impressive sales record with 45 transactions and over $18 million in sales volume.

She has expertise in marketing and has been instrumental in the training and development of other agents, generously sharing her knowledge and skills on marketing and social media strategies.

Smith serves as a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Builder REALTOR® Alliance (BRAC), Foundation Fundraising, REALTOR® Care Day, and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) committees.

She is a member of the Worthington Rotary Club, a Virtual Rider, and past Lead Volunteer with Pelotonia. She also volunteers with Columbus Diaper Bank & Bottoms Up, where in the past two years she has collected over 4,000 diapers and 4,000 wipes for families in need.

Smith is also a member of the Worthington Women’s Club, Worthington Hills Country Club Tech and House committees, Worthington Hills 4th of July Parade Committee, a member of the Worthington Chamber of Commerce and of the Chamber’s Women’s Business Network. She owns Every Bit Social, where she helps local businesses with their social media channels, in addition to hosting social media and marketing training for REALTORS®.

Since obtaining her license, Emily has completed 69 continuing education credits and will be applying for the Columbus REALTORS® Leadership Academy in 2024.

She is the recipient of Columbus REALTORS® Merit Award, Cutler Real Estate Emerald Award, CRT Rising Star Award, CRT Breakthrough Agent, CRT Venditatio Bronze Award, CRT Venditatio Gold Award, and CRT Top Producers Award.

2023 Rising Star of the Year - Christy Srey

Christy Srey's unwavering dedication to her clients, her community, and her industry is nothing short of inspiring. Despite being in the real estate business for only two years, she's already closed an impressive 26 transactions. Her passion for real estate is evident in every aspect of her work, from her deep knowledge of the market to her unrelenting commitment to providing her clients with exceptional service.

With her involvement in numerous realty associations, including the Powell Area Realty Association (PARA), the Greater Dublin Area Realty Association (GDAR), the Marysville Area Realty Association (MARA), as well as the local chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR), Srey has shown that she is committed to giving back to her community and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

When it comes to working with her clients, Srey's top priority is providing the highest level of service possible. She believes in taking the time to get to know her clients and their unique needs, building trust with them, and always striving to be professional and provide excellent customer service.

Christy Srey's passion for real estate, her dedication to her clients and her community, and her commitment to the industry are truly inspiring. It is clear that she is a rising star in the world of real estate, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.

2022 Rising Star of the Year - Sinan Filah

Sinan Falah is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty and has been in real estate for two years. In that short time, he has closed more than 100 individual real estate transactions, been recognized as the Number One Top Producer in the Coldwell Banker Upper Arlington office and as one of the Top Five Producers, Best of the Best with Caldwell Banker Central Ohio, placing him number five out of almost 1100 agents.

He has also been awarded the 2021 Coldwell Banker Realty Central Ohio Rising Star Award, the International President’s Elite Award (second highest award with Coldwell Banker), Columbus REALTORS® President’s Commitment Award and has been featured in REAL Producers of Columbus magazine.

In addition to his full-time career in real estate, he works full time as a Federal Civil Engineer with the Department of Defense (DoD) and is an active volunteer career consultant with Jewish Family Services (JFS) where he helps families obtain employment.

Falah says, “I feel humbled that my accomplishments are being recognized by Columbus REALTORS® and I am excited to give back that same goodwill to the community. To me, this award certifies that I have been conducting my business the right way as I always set out to do when I started in real estate.”

Falah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering/Construction Systems Management from The Ohio State University and an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering from Erie Community College.

2021 Rising Star of the Year - Susie Pattison

Susie Pattison is a sales associate with Corcoran Global Living and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since 2019. Her colleagues describe her as an outstanding example of a true professional committed to achieving excellence both in the real estate industry and in her personal endeavors.

In her first year, Susie earned Columbus REALTORS® President’s Merit Award ($1 million in sales), and she is receiving the Columbus REALTORS® Commitment Award ($5 million sales) this year.

Susie is a recipient of a Columbus REALTORS® Scholarship for pre-licensing classes at Hondros College, a current member of Columbus REALTORS® Scholarship Committee, and she plans to apply for Columbus REALTORS® Leadership Academy in 2022.

In the community, Susie has participated for the past 11 years in Pelotonia, where she has helped to raise over $40,000, and this year was a volunteer finish line emcee. And as a member of the Upper Arlington Civic Association, she has been a 2-year participant and one of four families that make up the 4th of July Planning Committee (which is a 5-year year-long commitment).

Susie also volunteers as a Certified Tourism Ambassador and is a philanthropist in both financial giving and time invested. She also has hosted a canned food drive to benefit a local church during COVID that raised $325 and collected 215 pantry items.

Susie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Miami University with a Major in Management and Minor in Entrepreneurship. She is a Floyd Wickman graduate and has completed over 40 hours of continuing education.

2020 Rising Star of the Year - Amanda Roderick

Amanda Roderick is a sales associate with Key Realty and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since 2018. She has been described as organized, detail-oriented, effective, persistent, and committed to learning and growing her business.

In her short tenure in real estate, Amanda has closed 23 real estate transactions and currently serves as vice chair of Columbus REALTORS® REALTOR® Care Day Committee and is a member of the Affordable Housing Committee, and a former member of the Builder/REALTOR® Alliance and Young Professionals Network (YPN) committees.

Amanda also serves as vice president of the Midtown Area Real Estate Association and is the Social Director for the Bexley-Eastmoor-Berwick Real Estate Association.

In the community, Amanda is a member of the Greater Eastside Coalition, and enjoys volunteering with organizations such as the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, where she has worked in the on-site garden; the Reeb Avenue Center; and the former Clarfield Farm. She is also a monthly donor to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Community Shelter Board and WOSU.

Amanda is currently enrolled in the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute; working towards her Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS®; and has completed more than 100 hours of continuing education since April 2018.

This year, she was selected a 10 Under 40 honoree by Columbus REALTORS® Young Professionals Network. Video.

2019 Rising Star of the Year - Jason Hottle

​Jason Hottle is founder and principal broker of Modern Columbus Realty and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since 2015.

In his short tenure in real estate, Hottle has earned membership in Columbus REALTORS® Five Million Dollar Sales Award Club and is working toward earning the Certified Affordable Housing REALTOR® (CAHR) certification.

He is a past co-chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, has served as a house captain for REALTOR® Care Day, and is a member of the Government Affairs and Diversity & Inclusion committees. He’s also a member of the Independent Brokers Association, where he currently serves as co-secretary.

On the state and national levels, he has served as an Ohio REALTORS® Director, is a regular Ohio REALTORS® conference participant and a member of its Legislative Committee. Last year, he attended the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Conference in D.C., where he was a speaker during the Hill meetings.

In the community, Hottle was recently elected a Board Trustee for Columbus Landmarks and has served as president of the Livingston Park Neighborhood Improvement Association. He’s also a member of the Franklinton Board of Trade.

Hottle worked during undergrad at architectural and design-build firms. He obtained a business degree, an MBA, and spent 22 years in financial services.

In 2005, Hottle started an Ohio real estate investment company and, about three years ago, left his position as Executive Director of Finance at JPMorgan Chase to pursue real estate full time.

2018 Rising Star of the Year - Stephanie Rucinski

Stephanie Rucinsk has been a sales associate with Cutler Real Estate for nearly three years and, according to her colleagues, is as motivated and hard working as they come. She has a passion for the real estate industry and compassion for the buyers and sellers she works with.

During her short tenue as a member of Columbus REALTORS®, Stephanie has participated in multiple Association training classes, particularly the ones involving marketing and technology, and has earned membership in the Association’s One Million Dollar Sales Award Club.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Management from Boston College; a master’s degree in International Negotiations and Conflict Resolution from Erasmus University in Holland; and both a law degree and MBA from The Ohio State University. She also holds the ePro professional designation and is working toward the Graduate REALTORS® Institute (GRI) designation.

Stephanie is a recipient of the Columbus Business First “Forty Under 40” award; and was an Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” nominee; a Columbus Tourism “Ambassador of the Year” finalist; and was number one in “selling” sides for the Cutler Real Estate New Albany office in 2017.

In the community, Stephanie has been an active participant with the New Albany Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program; the New Albany Citizens Police Academy, VIPPS (Volunteers in Public Safety Service), which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security; the AgriPower Leadership Development Program; the Columbus Foundation; Experience Columbus, Columbus Tourism; Habitat for Humanity; and the Columbus Food Bank.

Stephanie is also the founder of “Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio,” a Facebook page that has received thousands of likes and shares and serves to further engage the community and get more people active in unique events and experiences.

2017 Rising Star of the Year - Nickie Evans

Nickie Evans is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker King Thompson and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since May 2015.

In her short tenure in real estate, Nickie has earned membership in Columbus REALTORS® Million Dollar Sales Award Club, is a member of the Coldwell Banker King Thompson’s 2016 Suite 16 Club and of its 2015 Rising Star Club, and she is Smart Home Certified.

Nickie currently serves as a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Recognition & Sales Awards Committee and is the Coldwell Banker King Thompson Regional Representative for the Sales Advisory Committee.

In the community, Nickie has served as head coach of Girls on the Run, is a member of the Stevenson Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Edison Intermediate Parent Teacher Organization and a Junior Achievement (Biz Town) volunteer. She is also a sponsor of the Grandview Baseball/Softball Association.

Nickie is an active member of the Northwest Area Realty Association and a former member of the Clintonville/North Area, Greater Dublin and Greater Worthington real estate associations.

2016 Rising Star of the Year - Debbie Parris

Debbie is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker King Thompson and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since June 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Ph.D in Microbiology from Virginia Tech, and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Harvard Medical School and Baylor College of Medicine.

In her short tenure in real estate, Debbie has completed 17 transactions, earned membership in Columbus REALTORS® One Million Dollars Sales Award Club, and has become a member of Coldwell Banker King Thompson’s International Sterling Society and the recipient of its Truly Remarkable Service Award. In 2015, she was named Coldwell Banker King Thompson (Central Ohio area) Rising Star of the year.

Debbie has served on the Board of Trustees, as president and as co-chair of the Scientific Committee for Ohio Cancer Research (a non-profit providing seed grants to Ohio researchers) and volunteers at The Ohio State University James Cancer Center, where she records written feedback of oral Pelotonia undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral grant reviews. She has also rode in the Pelotonia bike tour raising money for the cancer center every year since the tour’s inception seven years ago.

2015 Rising Star of the Year - Irene Sawyer

Irene is a sales associate with HER, Realtors® and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since June 2013.

In her short tenure in real estate, Irene has achieved the HER Realtors® Broker’s Award for sales achievement of over $3,000,000. She is currently serving her second year on the Columbus REALTORS® REALTOR® Care Day Committee.

She has obtained the Greater Columbus Tourism Ambassador and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certifications, the Residential Relocation Specialist (RRS) designation, and is in school for the Home Staging Expert Certification.

In the community, Irene volunteers with the Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center and serves on The James Patient/Family Advisory Council. She’s a member of the Clintonville Women’s Club, the Worthington Women’s Club and is the event planner, hostess and sole supporter of Potters Creek Annual Children’s Halloween Party.

2014 Rising Star of the Year - Koretta Tennant

Koretta is a sales associate with Keller Williams Capital Partners and has been a member of Columbus REALTORS® since June 2012.

In her short tenure in real estate, Koretta has been selected Keller Williams Capital Partners 2012 Rookie of the Year with only six months in the business, earned top 3 rookie of the month recognition for 11 consecutive months in 2012; and, in 2013, earned membership in Columbus REALTORS® One Million Dollars Sales Award Club.

She also currently serves on the Columbus REALTORS® Builder/REALTOR Alliance (BRAC) and REALTOR® Care Day committees. She holds a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Designation and is working towards obtaining the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and ePro designations.

In the community, Koretta volunteers with Angels for MTT and has served on the Board of Camp Mary Orton and as a volunteer with Triumph Columbus.

2013 Rising Star of the Year - Heather Dunn

Dunn obtained her license in October 2012 and became a fulltime sales associate with Keller Williams Consultants on Jan.1, 2013. Prior to getting her real estate license, she was a licensed title agent/sales and marketing representative with Arrow Agency.

Dunn currently serves as co-chair of the CBR Young Professionals Network (YPN) and as a member of the Affordable Housing, Governmental Affairs and Residential Education committees. Since joining CBR, she has also participated in numerous Board events including REALTOR® Care Day, CORPAC Bowling, CORPAC Auction (where she was auctioned off as part of YPN’s Labor Crew at the 2012 Auction), and the CORPAC Beer Tasting event.

Dunn is an Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR) Director and a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR), where she was named WCR’s 2012 Affiliate of the Year. She is also a member of the Licking County Board of REALTORS®, where she has actively served on six committees in the last couple of years.

In the community, Dunn teaches homebuyer seminars/grant program certification classes for Homeport. In the past, she has also taught these classes for the Greater Linden Development Corporation and for the Columbus Urban League. She is a volunteer with United Way, Alzheimer’s Association, Liberty Christian Academy and with the City of Pataskala, where the mayor has asked her to preside over a series of health-centric events for the citizens of Pataskala.