SAMCAR Welcomes 2023 Leadership, Honors Volunteers at Installation

2023 SAMCAR President Marla Perego and the Board of Directors were officially sworn into their term by special guest Installation Officer, San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa, at SAMCAR's 2023 Installation ceremony on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. Also honored were SAMCAR's Past Presidents, Outgoing Directors and Committee Chairs, and award winners for 2022 REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Community Service, and Homeowner Hero Awards.

View photos from the 2023 Installation on Flickr

Marla Perego is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty in San Carlos, and has been an Association member since 2004. As a Director representing SAMCAR on the state and national level, she has also served on numerous committees locally as well as a regional representative on state level committees. Perego has served on the SAMCAR Board of Directors since 2019.

In her inaugural address as SAMCAR President, Perego emphasized her belief in the collective strength of professionals embodied in SAMCAR. The purpose of the REALTOR® Association, she shared, is to safeguard and promote the public interest in real estate matters, accomplished in large part by upholding the Code of Ethics and tireless advocacy on behalf of property owners and homeownership. Perego acknowledged the team of volunteers and staff that make this work possible, and in particular expressed gratitude to her mentor, SAMCAR Past President and current Director, Marianne Zanone Rush for encouraging her to run for the Board of Directors and expressing belief in her ability to take on the role of President. "I have a wonderful supportive group around me," Perego said in closing "all with the same goal in mind. 2023 is going to be a great one!"

Among special guests at the inaugural ceremony were California Association of REALTORS® CEO John Sebree, and immediate past president of the California Association of REALTORS®, Otto Catrina. For many SAMCAR members, the event was a special occasion to meet Sebree in person for the first time since he came on board as C.A.R.'s new CEO in February 2022. In his welcome remarks, Sebree shared his background in organized real estate and emphasized the power behind a one million member strong trade association like the National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations like SAMCAR and C.A.R. Most members, he remarked, do not fully appreciate the responsibility of this strength, making the connection with members at the local and state level so critical to continued success. For example, Sebree noted, most Realtors would not regard themselves as "economic developers," but they are in fact the foundational party in the real estate transaction which spurs a cascade of other economic activity from the purchase of insurance and appliances, which in turn support local businesses and drive prosperity in our communities.

SAMCAR was also pleased to welcome many elected officials from throughout San Mateo County, including: Belmont Councilmember Davina Hurt, Burlingame Mayor Michael Brownrigg, Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura, Foster City Vice Mayor Patrick Sullivan, Foster City Councilmember Art Kiesel, Millbrae Councilmember Anders Fung, Pacifica Mayor Pro Tem Sue Vaterlaus, San Bruno Mayor Rico Medina, San Carlos Councilmembers John Dugan and Pranita Venkatesh, Redwood City Mayor Jeff Gee, and San Mateo County Supervisors Ray Mueller's Chief of Staff Heather Wilson, David Pine and David Canepa.

View Photobooth Gallery from Denon & Doyle

Congratulations to our 2022 Annual Award Winners!

REALTOR® of the Year Award

Jean Joh, REALTOR® and Broker of Perisson Real Estate in Millbrae was named 2022 REALTOR® of the Year. Jean has been a SAMCAR member since 2008 and has served on the Professional Development and YPN committees as well as on the Board of MLSListings, where she currently serves as treasurer. Presented the award by past recipient Jesse Gutierrez, Joh was acknowledged for her quiet intensity, a passion to support her colleagues, enhance their professionalism and support through mentorship.

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Affiliate of the Year Award

Anthony Bolivar, Chicago Title, was named 2022 Affiliate of the Year. Anthony joined SAMCAR in June 2021. Anthony serves on YPN and Special Events Committees, is a regular attendee at Tuesday morning Marketing Meetings and SAMCAR special events. He hit the ground running as a brand-new member and has already made a meaningful impression on his colleagues. Past award recipient Steve Cresci presented the award sharing details about what other SAMCAR members have said about Anthony. These remarks include how knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and motivating Bolivar is regarded. In addition, he was lauded for his excellent communication and, per Cresci, being a "sharp dresser".

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Community Service Award

Adele Della-Santina, REALTOR® with Compass, was honored with SAMCAR's 2022 Community Service Award. She joined the board of REALTORS® in 1986 and has also served on the Belmont City Council, including as mayor. Presented the award by previous recipient Carrie Du Bois, Della-Santina was acknowledged for her profound service to the community through organizations like Rotary, in both California and New York, school foundations, and other initiatives. She is passionate about helping people. Recognizing the phenomenal quality of life enjoyed by most in San Mateo County, she has mobilized efforts to share that good fortune to those in more difficult circumstances the world over. Accepting the award on her behalf was previous recipient Jessica Eva who shared prepared remarks in which Della-Santina expressed her gratitude and the important role of Realtor associations in advocating for our communities.

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Homeowner Hero Award

Rico Medina, Mayor of the City of San Bruno, was honored with the 2022 Homeowner Hero Award. Presented the award by SAMCAR Government Affairs Director, Fernando Peña, Medina was recognized for his even-handed approach to local governance. Presented with a controversial proposal to dramatically alter the nature of the City of San Bruno government this past summer, Medina was very thoughtful in his deliberations, listened to both sides of the argument, reviewed data, and listened to his constituents, including many homeowners, housing providers, and REALTORS®. In his acceptance speech, Medina shared his perspective that it is the role of elected officials to listen to their constituents and pertinent data, and thanked SAMCAR and attendees at the event for participating in local government.

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Directors who had completed their term were also acknowledged at the ceremony, including Nestor Icaza, Sue Vaterlaus and Suzan Wallace. David Zigal was individually recognized for his year of service in the post of C.A.R. Region 25 Chair, a state-level role responsible for coordinating SAMCAR's state association delegates at the California Association of REALTORS® three annual business meetings. Outgoing 2022 President Jessica Eva was also acknowledged for her year of leadership service before the ceremonial passing of the presidential gavel to 2023 SAMCAR President Marla Perego.

The 2023 SAMCAR Board of Directors are:

• Marla Perego, 2023 President, Coldwell Banker San Carlos

• Moises Pelayo, 2024 President-Elect, KW Peninsula Estates

• Jessica Eva, C.A.R. Region 25 Chair, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty

• Diane Viviani, Treasurer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

• Linda Crose-Andersen, Coldwell Banker Half Moon Bay

• Jeff LaMont, Coldwell Banker Burlingame

• Anita Maxwell, Coldwell Banker Realty

• Patrick Sullivan, Liberty Realty

• Judy Taylor, Compass

• Frank Vella, SF HomeLife, Inc.

• Michael G. Verdone, Economic Concepts

• Diane Wilson, Intero Real Estate Services San Carlos

• Marianne Zanone Rush, Coldwell Banker San Carlos

Meet your Board of Directors

Special thanks to Marianne Zanone Rush for leading the Pledge of Allegiance to open the program, DJ Kevin Hartmann from Denon & Doyle for entertainment during the receptions and highlighting key parts of the ceremony with music, photographer Craig Burleigh for capturing moments from the event, SAMCAR's 2023 Corporate Sponsors for making this event possible, and to our master of ceremonies David Zigal for steering the ceremony.