SAMCAR Welcomes 2026 Leadership, Honors Volunteers at Installation

The 2026 President of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR), Linda Crose-Andersen, and Board of Directors were ceremonially sworn into their term by Installation Officer, 2026 California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) President Tamara Suminski, at SAMCAR's 2026 Installation on Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Oceano Hotel in Half Moon Bay. Also honored were SAMCAR's Past Presidents, Outgoing Directors and Committee Chairs, and award winners for 2025 REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Community Service, and Homeowner Hero Awards.

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Linda Crose-Andersen is a REALTOR® in Half Moon Bay and has been an association member since 2014. As a director representing SAMCAR at the state level, Crose-Andersen has served on the California Association of REALTORS® Global Real Estate Forum, Diversity, Fair Housing Policy, Investment Housing, Nominating, Forum on Forms, and Housing Affordability Fund committees. She has also served on committees locally including the Government Affairs, Policies and Procedures, Finance, Diversity Equity Inclusion / Fair Housing, and Marketing Meetings Committees.

In her inaugural address as SAMCAR President, Crose-Andersen shared that she once considered herself to be the "least political person on the planet," but through her time in leadership at SAMCAR has realized that real estate is a political business. She encouraged attendees to find their "one thing" that drives them. For SAMCAR, she added, that "one thing" is the fierce protection of property rights. "We aren't just facilitating transactions," Crose-Andersen shared, "we are guiding our clients toward the American Dream and security of generational wealth."

Likewise, special guest Installation Officer and 2026 California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) President, Tamara Suminski, shared the value of advocacy work the associations do on behalf of members and consumers. In her address, Suminski announced the exciting and timely news that the C.A.R. Homeownership Matters Campaign would be reaching a massive audience through a Super Bowl program advertisement just days after the event. "For decades, REALTORS® have shown up at the Capitol and in local communities across the state to advocate for homeownership," Suminski said. "This ad is about showing up in a new way and meeting Californians in a moment we all share and reminding them that homeownership still matters, especially at a time when it feels out of reach for so many hard-working families." She also shared a powerful metaphor about the way geese in flight exemplify teamwork and amplification of collective strengths before ceremonially swearing in the 2026 SAMCAR Board of Directors.

SAMCAR was also pleased to welcome several elected officials from throughout San Mateo County, including County of San Mateo Supervisors Ray Mueller (District 3), David Canepa (District 5) and Noelia Corzo (District 2, Board President), Daly City Mayor Glenn Sylvester and Councilmember Juslyn Manalo, Millbrae Vice Mayor Stephen Rainaldi and Councilmembers Sissy Riley, Anders Fung and Candidate Gina Papan, Redwood City Councilmember Isabella Chu, San Carlos Mayor Pranita Venkatesh, San Mateo Councilmember and Former Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash, South San Francisco Councilmember Eddie Flores, and Campbell Councilmember and Former Mayor Sergio Lopez.

Congratulations to our 2025 Annual Award Winners!

Homeowner Hero Award

Lisa Diaz Nash, Councilmember and former Mayor of the City of San Mateo, was recognized as SAMCAR's 2025 Homeowner Hero Award recipient. Presented the award by SAMCAR Government Affairs Director, Fernando Peña, Diaz Nash was recognized for her outstanding leadership on housing related matters, championing homeownership and protecting private property rights. She has worked tirelessly with her colleagues on the city's housing element, economic development plan, storm water and floor protection, fostering a business-friendly environment, enhancing entertainment and cultural offerings, affordable housing, championing Measure T, among many other pressing issues. Approaching issues with compassion, civility and strong negotiation skills, Diaz Nash has built collaborative working relationships and remains determined to improve health, safety and quality of life in San Mateo.

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REALTOR® of the Year Award

Lee Ginsburg, a REALTOR® with Intero Real Estate in San Bruno was named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year. He first joined the association in 2003 and has served on several committees including Government Affairs, Local Candidate Recommendations (LCRC), Grievance and Professional Standards. Presented the award by the previous year's winner, Eric Berggren, Ginsburg was acknowledged for his generosity with his time, fearlessness with his advocacy, and steadfastness in his service. "When there's a housing issue that needs attention, courage, and thoughtful leadership," Berggren commended that Ginsburg "doesn't wait to be asked—[he's] already in motion." He is a patient mentor to newer agents, and a trusted peer who raises the bar, demonstrated by the numerous professional designations and impressive number of glowing reviews he has earned. Ginsburg recently sat on the City of South San Francisco's Anti-Displacement Advisory Commission and has remained deeply involved with housing nonprofits such as HEART of San Mateo County. Prior to receiving this distinction, Lee was awarded the 2025 Peninsula Government Affairs Champion award at the committee's luncheon in December.

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Affiliate of the Year Award

Shannon Wischer with WFG National Title Company was named 2025 Affiliate of the Year. Wischer joined SAMCAR in 2019 and serves on SAMCAR's Young Professionals Network (YPN) committee. Previous award recipient Veronica Valentine presented the award noting Wischer's exceptional level of commitment to her colleagues and the association. Her involvement is not only consistent, but also impactful. In addition to her active involvement with YPN where she plays a key role in inspiring new members to get involved, build relationships and feel connected, Shannon is also a trusted and respected resource, sharing her professional expertise with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose. Her willingness to educate and equip her Realtor colleagues with the practical tools and knowledge reflects her genuine commitment to helping others serve their clients and succeed in their businesses.

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Community Service Award

Maria Schuster-Rodriguez, a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties in Redwood City, was honored with SAMCAR's 2025 Community Service Award. She joined the association of REALTORS® in 1999. Presented the award by previous recipient Sue Vaterlaus, Schuster-Rodriguez was acknowledged for her steadfast involvement with association activities and exemplary dedication to serving her community. Notably, Maria volunteers at the Fair Oaks Community Senior Center facilitating a senior class in Spanish for over 16 years. Her efforts help seniors with their cognitive abilities to continue to be able to talk and share, helping them with mental health and skills.

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Outgoing Directors Anita Maxwell and Patrick Sullivan were also acknowledged at the ceremony after completing their term of service on the SAMCAR Board. 2025 President Frank Vella was acknowledged for his year of leadership service with a certificate from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors presented by District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller and Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo, before ceremonially passing the presidential gavel to 2026 SAMCAR President Linda Crose-Andersen.

The 2026 SAMCAR Board of Directors are:

• Linda Crose-Andersen, President, Coldwell Banker Half Moon Bay

• Diane Wilson, President-Elect, Intero Real Estate

• Frank Vella, Region 25 Chair & Immediate Past President, Frank Vella, Broker

• Diane Viviani, Treasurer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

• Jessica Eva, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty

• Jesse D. Gutierrez, Vision Real Estate

• Jeff LaMont, Coldwell Banker

• Moisés Pelayo, Coldwell Banker

• Judy Taylor, Compass

• Michael G. Verdone, Economic Concepts

• David Zigal, David G. Zigal, Realtor

Meet your Board of Directors

Special thanks to Kaitlyn Andersen—granddaughter of President Linda Crose-Andersen—for leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Elise MacGregor Ferrell for playing the National Anthem on bagpipes to open the program, Local Productions Mobile DJ for music during the reception and awards ceremony, photographer Scott Buschman, 2026 Corporate Sponsors for making this event possible, and to master of ceremonies Moisés Pelayo and award ceremony host Jessica Eva.