SAMCAR Welcomes 2020 Leadership, Honors Volunteers at Installation

2020 SAMCAR President Elmer G. Martinez and the Board of Directors were officially sworn in to their term by special guest Installation Officer, Supervisor David J. Canepa, at SAMCAR's 2020 Installation dinner and ceremony on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the Pullman Hotel in Redwood City. Also honored were SAMCAR's Past Presidents, Outgoing Directors and Committee Chairs, and award winners for 2019 REALTOR® of the Year, 2019 Affiliate of the Year, and Homeowner Hero Awards.

View photos from the 2020 Installation on Flickr

Elmer Martinez is a REALTOR® with Signature Realty in Redwood City, and has been an Association member since 1997. As a Director representing SAMCAR on the state and national level, Martinez has also served on numerous committees locally including the Government Affairs, Professional Standards, Finance, Special Events, Strategic Planning and Policies and Procedures committees, Foundation Council, as well as on the Board of Directors.

"I look forward to working with the SAMCAR family," remarked Martinez in his inaugural address, referring to the unity of purpose that SAMCAR's REALTOR® and Affiliate members and staff work together to fulfill the organization's mission to promote homeownership, protect property rights and help members achieve success. As a REALTOR® for almost 30 years, he shared insight on the changes he has observed in the real estate market and industry, emphasizing the continuity that REALTORS® offer in navigating their clients through the noise. In this spirit of shared purpose, Elmer ended his speech with "let's get to work!" energizing his colleagues to embark on a new year—and new decade—for the now-25-year-old Association.

Special Guests & Elected Officials

Among special guests at the inaugural gala were 2020 California Association of REALTORS® President Jeanne Radsick and MLSListings Interim Chief Executive Officer Dave Wetzel, representatives from visiting Associations including AREAA, Bridge Association of REALTORS®, CREAA, NHORA, SILVAR and SCCAOR,as well as elected officials from throughout San Mateo County, including: Belmont councilmembers Charles Stone and Davina Hurt; Burlingame councilmember Ann Keighran; Millbrae councilmember Annie Oliva; Pacifica councilmember Sue Vaterlaus; and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Vice President David Canepa.

REALTOR® of the Year Award

Tom Thompson, REALTOR® with Realty World Ascend in San Mateo, was named SAMCAR's 2019 REALTOR® of the Year. Tom has been a member of SAMCAR since 2002, and an integral part of SAMCAR's Peninsula Government Affairs Committee and the Local Candidate Recommendations Committee. In 2016, he became a co-founder of the Coalition for Housing Equality—a separate political action committee focused on engaging San Mateo County housing providers and REALTORS® in defense of property rights. Also a former Association Executive, Tom demonstrates his understanding of the important role organized real estate plays in promoting homeownership and protecting property rights. He not only shows up at city council meetings where these issues are discussed and decided, but speaks up on behalf of real estate professionals and housing providers on a regular basis.  

Affiliate of the Year Award

Silvio Gomez of San Mateo Credit Union in Redwood City was named SAMCAR's 2019 Affiliate of the Year. Silvio has been an Affiliate member of SAMCAR since 2013, and in this time he has continually supported SAMCAR and his colleagues in a variety of ways. From providing the meeting space for SAMCAR's weekly South Tour Meeting to sponsoring events and programs, Silvio and his team are dedicated and reliable Affiliate members, providing immense value to their REALTOR® colleagues. In 2019, his support was instrumental in the SAMCAR young professionals group, YPN, "month of giving" effort to serve dinner to residents at LifeMoves' transitional family housing site in San Mateo. Not only did Silvio step up with a monetary donation from San Mate Credit Union, but he also showed up to serve food to the residents himself. Presenting the award, last year's Affiliate of the Year, Michelle Velez, remarked how Silvio exudes an attitude of dedication and helpfulness with a warm smile that makes those around him know he is proud to be part of this team.

Homeowner Hero Award

Millbrae councilmember, and State Senate candidate, Annie Oliva was presented with SAMCAR's 2019 Homeowner Hero Award for her ongoing leadership in protecting property rights, advocating for housing in San Mateo County, and bold proposals for addressing the state's housing crisis. As a housing advocate and REALTOR®, Annie is often the first to secure rental housing for tenants in need of assistance, also specializing in getting first-time home buyers into homes. Her unique perspective as a housing advocate, REALTOR® and elected official make her a tremendous asset to the real estate industry.

Outgoing President & Directors

Directors who have completed their term were also acknowledged at the ceremony, including Eric Berggren, Christina Galletti and Dennis Thomas. Eric Berggren 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 2019 President Jesse Gutierrez was also acknowledged for his year of leadership service before the ceremonial passing of the presidential gavel to 2020 SAMCAR President Elmer Martinez.

The 2020 SAMCAR Board of Directors

• Elmer G. Martinez, President, Signature Realty

• David Zigal, President-Elect, David G. Zigal, REALTOR®

• Jesse D. Gutierrez, C.A.R. Region 25 Chair, Vision Real Estate Group

• Olivia Edwards, Compass San Mateo

• Jessica Eva, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty

• Nestor Icaza, Coldwell Banker San Mateo

• Jeff LaMont, Coldwell Banker San Mateo

• Marla Perego, Coldwell Banker San Carlos

• John Prouty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices San Bruno

• Judy Taylor, Compass Half Moon Bay

• Sue Vaterlaus, RE/MAX Star Properties

• Frank Vella, SF HomeLife, Inc.

• Suzan Wallace, Coldwell Banker Fahey Properties

2020 SAMCAR Board of Directors

Special thanks to Allegra De Peralta with RE/MAX Gold for her stunning a capella rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner to open the program, as well as Mariachi Tapatio for providing jovial traditional musical entertainment during the reception, and to our returning master of ceremonies Eric Berggren for expertly guiding the program with his inimitable mix of humor and reverence.