MIAAOR Installment Banquet

The 2025 Installment Banquet for the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors was a full house the evening of December 9th at the Island Country Club. With 125 in attendance, familiar faces from local businesses, visiting members from neighboring boards and associations, and Marco Island dignitaries checkered the room.

The attendees mingled during a festive cocktail hour, catching up on the latest industry buzz and personally reviewing the year prior.

Emcee Steven David welcomed everyone to the event, thanking the event sponsors and donors who made it happen, and being clear to note, “As we give out these awards tonight, for those who are not being recognized – we recognize you. You are important to the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors. Whatever role you play, if it’s a supportive spouse, a committee member, or an affiliate member, you matter, and we deeply appreciate you being here.” Upon looking about the room, he added, “We have five associations here tonight, and although we compete for members, we’re all here as one, collaborative in celebrating the success of everyone.”

Bette McGilvray delivered a heartwarming invocation, giving thanks for the previous year’s leadership team and asking for wisdom and guidance for the new team.

David returned to the mic after dinner and took a moment to praise outgoing President, Helen Donaghy. “She personifies everything that is so powerful about our strong and confident women that we are so lucky to have leading this association.”

Donaghy joined the stage and began the awards ceremony after a moment of thanks and expression of gratitude.

Affiliate of the Year – Jane Wingate (Gulf Coast Mortgage of Naples, Inc.). Praised for her community involvement, dedication, and service to the association, business savvy, and a role in Jaws 3, Jane’s eyes welled up in happy tears of surprise at being recognized.

The Unsung Hero Award – Jim McGregor (Harborview Realty), “Recognition and a humble word of thanks goes to this individual who silently but effectively stood tall when others wavered, for fighting with integrity, and for leading with courage when it mattered most,” said Donaghy. McGregor thanked those who stood by the association through so many trying times in the last several years.

President’s Special Award – Kandy Sweeney (MIAAOR CEO). Helen gave a glowing review of Kandy’s work in not only 2025 but in her career. “She was always there to help during my term in office. Her support, wisdom, and organizational skills made my year as president the most memorable one.”

David joined in the high praise of Sweeney, commenting on how she has a way of keeping things smooth in the worst of storms.

The Top RSN Partner (Realtor Support Network) – ML Meade of Premier Sotheby’s International. Nominees for this award are those who collaborate with realtors and deliver products and services that enhance their experience. Their mission revolves around fostering relationships and supporting the community through education, events, and charitable initiatives that drive success in the industry.

The Richard Shanahan Services Award – Sam J. Saad III (Law Office of Sam J. Saad III). An award that recognizes time, energy, and unwavering service to the community, local government, and charitable organizations was given to Saad. Saad was noted for his exemplification of the spirit of this award through his unwavering commitment to the community. Joining via FaceTime, Jason Sizemore accepted the award on his behalf.

The Robbie Clark Award – Miachel Waldren (RE/MAX Alliance Group). This award is granted to a newcomer with three years or less in the profession. Raised on Marco Island, an 11-year participant in a 24-hour video game streaming event to raise money for the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and a FGCU University alum, Waldren was honored as someone who is ‘always there to help whenever need arises.’

Realtor of the Year – Christine Waldren (RE/MAX Alliance Group). “Their passion for the real estate industry is deeply rooted in their love for this beautiful island,” said Marv Needles. With over 25 years on MIAAOR, service on multiple committees, boards, graduating MIA Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, and recognized as a Five-Star Professional Realtor since 2009, a standing ovation accompanied Waldren’s name being called.

Donaghy returned to deliver her outgoing comments and took the time to review the 2025 accomplishments of the team: Water and beach cleanups, sponsored events such as Camp Able, Prayer Breakfast, Middle School Cheerleading Events, MIPD 25th Anniversary, Chili Cook-off, CPR and safety classes, ongoing food and necessities drop-off at St. Matthew’s house, and the 28th year of St. Matthew’s house Thanksgiving dinner (founded by MIAAOR own Bill Filbin). They hosted the Florida Realtors CEO Symposium, an RSN Giveback, and met their RPEC Goal.

With emotion in her voice, a grateful smile on her face, and evident admiration, she went on to thank the board, committee, RSN Members, office staff, and her family.

Members of the 2026 Board of Directors were called to the front one by one to pledge their duties. The group comprised members of the Leadership Team and the One-, Two-, and Three-Year Directors. ’26 President Jacki Strategos, ’26 President Elect Laurie Kocak, Secretary/Treasurer Stacy Witthoff, Angelica Andrews, Catherine Clausen, Kyle Grucci, Shamus Jones, Nic Mastrangelo, Bill Moran, Marv Needles, Lindsay O’Connell, Jack Winnik, Peter Huy, and Outgoing President Helen Donaghy.

The Installation of the 2026 President, Jacki Strategos, followed. Addressing her peers with many thanks, her biggest fan, husband Richard, knelt to take pictures and record his wife’s shining moment.

“There are so many words of love, patience, and gratitude. You have tolerated my excitement, fears, and emotions all through this journey.” Jacki lovingly refers to him now as ‘The First Gentleman.’

For her plans for the 2026 year ahead, she strongly led with the theme, “Transforming Tomorrow Through Service, Knowledge, Integrity, and Trust; Transforming Lives, Neighborhoods, and Community.” “This is not just a tagline,” said Strategos. “I believe we each do this every day of our lives and as Realtors, we do transform tomorrows through our service. The knowledge we add and improve on, our integrity we each carry with us in every encounter, and the trust our customers place in our hands. We transform lives with everything we do. We do make a difference. I am excited for 2026, and I am looking forward to working with you as your MIAAOR President.”