by Christina DeFalco Romano

The Long Island Board of REALTORS® Inc. (LIBOR) is pleased to announce that leadership has been named for 2020.  LIBOR leadership was installed at the annual LIBOR Installation and Awards Dinner Dance held on November 26, 2019 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. 

The evening began with a warm welcome by master of ceremonies, Tessa Hultz, Chief Executive Officer of LIBOR, followed by the inspirational words of LIBOR past President Buddy Hoosein.  Veteran and past MLSLI President Frank Urso, aided by the Color Guard, led a rousing pledge of allegiance honoring the veterans in attendance and our country that they served. REALTOR® Kalen Raynor closed the opening ceremony with a dazzling performance of the national anthem.

Moses Seuram, President of the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR), had the pleasure of installing the 2020 LIBOR elected officers.  Incoming 2020 LIBOR Officers installed, included: President Elect, Susan Helsinger; Queens Vice President, Frederic "Rick" Greene; Nassau Vice President, Joe Sinnona; Suffolk Vice President, Kevin Loiacono; East End Liaison Vice President, Kalen Raynor; Treasurer, Gina Marie Bettenhauser; Secretary, Jessica Akde Elmazi.

2020 LIBOR President Matthew Arnold was then installed into office by his oldest brother John Arnold, who flew in from Florida for the occasion. Also on-hand with special remarks was friend and mentor Jim Netter, broker/owner of Netter Real Estate.

Matthew Arnold has been a member of LIBOR since 1999, and is the Associate Real Estate Broker of Netter Real Estate in West Islip.  From a young age, Matthew knew he wanted to become a REALTOR®. His reverence and love for his community has helped him to excel in his career in real estate for over 20 years.

Matthew has served on the LIBOR board of directors intermittently for the past 15 years, most recently as Suffolk Vice President in 2018 and currently as President-elect. He chaired the RPAC and Public Relations Committees, and has served on many other committees including, Professional Standards, Legislative, Housing Opportunity and Nominating Committee.

Matthew was recognized by LIBOR with the REALTOR® Spirit Award in 2008 and the REALTOR®-Salesperson of the Year in 2015, for his devotion to his industry and the community he serves.

As an active member and participant of the community, Matthew brings his diligence, compassion and unwavering commitment to not only his career, but to everything that he is involved in. He looks forward to bringing this passion to his new position, as your LIBOR President. 

Following the installation was the presentation of LIBOR’s distinguished awards: REALTOR®-Broker of the Year to Kevin Loiacono of BrookHampton Realty, REALTOR®-Salesperson of the Year to Mark Donnelly of Coach REALTORS, Community Service Award to Barbi Schwartzberg of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, REALTOR®-Affiliate of the Year to Charles Weinraub of Captain Permit LLC, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Liz English of Netter Real Estate.  

This year, the REALTOR® Spirit Award was presented to Ray Manzoni of Manzoni Real Estate, for his selfless dedication to the ALS Ride For Life. The REALTOR® Spirit Award celebrates and recognizes these remarkable members who have made a positive impact on their community and gifts the organization through which they volunteer time and talents a $5,000 donation.

The program concluded with the installation of 2020 LIBOR elected directors, LIBOR past President directors and chapter and division Presidents; performed by Jennifer Stevenson, NYSAR President-elect.

Additional award recipients were honored at LIBOR’s Annual Appreciation Luncheon, 2019 LICN Member of the Year to Richard Kruse, 2019 WCR Member of the Year to Janette Pulice and LIBOR Executive Committee Service Award to past LIBOR President David Legaz.

Congratulations and best wishes to all for a prosperous 2020!