Arvin, a member of the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR), was recognized as Florida Realtors’ 2025 Realtor of the Year. Upon receiving the award, Arvin stated, “Wow. I’m in shock … so, thank you. I’m truly humbled by this. As a Realtor, you bring everyone home – and that’s what you do every day – you bring people home. It’s been my privilege to serve you and to be in this profession. I’m truly honored and touched by this recognition. And I’ve loved serving you (Realtor members) every step of the way.”
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Florida Realtors presenting its Realtor of the Year and Associate Realtor of the Year awards, which recognize individuals for their lifetime contributions at local, state, and national levels.
Arvin has held several leadership roles within GACAR, including serving as president in 2011. In 2024, she provided guidance during significant industry changes related to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) proposed settlement following the Burnett/Sitzer case. As president of Florida Realtors that year, Arvin worked with legal, education, and communications teams to implement a settlement response plan for over 238,000 members ahead of an August compliance deadline. She focused on providing resources such as legal guidance and updated forms through various outreach efforts.
Arvin also helped launch the Florida Realtors Certified Professional program and maintained a commitment to advocacy and housing opportunities. Her involvement extends nationally through service on NAR committees addressing housing policy and professional standards.
Jarrod Lowe from Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors was named Florida Realtors’ 2025 Associate Realtor of the Year. Lowe has served in multiple leadership positions locally over ten years—including as president in 2020—and chaired key committees during his tenure. He played a role in updating board operations during the pandemic and has mentored emerging leaders through his association’s Leadership Academy.
At the state level, Lowe has been a director for seven consecutive years and contributed to discussions on legislative priorities and RPAC funding. Nationally, he has represented his region as an NAR director since 2018.
Jack Rodriguez from Suncoast Tampa Association of Realtors received the Commercial Realtor Achievement Award for his five decades in real estate, including work as a developer and appraiser. Rodriguez has led numerous local committees and served on both state boards and national committees for NAR.
Christopher M. Krzemien from Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors won the Realtor Achievement Award for his service as broker of record or officer within his firm over recent years. Krzemien has held leadership roles at all organizational levels—locally as past president; at state level on executive committees; nationally as an NAR director since 2019; and within community organizations such as Broward Housing Council.
Elizabeth “Spencer” Rigsby from Naples Area Board of Realtors was honored with Humanitarian of the Year Award for her extensive volunteer work with organizations like Guadalupe Center and Beverly’s Angels.
Connie Johnson from Suncoast Tampa Association received the Spirit of Advocacy Award for more than three decades advocating property rights and engaging in political activities at all levels within Realtor organizations.
Candace FitzGordon from Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors earned Newcomer Award recognition after entering real estate in March 2023 and contributing significantly through committee service, civic involvement, and professional development activities.
Amanda Feagle from Northeast Florida Association of Realtors was named Educator of the Year for her role teaching Code of Ethics in new member orientation programs—both virtually during COVID-19 restrictions and now in person—and promoting ongoing educational opportunities among members.
John Slivon from Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors received Education Volunteer of the Year honors after more than fifteen years leading educational forums like Marketing Madness and helping redesign local leadership training programs.
The Best Article award went to Greg Gorman (Naples Area Board) for “High End, High Touch,” published June 2024 in Florida Realtor magazine; Jimmy Burgess (Emerald Coast Association) received honorable mention for “Your ChatGTP Listing Presentation Plan,” July 2024 issue.
