Phyllis Carmichael named 2018 REALTOR® of the Year

Cupertino, CA — (RealEstateRama) — Phyllis Carmichael, a 40-year veteran of real estate, was named 2018 REALTOR® of the Year at the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® installation gala last week. The announcement by 2018 SILVAR president Bill Moody was met with loud applause and cheers. The prestigious REALTOR® of the Year award is presented to a REALTOR® member who continually demonstrates skills, competency, knowledge and service to the public, clients, and the association.

Carmichael is a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Los Altos. Moody described Carmichael as a REALTOR® “who brings forward the best in any board or committee on which they serve. Her ability to build consensus while pursuing the bold path forward is a hallmark of her decades of service.”

Through over four decades Carmichael has served the association in many different roles. As director, president and treasurer, as director at the California Association of REALTORS®, on issues ranging from political to governance to financial, she has shared her expertise with the association and its members.

“Through strong and calm leadership, always with a twinkle and a smile, even in tense moments, she created and grew our association,” added Moody. “She is sharp, skilled and effective. She is our happy warrior.”

Also recognized during the evening were Audrey Hutton, Affiliate of the Year; Karen Trolan, Spirit of SILVAR; and Jennifer Tasto, President’s award.

Moody said Hutton has proven to be “a dedicated workhorse” and strong proponent of SILVAR. He commended the Hutton Mortgage Team for providing mortgage services in a timely manner with great attention to detail for REALTOR® members and their clients. Moody praised Hutton’s professional support for all programs across the association, with a particular dedication to her home district, Los Gatos-Saratoga.

“Her willingness to help where needed enhances the image of our association and our REALTOR® and affiliated professional members,” said Moody.

The recipient of the Spirit of SILVAR award is bestowed to a REALTOR® who reflects the association’s commitment to supporting and contributing to the communities it serves. Moody said Trolan, who began her real estate career over 30 years ago, has worked on the frontlines and behind the scenes for the success of the association. She has given back to the community in many different ways – as a soccer coach, officer at Girls on the Run, Sierra Region Ski Patrol, ranked in five martial arts, and REALTOR® safety instructor.

“In so many ways she is the REALTOR® face in her community. Her determination and spirit inspires us, and in her own words, she can still do it!” said Moody.

Trolan, who served as 2016 SILVAR president, is a REALTOR® with Alain Pinel REALTORS® Los Gatos. She was also honored as 2018 California Association of REALTORS® Region 9 chair.

SILVAR last fall was one of six REALTOR® associations nationwide to receive the Diamond Global Achievement Award from the National Association of REALTORS®. Moody said this singular honor is the culmination of an effort started in November 2011 when SILVAR committed to focus internationally and launched a global business council. The local trade association promoted the Certified International Property Specialist designation for REALTORS® and became the NAR Ambassador Association to the Philippines. Moody attributed SILVAR’s successful global program to Tasto’suntiring efforts to build international collaboration and SILVAR’s global program.

Moody thanked Tasto for her steadfast leadership and support, teaching global courses, working with NAR staff, serving as NAR President Liaison to the Philippines, and facilitating visits with SILVAR’s partner association there. Tasto is a broker with Property Services, Inc. in San Mateo.