Texas Realtors Honors Top Agents & Associations at 2026 Winter Meeting

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Realtors honored its members and local real estate associations during its annual Winter Meeting held February 6th in Austin, recognizing individuals and organizations for outstanding dedication and excellence in the real estate profession. The Texas Realtors Awards highlight contributions to the industry and communities across the state.

“The annual Texas Realtors awards provide an opportunity to recognize extraordinary professionals and local organizations that produce the real estate industry a powerful force in our state,” said Jennifer Wauhob, 2026 President of Texas Realtors. “It is an honor to announce this year’s winners and celebrate their achievements, which have contributed so much to their local communities and continue to make Texas a great place to call home.”

Sarah Norman of Bryan-College Station was named the 2025 Texas Realtor of the Year, recognized for a career spanning over four decades marked by integrity, service, and leadership. Norman has served on committees at the local, state, and national levels, including involvement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and induction into the RPAC Hall of Fame. She has likewise served on the Texas Realtors Board of Directors.

Winn Sikes of Lubbock received the Distinguished Service Award, acknowledging nearly five decades of service to the real estate industry. Sikes has volunteered continuously since 1977, holding leadership positions at the local association level, including president, and was instrumental in introducing the association’s first lockbox system. She is also a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame and continues to serve on the Texas Realtors TREPAC Government Affairs/Political Action Committee.

The William C. Jennings Award was presented to Paula McDonald of Granbury for a commercial redevelopment project that transformed a long-vacant historic square building into a multi-apply destination, including a boutique hotel. The project culminated in the sale of the Granbury Plaza, which set a recent record and had a lasting community impact, with McDonald serving as the central advisor and navigating complex regulatory, structural, and legal challenges, including a 1031 exchange.

Cord Shiflet was honored with the 2025 Texas Realtors Good Neighbor Award for his commitment to service and engagement within the Austin community. Shiflet’s contributions include serving on the boards of March of Dimes and the Ballet Austin, past leadership roles with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin, and fundraising efforts for organizations such as Dell Children’s Hospital and the Riverbend Child Development Center.

Cassandra Davis received the 2025 Educator of the Year Award, recognizing a three-decade career dedicated to education, homeownership, and community impact. As a senior instructor for Texas Realtors, Davis has spent over 15 years training future real estate professionals through experience-based education and global perspectives.

Hanne Sagalowsky was awarded the Richard Miranda Award for Global Achievement, recognizing over three decades of leadership in global real estate and a commitment to international collaboration and service. She has built strong cross-border relationships throughout Western Europe and Israel, representing international clients with cultural knowledge and integrity, and has held leadership positions within NAR, Texas Realtors, and various global committees.

Several local associations were recognized for exemplary programs: the San Antonio Board of Realtors for innovation, the Houston Association of Realtors for marketing, and the Lubbock Association of Realtors for its series or short programs of the year.

Cade Fowler of the Lubbock Association of Realtors received the 2025 Tom D. Morton Award for exceptional leadership and dedication as an association executive. Under Fowler’s leadership, the association has increased community engagement, elevated educational offerings, and promoted diversity and inclusion initiatives. He has also strengthened advocacy efforts and fundraising for TREPAC.

The Abilene Association of Realtors was presented with the Lehman Award for Local Board Achievement in Government Affairs for its outstanding performance in fundraising, community efforts, and other government affairs initiatives.

Chad Hovde of the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors received the Community Advocate of the Year Award, highlighting his dedication to community activities and programs. Additional recognitions for community efforts were also given to Katie DeHaven (Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors), Dixon Holman (Arlington Board of Realtors), Bruno Zavaleta (Brownsville-South Padre Island Board of Realtors), Leigh York (Fort Worth Area Association of Realtors), and Brandy Wuensch (Austin Board of Realtors).

Awards for Diversity and Fair Housing were presented to MetroTex Association of Realtors for innovation and the San Antonio Board of Realtors for impact in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) recognized six members under the age of 40 with the New Talent in Real Estate Award for outstanding leadership, community involvement, and professional success: Jennifer Burnley, Ashley Hambright, Tyler Kreis, Karla Miller, Anastasia Pena, and Joseph Towns.

the following agents were accredited with the Texas Specialized Commercial Training Certification: Ebby Adesegun, Sarah Atterberry, Jesse Cano, Sangeeta Katuwal, Alisha Melvin, Hazel Munos, Andrea Robinson, Ashley Rimmer-Ratzel, Tajana Surlan, and Debbie Tran.

The Texas Realtors Leadership Team will meet June 1-5, 2026, in Austin, TX, according to the association’s event calendar. Further details regarding the June meeting will be posted closer to the event date.