GKAR REALTOR® of the Year
The GKAR REALTOR® of the Year is recognized by their peers for their outstanding and exemplary contributions to the real estate profession, which include demonstrating exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication in their work. This prestigious award also acknowledges their significant efforts and positive impact on the greater Kalamazoo community, where they have shown a commitment to community service, leadership, and fostering growth and development. Through their professional achievements and community involvement, they have set a high standard for others in the industry to follow.
2025 REALTOR® of the Year
Lisa Faber
Portage, MI 49024
Since becoming a REALTOR® in 1996, Lisa has spent 28 years serving the Kalamazoo area. A graduate of Calvin College in 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education before transitioning to Real Estate, where she has built a successful career centered on helping clients achieve their homeownership goals. Over the years, Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to both her profession and her community. She served on the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® (GKAR) Board of Directors for nine years, including a term as President in 2023.
In addition to her leadership role at GKAR Board of Directors, Lisa also served on the Community Relations committee from 2006-2020 as a member and Director Liaison. She has been an active volunteer in many current and past GKAR local initiatives, including Flowerfest, the Blood Drive, Habitat for Humanity, and Bowl for Kids' Sake. She is also a dedicated participant in annual community fundraisers such as Back to School supplies drives, Adopt A Family during the holidays, and has volunteered with Junior Achievement in the Kalamazoo and Comstock schools.
Lisa’s guiding philosophy, Dedication with a Purpose, drives her approach to Real Estate, ensuring that every client receives thoughtful, personalized service. A committed advocate for the industry, she is an annual donor to RPAC and stays engaged in the profession by attending MR and NAR conventions. Lisa holds the GRI I, ABR and PSA designations, further reinforcing her commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise to her clients.
Nominations
The nomination period for the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year is September 1st through September 15th, 2025.
Important Details:
- Nomination period is September 1st - 4:30 pm, September 15th, annually.
- Nominees must be a Primary Member of GKAR.
- Nominees must possess a current Michigan Real Estate License.
- Nominees must have been a GKAR Member for a minimum of five consecutive years.
- Self-nominations are permitted.
- Nominees cannot be a current officer, newly-elected officer, or former REALTOR® of the Year.
- The recipient will be honored at the local level and recognized at the GKAR Installation & State of the Association Holiday Luncheon.
- The REALTOR® of the Year name will be submitted to Michigan REALTORS® (MR) for consideration as MR of the Year and shall be the guest of GKAR at the appropriate MR Convention.
Past Recipients
2020 Greg Miller |
2021 Bill Evenboer |
2022 Shelly Pattison |
2023 Suzzette Deaux |
2024 Joy Watts |
2025 Lisa Faber |
2010 Rick Berner |
2011 John Buttery |
2012 Audrey DeVault |
2013 Cheri Schulz |
2014 Cathy Gasper |
2015 Nancy Fish |
2016 Lee Crossley |
2017 Gayle Zientek |
2018 Dan Jaqua |
2019 Natalie Rowe |
2000 Ray Becker |
2001 Mary Sutton |
2002 Don Cain |
2003 Sue Cornell |
2004 Wayne Wilkinson |
2005 David Maturen |
2006 Dennis Field |
2007 Rose Rook |
2008 Rick Hoffman |
2009 John Jackson |
1990 Kathy King |
1991 Tim Brown |
1992 Nick Pratt |
1993 Judy Haugh |
1994 Jared Arnold |
1995 Lonnie Palleschi |
1996 Sally Elser |
1997 Al Rowe |
1998 Tim Brown |
1999 Marty Wagar |
1980 John W Bosch |
1981 Rod O' Brien |
1982 Tom Tobin |
1983 Jerry Carlson |
1984 Lowell I Swanson |
1985 Marian E Greene |
1986 Robert L Walton |
1987 Sam Cupps |
1988 Woody King |
1989 Phyllis Bogren |
1970 Kenneth S Bright |
1971 Bruce R Perry |
1972 Arthur C Early |
1973 John W Bosch |
1974 Philip C Keelan |
1975 Meryl Weimaster |
1976 Philip P Perry |
1977 Douglas R Preston |
1978 Frank R Stokes |
1979 John B Olheiser |
1960 C Ray Clapper |
1961 Ty Carter |
1962 Robert Early |
1963 Harry Hurni |
1964 Arthur Warly |
1965 Lowell A Swanson |
1966 --- |
1967 BW Borkenstein |
1968 Robert E Greene |
1969 Dale O Wheeler |
1958 Orville B Schroeder |
1959 Clarence Hawthorne |