Golden Goldy: A polished gem from BMNAR

By Eliezer Rodriguez Taking on a new job is both a daunting and scary proposition. Usually, the first few months are spent getting to know the people with whom you will be spending most of your time; learning the new software system; reviewing files and, in my case, learning the internal and external operation of an association. The discomforts of adjusting to a new role is made easier when others take an honest interest in helping you make that transition. One such person who took an active role in introducing me to the issues that affect the real estate trade was Susan Goldy. Goldy's interest in real estate issues grew through her involvement with the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors and in 1995 and 1996, she served as its president. At the state level, Goldy served on and chaired many committees for the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR). She worked her way through the ranks and eventually served as the 2012 president of NYSAR. Fortunately for me, Goldy was still serving as NYSAR's president when I was hired to lead BMNAR as its executive officer. Without my asking, Goldy shared with me her experience of working with National Association of Realtors (NAR) and with NYSAR. With Goldy's guidance, I was able to make an immediate impact at the state and national level. Goldy is a pro when it comes to advocating the realtor's position on potential or pending legislation affecting consumers and real estate practitioners. When I coordinated my first Lobbying Day in Albany, Goldy was by my side. When I headed to our nation's capital to meet with members of Congress, Goldy was by my side. Watching and listening to Goldy address local, state and national leaders on issues such as: Broker rebates; team name registration; transparency and disclosure in co-operative housing; source of income; expanded agriculture disclosure notice and the mortgage recording and transfer taxes was an invaluable education for me. Especially, since I will have to revisit these unresolved issues in 2014 with the numerous turnover of local and state elected officials. Goldy is a polished gem on BMNAR's board of governors and I am delighted that she took time to mentor me. Her resume is impressive. Goldy has earned various designations, has made numerous television appearances, has participated in panel discussions, has written articles and has had articles written about her. Because of Goldy, I was able to strengthen BMNAR's relationship with the leaders at the state and national level in a short period of time. I know that I can count on Goldy to help me fight whenever a proposed piece of legislation threatens the American dream of home ownership. The flip-side is also true as Goldy may count on me. If you attended NYSAR's Mid-Winter Meetings this past February, my appreciation for Goldy was apparent. All of the help that she has given me came to the surface and I could barely contain myself when Goldy's name was called at the general session as the recipient of the Lawrence B. Caldwell RPAC Service Award. Unbeknownst to me, in her lifetime, Goldy has supported RPAC in excess of $25,000. This spring, because of Goldy's dedication, leadership and support to RPAC, she will be inducted into the NAR Hall of Fame. It turns out that my friend, Goldy, does not just talk-the-talk, she walks-the-walk. It's a wonderful experience to be able to talk straight with someone and find out what needs to be done. On behalf of BMNAR, congratulations Goldy! And, from a grateful association executive officer, thank you, Susan Goldy, as you are, indeed, golden. Eliezer Rodriguez is the association executive of BMAR, Bronx, N.Y.