HGAR CEO Haggerty inducted into Dr. Almon R. Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society

Richard Haggerty, CEO of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR), has been inducted into the national Dr. Almon R. Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society. Haggerty was one of only seven people in the country to be included in this prestigious Society this year. Members of this Leadership Society are recognized as leading contributors to the real estate industry and the profession. Much like a Fellows program, members play an active, ongoing role as innovators and mentors for the Association Executive community. This distinction is also awarded in recognition of the honoree's ongoing commitment to the advancement of Realtor association management and anticipated future contributions. "I am truly honored and humbled to be included among those in such an esteemed group," said Haggerty. "I look forward to continuing my role not only as CEO of our Association, but as a productive member of this institute as well." Haggerty was appointed CEO of HGAR in 2012. Prior to that, he had served as Deputy CEO for many years and also held various positions within the Realtor Association since 1984. He has coordinated over 550 arbitrations, ethics hearings, and mediations during his tenure with the Association. He has been a speaker and instructor for numerous state and local Realtor Associations including the New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and the US Virgin Islands Associations of Realtors. He is also a current Board member and past Chair of Community Capital New York, a not-for-profit alternative lender that provides funding for affordable housing projects as well as small business loans throughout the New York Hudson Valley region. Nominees to the Society must demonstrate that they have brought credit to the profession of real estate association management through their personal involvement in advancing the purposes of the organization at the local, state, and national level. In addition, they must provide leadership methods that have benefited the organization, the members, or other association executives. Candidates must also have a proven track record of identifying and sharing innovative ideas, as well as demonstrating a willingness to help others. Inductees serve as role models for all association executives. Prior to his retirement in 1997, Dr. Smith was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for six years. His tenure concluded his total of 30 years of key roles in the administration of Realtor organizations.