On Jan. 8 the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors® hosted its 114^th Annual Inaugural and Awards Ceremony held virtually. The celebration of excellence, themed Leading Change, honored the local Realtor® community in its public service and fight to protect homeownership, while installing the 2021 officers and directors.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff delivered a message and newly installed Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo ushered in the 2021 officers and directors.

During the virtual ceremony, PFAR honored 2021 President Barry Storch, who emphasized the importance of planting seeds in order to thrive – a value learned as a former bee keeper. In a time of such uncertainty, Storch fortified his mission to Lead Change in education, training, support services and community.

An entrepreneur, life coach and business owner, Storch studied the Craftsman Style, The Arts and Crafts Movement, The architectural works of Charles and Henry Greene, along with the works of visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He has served as past president on the board of directors of Friends of Hollyhock House in Hollywood and docent, coordinator at the Pasadena Gamble House and most recently a state director for the California Association of REALTORS®.

The association delivered an hour-plus presentation of its work during an unprecedented year and celebrated its members’ service to the community. PFAR highlighted its work with Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) and Pasadena Education Network (PEN) that resulted in it being named the 2020 recipient of the CalSPRA Excellence in Communications Award, a program that recognizes the successful efforts of education agencies in producing materials and services that meet the information needs of communities for their creation of the Pasadena Unified School District REALTOR® Certification program. 

The inspiration message was delivered by Lorri L. Jean, CEO, Los Angeles LGBT Center. PFAR also donated $1,000 to the organization to assist in its advocacy ventures.

The 2021 officers and directors installed were Sarah Moore (Dilbeck Real Estate) as President-elect; Secretary Joyce Kristensson (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices), Treasurer Jon Butler (Douglas Elliman Real Estate), Multiple Listing Director Hazel Perera (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices), along with newly added directors Lynnette West-Cater (Westlyn Realtors), Kay Tolentino (TradeMark Real Estate) and Megan Spargo-Ferrell (COMPASS). Returning directors include Neha Jespersen (deasy penner podley), Affiliate Director Martin Mesa (Rate One Financial) and Immediate Past President Eddie Ramirez (deasy penner podley).

Retired board members honored were Lisa Diaz (COMPASS), Deno Kidde (Sotheby’s International Realty), Amy Engler (COMPASS), and longtime public servants, Sid Karsh (Sid Karsh Real Estate) and Steve Haussler (Coldwell Banker).

The ceremony included the recognition of several awardees. To see a detailed list, visit pfar.org.