Event Coverage
Joanne Fraser is 2025 REALTOR® of the Year
At the 2026 Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® Installation Luncheon and Reception on Feb. 5, 2026 at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, members were recognized for their valuable contributions to the Association last year. The 2025 Recognition Awards were presented by SILVAR CEO Paul Cardus and 2025 President Tammie Peters, who thanked SILVAR members for their support during her term and praised the volunteers, including the 2025 board directors, members of the five SILVAR District Councils, the 2025 committee chairs and SILVAR staff.
Recognized for their outstanding contributions were:
2025 REALTOR® of the Year: Joanne Fraser (Compass)
The recipient is a REALTOR® who continually demonstrates skills, competency, knowledge and service to the public, clients, and Association. He or she is an example to fellow REALTORS® due to his or her leadership, principles, and contributions. He or she possesses the highest level of professional standards, acts as a mentor to others, and constantly strives to improve and enhance the benefits of the REALTOR® Association. Additionally, he or she is committed to improving the community through service to the public, the schools, and good government through contributing his or her time, energy, and involvement without thought of reward or gain.
Peters said of Fraser, "Our honoree entered the real estate profession over 49 years ago, transitioning from another successful and demanding profession. She has served NAR, C.A.R., CRS and SILVAR for several decades with a hyperactive level of dedication and enthusiasm committed to imparting professionalism and integrity in the profession. Along with 10 designations and recognition as a top producing broker, the width and breadth of her of service is incredible: numerous committees including professional standards and grievance, global business council, budget and finance, Charitable Foundation Trust, to name just a recent few. As president, the pandemic didn't slow her or our association down. Innovation, ingenuity and adaptability characterized continued exceptional service to the association, its members and the community. She's always given us her very best and led with audacity and heart."
2025 Affiliate of the Year: David Butler (Butler Home Loans)
The recipient will be an affiliate who, through his or her actions, has unequivocally embraced and adopted the principles, goals, and purposes of the Association. By his or her continuous contributions of time, effort, and skills, he or she demonstrates dedication to the success of the Association by means of serving its members and the community. By example, this individual promotes and enhances the REALTOR® image to the public.
"Our honoree has proven to be a hardworking, hands-on leader and a great proponent of our Association," said Peters. "In addition to sharing knowledge and promoting engagement at SILVAR events, they have over 25 years' experience as a mortgage loan originator committed to ensuring exceptional service for their clients. He supports all SILVAR programs in all five districts. In addition, his hand-on involvement in educational programs, from Thursdays at SILVAR to Lunch and Learns, enhances the image of our Association to the benefit of our REALTOR® and affiliate members."
2025 President's Award: Ryan Carrigan (SILVAR Government Affairs Director)
Peters recognized Carrigan's dedication and unwavering support, stating, "My President's Award is going to someone whose impact is often behind the scenes but absolutely essential to our association and industry and the clients we serve. Advocacy was my passion and priority this year and will continue to be. It's one of the areas where the REALTOR® organization truly excels at the national, state, and local level, and it is a value that simply cannot be replicated. And on a personal note, no matter how late the hour, this person is patient, funny, thoughtful, and always willing to help me work through tough questions, many of which, I'll admit, I have no idea how to answer on my own."
2025 Spirit of SILVAR: Sunita Merchia (Sunita Mercia Real Estate)
The recipient is a REALTOR® whose professionalism and engagement reflect and inspire the Association's commitment to supporting and contributing to the Association and the communities it serves. Through his or her leadership, this recipient will have inspired the Association to an increased commitment to reaching out and responding to our neighbors and communities.
Peters said that Merchia has provided extraordinary service to SILVAR and Bay Area communities: "Our honoree hit the ground running with an unflagging can-do spirit of voluntarism and service little more than five years ago. In that time, as a SILVAR and CAR director, district chair, State Political Coordinator (SPC), professional development committee chair, grievance committee member, she didn't shy away from work and responsibility. She paired this commitment with her successful work as a broker and digital creator, serving her Desi community and mandir (temple) with the same level of exuberance and dedication."
Congratulations to all honorees!
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.