LIBOR Installs 2026 Leadership and Honors Outstanding Members at Annual Installation and Awards Event

On January 8, 2026, Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) hosted its annual Installation and Awards Event at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, N.Y., bringing together members, leaders, and guests for an evening celebrating leadership, service, and achievement. During this signature event, LIBOR’s 2026 Executive Officers, led by President Shaan Khan, and Board of Directors were formally installed, and outstanding members were recognized for their exceptional contributions throughout 2025.

The evening began with welcoming remarks from LIBOR Chief Executive Officer and Master of Ceremonies, Doreen Spagnuolo. An invocation was delivered by Buddy Hoosein, past president of LIBOR, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by LIBOR director Paige Ryan.

LIBOR was honored to welcome several elected officials, with remarks offered in support of the REALTOR® community by North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. Also in attendance were State Senator Steve Rhoads, Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt, Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, State Assemblymember John Mikulin, and Travis Nelson, Director of Outreach/Political Advisor for Congresswoman Laura Gillen. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration between policymakers and REALTORS® who work daily to strengthen communities, protect homeowners, and foster economic growth. 

The key moment of the evening was the installation of LIBOR’s 2026 President, Shaan Khan. LIBOR director Ruth Pheffer introduced Khan with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on their professional and personal relationship, before he was formally installed by Asa Fleming, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Khan brings a leadership approach grounded in strong governance, collaboration, and fairness. Since joining LIBOR’s Board of Directors in 2020, he has played a key role in advancing the association’s mission, including facilitating the 2023–2024 Strategic Plan and chairing the Bylaws Committee. As a director for both NAR and New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR), Khan is a committed advocate for fair housing and housing finance policy, working to address affordability challenges while upholding high professional and ethical standards.

Jarrod Grasso, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations for NAR, then installed the 2026 elected officers: President-Elect Yvette Clark Watkins, Secretary/Treasurer Renée Hughes, and Immediate Past President Mark Donnelly, along with the full 2026 Board of Directors. These volunteer leaders will guide the association’s strategic initiatives and represent the interests and values of LIBOR’s membership.

Following the installation, Spagnuolo presented LIBOR’s annual service awards, recognizing members and partners for exceptional professionalism, leadership, and community service. In its inaugural year, the association’s highest honor, REALTOR® of the Year, was awarded to past president Gina Marie Bettenhauser for her integrity, ethical leadership, and professional excellence. Additional honorees included Flor Cawley, named REALTOR® Affiliate of the Year; Richie Krug Jr., recipient of the REALTOR® Spirit Award for his commitment to community volunteerism; and Susan Helsinger, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 30 years of distinguished service to the real estate industry and her community.

The evening concluded with recognition of several notable accomplishments by LIBOR. The Global Business Council earned the Platinum Global Achievement Program Award for the sixth consecutive year, and LIBOR’s Commercial Network received the Platinum Commercial Services Accreditation, both prestigious honors presented by NAR. Spagnuolo also recognized LIBOR member Ray Manzoni, a recipient of NAR’s esteemed Good Neighbor Award.

The Good Neighbor Awards honor REALTORS® who make an extraordinary impact through volunteer service. Since 1998, Manzoni has been a passionate advocate for ALS patients and their families, inspired by the diagnosis of a close friend. His tireless efforts have helped raise millions of dollars for ALS research and support critical patient services.

Congratulations to all honorees, and best wishes for a prosperous 2026.