Long Island Board of REALTORS® Announces Annual Award Honorees and Introduces New ‘REALTOR® of the Year’ Distinction

Gina Marie Bettenhauser, Coldwell Banker, named inaugural recipient

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR), New York's largest local REALTOR® trade association representing more than 25,000 real estate professionals across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, has announced the recipients of its esteemed 2025 REALTOR® Awards. The annual awards recognize members who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, leadership, and service to their communities.

New this year, LIBOR has introduced a distinguished honor: REALTOR® of the Year, the highest recognition it can bestow on a member. The inaugural REALTOR® of the Year is Gina Marie Bettenhauser, a past LIBOR president and an associate real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate in Shoreham. Bettenhauser was recognized for her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and professional excellence.

LIBOR’s honorees represent the highest standards of the REALTOR® profession and the association’s longstanding commitment to ethics, community engagement, and industry excellence. The association’s other award recipients are:

• REALTOR® Affiliate of the Year: Flor Cawley, insurance agent, State Farm Insurance, Glendale, for outstanding partnership, collaboration, and support of LIBOR members and initiatives.
• REALTOR® Spirit Award: Richie Krug Jr., associate real estate broker, Coldwell Banker American Homes, East Meadow, for his dedicated work with Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow Inc., exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism and community betterment.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Helsinger, associate broker, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Merrick, for more than 30 years of distinguished service to the real estate industry and unwavering commitment to the community.

“Congratulations to our esteemed honorees. We are proud to recognize their significant contributions to our industry and to the communities they serve,” said LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo. “This year marks an exciting milestone as we introduce our prestigious REALTOR® of the Year Award. We are thrilled to acknowledge Gina Marie as our inaugural recipient and celebrate her outstanding contributions and commitment to our values. And, thank you to Susan, Flor, and Richie—each of our awardees embodies the very best of our profession.”

With more than three decades in real estate, Bettenhauser has distinguished herself as an industry leader, advocate, and champion for professionalism. A past president and longtime volunteer with LIBOR, she has held numerous leadership roles, chaired key committees, and helped advance education, ethics and member engagement. She is deeply involved at the local, state, and national levels through NYSAR and NAR, serving as an RPAC Major Investor and Hall of Fame inductee, and both a State and Federal Political Coordinator. She played a pivotal role in launching LIBOR’s Leadership Academy and has forged strong partnerships with industry organizations to expand opportunities for members. Equally committed to her community, Bettenhauser has served on multiple district committees, civic associations, and local initiatives.

 “I am honored by this recognition, and grateful to my colleagues at LIBOR,” said Bettenhauser. “It’s truly a privilege to be among such dedicated individuals and collaborate to elevate our industry for the betterment of real estate professionals and consumers alike.”

The inaugural award consolidates the former REALTOR® Broker of the Year and REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year distinctions—reflecting LIBOR’s commitment to recognizing excellence across the profession under a unified, elevated standard.

The honorees will be formally recognized at LIBOR’s Annual Installation and Awards Gala on Jan. 8, 2026, at Jericho Terrace, where members, partners, and community leaders will gather to celebrate excellence in the real estate profession. For information, visit lirealtor.com/events.