LITTLE ROCK -- Karol Bailes, of Hot Springs, received the Shaddox Award for her community involvement, including the Arkansas Realtors Association nonprofit Hearts & Homes of Arkansas, during the ARA's centennial convention in Rogers recently.
Heather Keenen of Washington County was named Realtor of the Year for "exemplifying the Realtor spirit through her business accomplishments, community service, organizational activities and adherence to the Golden Rule," a news release said.
"We are honored to celebrate 100 years of excellence in serving Arkansas -- an achievement made possible due to the support of our dedicated members," Jennifer Welch, 2024 ARA president, said in the release. "I am honored to work alongside these real estate professionals who go above and beyond to serve and uplift our neighbors, including during their times of need."
Heather Keenen, of Lincoln, is the president of the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors and a consecutive recipient of its Diamond/Double Diamond Production Award. "Along with Realtor of the Year, Keenen received the ARA's Good Neighbor Award for her community service following the spring 2024 tornadoes in Northwest Arkansas. Under her leadership, the local board transformed its office into a command center to assist those impacted by the storms," the release said.
The ARA also presented Kevin Smallwood, of Mena, with the L. Wayne Camp Award for his outstanding volunteerism for Special Olympics Arkansas; Suzett Sparks, of Rogers, with the Bob Walker Leadership Impact Award for her continued contributions to real estate; and Belen Lambert, of Bryant, and Maria Ramos, of Little Rock, with the Excellence in Diversity Scholarship Award for promoting inclusivity within the industry.
Chance Schubert, of Bentonville, was honored for his service to the National Association of Realtors with a lifetime membership in Omega Tau Rho, its honorary fraternity.