Malibu Realtors Install New Board

The Malibu Association of Realtors recently hosted an evening to install its 2011 Board of Directors and acknowledge the accomplishments of members over the past year. 2010 President Jan Thompson was awarded "Realtor of the Year" for her dedication and accomplishments, then handed the gavel to incoming President Dan Ross. 

Ross currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Realtors and the Combined Los Angeles Westside Multiple Listing Service.  In his acceptance speech, Ross emphasized the REALTORS' role as "life-changers", counting himself among the many Malibu residents who owe the good fortune of living in Malibu to the efforts of hard-working, knowledgeable Realtor. In 1967 when he was 13, his parents drove out to Malibu on a whim and Alex Reachi, a REALTOR with Louis T. Busch and Associates directed them to a home they purchased that same day, resulting in a move that forever changed his life. Ross emphasized that professional Malibu REALTORS' superior knowledge of local real estate and market conditions consistently earns them their well-deserved influence.

Also installed were Vice President Mark Gruskin, President Elect Bobby Lehmkuhl, Treasurer Sandro Dazzan, Secretary Jennifer Chrisman, Past President Jan Thompson, directors Bill Bowling, Meril May, Derinda Moses, Marcus Beck, Teresa Hames, Brian Merrick, Brant Didden, and the newest members to join the board; Matt Ogden and Damon Skelton. Realtor Lenny Goldsmith was master of ceremonies and also sang a few numbers with the band headed by lead singer and Realtor Carol Casey. Event Chair Derinda Moses hosted the well attended event held at Dukes.

Realtors received special awards for service and dedication to the community, presented by Jay Rubenstein, Paul Grisanti and Christine Rodgerson 

• Tony Giordano received the distinguished Realtor "Emeritus Award" for over 40 years dedicated to the profession of real estate. 

• Realtor Beverly Taki was presented a community service award for her tireless efforts over the past three years as organizer of Operation Recovery to benefit the Corral Canyon fire recovery effort. Over 56 homes were burned and many more lives were destroyed both financially and emotionally.  Through her efforts the victims worked as a group with the DA's office to successfully prosecuted two men charged with the fire, and recently also won a significant, precedent setting victim's restitution award. Taki noted that forming an organized group gave them greater power, ultimately helping realize some justice for those so adversely affected by this devastating fire. 

• Realtor Susan Saul was also presented a community service award for her work as one of the founders of "A Safer PCH" created after the tragic loss of 13 year old Emily Shane, and many others victims who have either been killed or injured on PCH. Although in operation for less than a year, they have been extremely effective in helping to improve safety con along PCH and will continue in their efforts. 

• "Affiliate of the Year" was awarded to publishers Arnold and Karen York of the Malibu Times for their valuable contribution of continually and consistently informing Malibu residents, for their participation in advancing numerous local cultural causes, and for being at the very heart of this exceptional, caring community. 

Executive Director Susan Manners said, "Our 800 Realtor members make up the largest professional association in Malibu, but they are also very proud residents who give generously of their time and support to many important local causes."