LIBOR Installs 2021 Leadership and Honors Award Recipients

The Long Island Board of REALTORS® Inc. (LIBOR) is pleased to announce that leadership has been named for 2021.  LIBOR leadership was installed on December 1, 2020 at the annual Installation and Awards Ceremony, which was held virtually this year.

The digital event began with a warm welcome by master of ceremonies, LIBOR President Matthew Arnold, followed by the inspirational words of LIBOR past President Charlotte Van der Waag. NYSAR President Elect and LIBOR past President David Legaz led the pledge of allegiance alongside a powerful presentation honoring the American flag as a symbol of our nation’s pride and values. LIBOR’s East End Liaison Kalen Raynor closed the opening ceremony with an impressive performance of the national anthem.

2021 LIBOR elected officers were then installed by special guest Jennifer Stevenson, President of the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR).  Incoming 2021 LIBOR Officers installed, included: President Elect, Kevin Loiacono; Queens Vice President, Frederic "Rick" Greene; Nassau Vice President, Christine Nappa; Suffolk Vice President, Gina Marie Bettenhauser; Treasurer, Barbara Ford; and Secretary, Ruth Pfeffer.

Stevenson then had the pleasure of installing the guest of honor of the evening, 2021 LIBOR President Susan Helsinger.

Susan Helsinger, a member of LIBOR since 1994, is the Associate Broker of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Merrick.  Her involvement with LIBOR began at the committee level when she became a member of the Legislative and RPAC committees in 1998. She has served as a director for the Nassau South Shore Chapter since 2003, and was elected Chapter President in 2007. 

Susan is the founder and CEO of The Jason Gruen Foundation.org, a not-for-profit organization named for her late son.  The foundation is instrumental in building the Children’s Heart Centers at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Cohen Children’s Hospital at NSUH/LIJ Health Systems.  The foundation made history ten years ago when it started offering cardiac screenings to eighth and ninth grade students in school systems on Long Island.

Susan has received a great many awards throughout the years for her dedication to her industry and the community she serves. Most notably she was honored with the REALTOR® Spirit award by LIBOR, the Humanitarian of the Year award from NYSAR and the prestigious Good Neighbor Award by NAR, which recognizes REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work.

As an active leader of the community, Susan brings her years of experience in leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the industry and community at large, to her new position as LIBOR President.

Following the installation was the presentation of LIBOR’s distinguished awards: REALTOR®-Broker of the Year to Kevin Leatherman of Leatherman Homes, REALTOR®-Salesperson of the Year to Christopher Bacchus of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Community Service Award to Laura Copersino of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, REALTOR®-Affiliate of the Year to Miles Tucker of Cutco and the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award to Walauddin “Buddy” Hoosein of Wally Realty.

The 2020 REALTOR® Spirit Award was also presented to Laura Copersino for her selfless work in establishing the Daniel Copersino Foundation, which helps those struggling with addiction and brings substance abuse awareness to the community. The REALTOR® Spirit Award celebrates and recognizes these remarkable members who have made a positive impact on their community and gifts the organization through which they volunteer time and talents a $5,000 donation.

A highlight of the evening, and perk of the new virtual format, was the addition of entertainment, with performances by Hamilton cast members and Mike DelGuidice of Big Shot and The Billy Joel Band. The latter included a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to incoming President Susan Helsinger, who celebrated her birthday the day of the event.

The program concluded with the installation of 2021 LIBOR elected directors, LIBOR past President directors and Chapter and Division Presidents; performed again, by Jennifer Stevenson.

Congratulations and best wishes to all for a healthy and prosperous 2021!