LIBOR Installs 2025 Leadership and Honors Award Recipients

On January 23, 2025, Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) hosted its annual Installation and Awards Event at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City, NY. During this prestigious event, LIBOR’s Executive Officers, led by President Mark T. Donnelly and its board of directors, were formally installed, and outstanding members were recognized for their exceptional contributions in 2024.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Doreen Spagnuolo, the master of ceremonies and LIBOR's Chief Executive Officer. This was followed by inspiring remarks from Laura Copersino, a past president of LIBOR, and the pledge of allegiance led by REALTOR® Emily Catik.

Mark T. Donnelly, the 2025 LIBOR President and special guest of honor, was then introduced and installed into office by his wife and partner, Amy Donnelly, along with Whitney LaCosta, broker/owner of Howard Hanna | Coach REALTORS. Both have played pivotal roles in shaping the success of Mark’s career. Donnelly brings extensive experience, dedication, and leadership to his role. Known for his client-focused approach and his commitment to mentoring real estate professionals, Donnelly combines his expertise as a top-producing broker with a passion for advancing the industry. His longstanding involvement with LIBOR, New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR), and National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), along with his dedication to professional development, positions him to support and elevate REALTORS® across Long Island and inspire the next generation of real estate leaders.

2025 NYSAR President-elect Ron Garafalo had the honor of installing the incoming 2025 LIBOR elected officers: President-Elect Rao Ali Shaan Khan, Secretary/Treasurer Yvette Clark Watkins, past President Kevin Leatherman, and the 2025 LIBOR board of directors. These dedicated volunteer leaders will meet regularly to implement the association’s strategic goals and work diligently to represent the needs and values of LIBOR’s members.

Following the installation, Spagnuolo presented LIBOR’s esteemed service awards, recognizing Debra Chiappetta of Stonington Realty LLC as REALTOR®-Broker of the Year, Andy Thaw of Reliant Home Funding as REALTOR® Affiliate of the Year, and Ed Ryan of Ed Ryan Real Estate Group with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his more than 40 years of dedicated service to the community and the real estate industry.

The 2024 REALTOR® Spirit Award was presented to Angela “Angel” Lobello in recognition of her dedication and exceptional volunteerism with Soup to Nuts Soup Kitchen. This award celebrates LIBOR members who meaningfully impact their communities and includes a $5,000 donation to the organization where they volunteer their time and talents.

Concluding the evening’s presentations, Spagnuolo acknowledged several notable accolades achieved by LIBOR. The Global Business Council earned the Platinum Global Achievement Program Award. LIBOR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) was named the 2024 YPN Network of the Year - Mega Association, and LIBOR’s Commercial Network received the Diamond Commercial Services Accreditation. All three of these distinguished honors were awarded by NAR.

Congratulations and best wishes to all for a prosperous 2025!