NAR’s Center for REALTOR Development Announces 2026 Award Winners

The National Association of REALTORS®' Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD) announced four recipients of its 2026 awards, recognizing their commitment to specialized expertise, client service and community impact.

This year's recipients are as follows:

• Mike Wallin, ABR® Hall of Fame Award
• Yoshi Takita, CIPS Excellence Award
• Linda Yadao, EverGreen Award
• Kent Lee, SRES® Outstanding Service Award

"These four honorees show how specialized expertise can make a meaningful difference in people's lives," said NAR President Kevin Brown. "Through their commitment to education, advocacy and service, they are helping clients navigate important decisions while strengthening the communities they serve. We are proud to recognize their leadership and contributions to our profession."

Mike Wallin: ABR® Hall of Fame Award

The ABR® Hall of Fame Award recognizes an Accredited Buyer's Representative designee whose leadership, experience and service advance buyer representation.

Mike Wallin has helped shape legislation that strengthens agency transparency, promotes fair housing opportunities and protects consumer interests. His leadership at the local, state and national levels of the REALTOR® organization reflects a commitment to elevating buyer representation standards and expanding access to homeownership. Through extensive education, professional development and practical experience, Wallin has made buyer advocacy a focus of his career. His longstanding service to NAR, Washington REALTORS® and his local association has helped strengthen the REALTOR® community.

Yoshi Takita: CIPS Excellence Award

The CIPS Excellence Award recognizes a Certified International Property Specialist designee for exceptional global knowledge, international engagement and client service.

Since earning his CIPS designation in 2011, Yoshi Takita has built connections among real estate professionals across countries, cultures and markets. His work has fostered collaboration, education and business development throughout Asia and beyond. Takita's service includes roles as chair of the CIPS Advisory Board, NAR Global Real Estate Liaison, NAR Global Ambassador, NAR Executive Committee member, NAR director and chair of the Global Alliance Advisory Board. Through these roles, he has strengthened international partnerships and expanded global engagement opportunities for REALTORS®.

Linda Yadao: EverGreen Award

The EverGreen Award recognizes a Green designee who demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through professional practice, education and community engagement.

An early Green designee, Linda Yadao helped establish and grow the Green Real Estate Action Team, known as the GREAT Committee. Her leadership has encouraged real estate professionals to adopt environmentally responsible practices and helped build a culture of sustainability within the REALTOR® community. Yadao also participates in native Hawaiian planting and environmental restoration efforts. Through education, innovation and volunteer service, she has translated green principles into practical action for her colleagues and community.

Kent Lee: SRES® Outstanding Service Award

The SRES® Outstanding Service Award recognizes an SRES® designee for extraordinary service addressing the housing needs of older adults.

Through his Senior Family Solutions program, Kent Lee has developed a network of trusted service providers and community resources to support older adults and their families. His approach helps clients access senior housing and care options that might otherwise be financially out of reach. Combining real estate expertise with personalized guidance, Lee helps families navigate complex and emotionally difficult transitions with dignity and confidence. His community partnerships and longstanding focus on senior housing solutions reflect the SRES® designation's commitment to serving older adults.

About the National Association of REALTORS®

The National Association of REALTORS® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes-from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation-visit facts.realtor.

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