Rich Bergdahl wins Washington REALTOR® of the Year

Seattle King County REALTORS® President Rich Bergdahl is no stranger to REALTOR® leadership. Rich has been involved with the Association since a mentor invited him to a meeting nearly 20 years ago in Yakima. This afternoon, Rich accepted the REALTOR® of the Year Award at the Washington REALTORS® (WR) annual awards luncheon.

Nan and Rich Bergdahl at the 2019 Washington REALTORS® Awards Luncheon

“There are 26 other local Association nominees who are just as deserving, but the credit for this award goes to my wife and partner Nan. I couldn’t do what I do without her,” said Rich during his acceptance speech.

Rich was one of 29 to graduate from the selective National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Leadership Academy in 2018, a program of leadership excellence for REALTORS® from around the country. He is currently serving his fifth year as an NAR Director from King County.

A licensed attorney, Rich is noted for his expertise on legal issues related to real estate and public policy. He is serving his third year on the NAR Legal Affairs Committee and just completed a term as the chair of the Amicus Brief subcommittee, which determines REALTOR® support on key legal cases. Rich also participates on the WR Legal Affairs Committee and has served several terms on the Legislative Steering Committee and Nominations Committee.

This is his second state award, having won the Washington REALTOR® Achievement Award in 2016. He was named REALTOR® of the Year for Seattle King County REALTORS® at the December Installation and Awards Banquet.

Rich believes the connections and relationships fostered by volunteering in the association enrich our lives both personally and professionally. “It’s an honor to serve with so many capable real estate leaders in this state,” said Rich. “I encourage every member to ask talented colleagues to get involved.”

Other Seattle King County REALTORS® nominees for state awards this year were Georgia Stevens for the REALTOR® Achievement Award; Lynn Sanborn for the Community Service Award; Star Lalario for the Community Service Award; Mark Kitabayashi for the Education Award; and Lisa Howarth for the Affiliate of the Year Award. Mark Kitabayashi, a secondary member with SKCR, won the REALTOR® Achievement Award as a member of the Thurston County Association.

Congratulations to Rich, Mark, and all of our deserving nominees. Thank you for your service to the Association!