Presenting the Mark Keesecker Good Neighbor Award to Darrell Duncan was a personal high point for me at the recent Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR) membership meeting. 

Darrell has dedicated his time and efforts to serving the community as an alderman and as a tireless volunteer for many causes. He’s an alderman and NETAR member. But perhaps the crowning effort of his volunteerism is the joy and cheer he has spread at parades, daycare centers, schools, nursing homes and countless other venues as Santa Claus. His selfless actions have touched the hearts of countless individuals and he has become a cherished tradition the community looks forward to each year.  

The Good Neighbor Award bears Mark Keesecker name as a living reminder of his dedication, purpose and kindness. Mark died in an automobile accident in 2007. His too-short life was an example of the total Realtor® package.  

After graduating from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Mark made remarkable achievements in real estate sales and was an example of

professionalism for his colleagues. He attained some of the highest awards in the nation for his work, which included the Century 21 Corporate Centurion Award. 

Throughout his successes, Mark was humble and gracious. He was renowned for giving supplies to local schools and his donations to various charities. He left a positive impression on those he encountered in his professional and private life. His friendship and dedication were greatly appreciated, and he was deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Speaking of the best of the best, two other top awards presented during the meeting were the annual Realtor® Of the Year and the Rookie of the Year. 

Megan Pierce is the 2022 Realtor® Of The Year. She has been an active participant in many committees, including the Education Blitz, Events, and RPAC. Megan is not just a real estate expert; she is an active political member serving as a TN Political Coordinator and attended state and national meetings while keeping up to date on industry insights and trends. And her contributions to leading the NETAR Leadership Academy in 2022 were invaluable to both the Association and the profession.  

This year’s Rookie of the Year Award went to Tammy Childress. This service award recognizes new NETAR members who have made outstanding progress. It’s limited to the first 24 months of membership and encourages participants to be more active and better educated about NETAR and their new profession. She’s a busy person with a bright future. 

Three other events recognized 131 NETAR members. Those programs included: 



 Relators® of Distinction. This award program encourages members to be well-rounded Realtors® and respected community leaders. They must have earned points in all categories including participation in education programs, RPAC, production, Realtor® activities and community activities.  

Education Excellence Award Recipients.  

Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) is a National Association of Realtors® effort that empowers Realtors® to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. It’s not a course, class or designation. It’s an endorsement that Realtors® can promote when services clients and other Realtors®. 

Greeneville’s Century 21 Legacy was also recognized as the winner of the Breakfast for the Office event.  

Last by not least, Nia Ailshie, granddaughter of Randy Thomas, received the TREEF Scholarship. Each year, Tennessee Realtors® awards three scholarships to upcoming college freshmen who have a Realtor® family connection.  

Her academic achievements include being an AP Scholar, Honor Award recipient and a winner of the Tennessee State Seal of Biliteracy Award. She has also won awards for charity events fundraising and was the winner of the Black History Essay Contest.  

A pictorial review of award recipients can be found at the NETAR website.