By WAYNE PORTER 

Presentation of the Mark Keesecker Good Neighbor Award and the Realtor® of the Year are high points of the annual Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR) membership meetings.  

This year’s Good Neighbor Award was a first because there were two recipients. The awards recognized the efforts of a Realtor® who has dedicated their time and efforts to serving the community in the spirit of the award’s namesake. This year’s first-time dual recipients are Michael Baker and Lincoln Walters. 

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 appreciated, and he was deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Baker has been a dedicated advocate for the Town of Erwin, serving as an elected Alderman since 2014. Over the past decade, he has played an instrumental role in fostering community growth, supporting local initiatives, and improving the quality of life in Unicoi County. One of his most impactful contributions has been to establish the Northeast Tennessee Regional Recovery Center. This vital organization provides support and rehabilitation services for adults with substance abuse, serving communities from Morristown to Mountain City.

Through this initiative, he demonstrates a deep commitment to addressing substance abuse challenges and the support necessary for recovery and a fresh start. When Hurricane Helene struck, Erwin faced unprecedented challenges, including severe flooding that led to critical situations such as the entrapment of over 50 individuals on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital. During this crisis, Michael Baker played a pivotal role in the emergency response efforts. He coordinated with first responders and facilitated rescue operations, ensuring the safe evacuation of those stranded.

In addition, he is an active member of RISE Erwin, a local organization with a mission to rejuvenate, invest in, support, and energize the community. Through RISE Erwin, he collaborates with fellow community leaders to spearhead projects to revitalize public spaces, promote cultural enrichment, and strengthen civic pride.  

Walters is a proud veteran who has always been committed to giving back to his nation and community. For over a decade, he has been actively involved with several nonprofits and organizations in our region and another neighboring state to answer the call when help is needed.

When Hurricane Helen struck, he and his team sprang into action to assist. He worked to find donors to supply critically needed items to all affected. Worked with the boots on the ground during recovery efforts. Recognizing the overwhelming needs created by this disaster, he founded a nonprofit organization called Flags Across Appalachia. This initiative has been vital in uplifting the communities in the aftermath of disasters. He is dedicated to supporting all in need. He is a true hero and embodies the legacy of this award.  

This year’s Realtor® of the Year distinction went to Pam Hurd.  She is a TREEF and TREC approved instructor.  She invests in her profession by participating with the Realtors® Political Action Committee at a Sterling R Level which is an investment of $1000 annually.  

Hurd also completed the NAR endorsement of Commitment to Excellence or C2EX.  

And she has served and is serving on the Tennessee Realtors® Grievance and Governmental Affairs Committees and previously served on the forms committee for Tennessee Realtors. 

Hurd attends local, state, and national Association meetings. She is a producer, owner of a real estate company, has served as a MLS Proxy Holder, Director, Treasurer and for two terms as President of the TN/VA Regional MLS.  

2024 Education Award Recipients  

This includes NETAR members who attend at least 45 continuing education hours of post-licensed real estate education. 

Christopher Bembenick 

Cindy Bennett 

Michelle Davis 

Lynne Jones 

Bethany Oakes 

Melissa  Parton 

Donna Sartin 

Realtors of Distinction 

The Realtors® of Distinction award encourages members to be well-rounded Realtors and respected community leaders this current recipients are: 

Michael  Baker 

 Katy Bennett 

Cindy Bennett 

Michelle Davis 

 Colette George 

Kip Hagy  

Candice Heath  

Pam Hurd  

Daniel Jackson 

Kathy Oakes  

Bethany Oakes  

Rachel  Smith  

Robin Smith  

Kimberly Smith 

 Janis  Stapleton