REBNY Announces Honorees for the 36th REBNY Residential Deal of the Year Benefit & Celebration

Doug Williford, Brian Phillips and Sarah Saltzberg to be Recognized for Lifetime Achievement, Agent of the Year and Distinguished Service

Top Deals and Rookie Awards to be Announced Live on May 7

NEW YORK, NY – The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) will honor standout professionals in the city’s residential real estate community at the 36th REBNY Residential Deal of the Year Benefit & Celebration on Tuesday, May 7 at Guastavino’s in Midtown Manhattan. The annual event, which supports the REBNY Residential Member in Need Fund, brings together industry leaders to celebrate exceptional deals, career achievement and service to the profession.

Created in 1994, the REBNY Member in Need Fund was established to provide grants to residential brokers and agents who are in financial need due to unexpected illness or hardship. The Residential Deal of the Year Annual Benefit & Celebration raises funds to help REBNY members in need. This iconic event brings leaders and agents across brokerage firms under one roof to support and celebrate a meaningful cause. Tickets and more information about the event are available here.

This year, REBNY will present Doug Williford of Brown Harris Stevens with the Henry Forster Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. A highly respected leader and mentor, Doug has worked across every facet of New York City’s residential market. From managing and training agents to developing strategic initiatives, he has continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. He has contributed significantly to REBNY through board service and charitable work, including with God’s Love We Deliver, exemplifying the spirit of this prestigious lifetime honor.

Brian Phillips of Douglas Elliman will receive the Residential Agent of the Year Award, which recognizes an agent who demonstrates extraordinary leadership and commitment to both clients and the community. With 27 years in real estate, including 18 at Douglas Elliman, Brian is known for his market expertise and deep community involvement. He actively serves on REBNY and NYSAR committees. He has played a role in advocating for policies that protect property owners and empower field practitioners at the city and state level throughout his career.

The Eileen Spinola Award for Distinguished Service will be awarded to Sarah Saltzberg of Bohemia Realty Group for her exceptional contributions to the REBNY community. A passionate advocate for fair housing and ethical practice, Sarah has led critical conversations on broker rights, compensation and the implications of legislation like the FARE Act. Her work on multiple REBNY committees and her previous recognition with the Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award reflect her deep commitment to the profession.

In addition to these individual honors, the event will feature the announcement of the First, Second and Third Place Residential Deal of the Year Awards, along with the Rookie of the Year Award—all to be revealed live during the celebration. NBC New York’s Dave Price will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

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ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate. REBNY conducts research on various civic matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY regularly publishes market data, policy reports, and broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. For more information, please visit www.rebny.com.