This Year’s GACAR Award Winners
By Victoria Atterberry
The Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS® (GACAR) envisions itself as the leading voice for real estate in Alachua County and this vision is made possible through the commitment of its members. This past spring, GACAR celebrated the outstanding contributions of five individuals, presenting them with special awards to honor their dedicated service, which has been beneficial to advancing GACAR’s mission of enhancing its members’ professionalism through high-quality education, cutting-edge technology, effective advocacy and other valuable resources. Keep reading to learn about each recipient and their unique awards.
Denise Hutson
Denise Hutson, the recipient of this year’s Business Partner of the Year award, has worked closely with GACAR for more than 20 years. Her dedication is evident through her work behind the scenes, where she has been instrumental in teaching contract classes across multiple GACAR offices.
“The importance of our business partners cannot be overstated,” said GACAR President Adam Gurske. “Without their involvement, we would not be able to create the engaging, meaningful events and culture that make our association what it is.”
Adam Gurske
GACAR honored Adam Gurske as The James M. Parrish Community Leadership Award recipient. This recognition is presented to a resident of Alachua County who is actively involved with the community through acts of service and engagement with local organizations.
For more than ten years, Gurske volunteered to work closely with Family Promise, a local non-profit dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness. As treasurer, he successfully helped Family Promise get back on track financially, allowing them to continue providing much-needed services.
Debra Martin-Back
Debra Martin-Back was honored to receive this year’s REALTOR® of the Year award, which recognizes a REALTOR® member who has demonstrated immense continued support and involvement at GACAR.
Martin-Back has chaired many committees, including those on Property Management, Bylaws, Forms, Grievance and Professional Standards.
“Her dedication, willingness to change her schedule to accommodate any group she is working with, attention to detail and experience are invaluable,” Gurke said.
Tommy McIntosh
Honoring his contributions to the association through committee service, GACAR recognized Tommy McIntosh as this year’s Tom Dobson Past President Award.
McIntosh served his first presidential term in 1996 and in 2014 he served as GACAR’s first Multiple Listing Service (MLS) president.
“Of course, in between all those years, he was involved on many committees and was a pillar of the brokerage community,” Gurke said.
Patti Moser
For the first time in GACAR’s 99-year history, the association awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to one deserving recipient— Patti Moser.
Throughout her time at GACAR, Moser has been actively involved in several areas, serving as an integral member of GACAR’s daily functions. She served as a GACAR Mediation Officer, Code of Ethics instructor, GACAR president, MLS President, a Stellar Board Member, Florida Realtors Key Contact, was active on the GACAR Forms Committee for more than 20 years, was active on the Professional Standards Committee for more than 15 years and was named 2008 Realtor of the Year.
