The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NCAR) installed their 2014 Board on Dec. 5 at a ceremony held at the association’s Fairfax headquarters. Out-going Chairman Jon Wolford of McEnearney Associates hosted the proceedings, which included a number of awards and recognitions in addition to the official swearing in of the new officers.

Mario Rubio, owner of Annandale-based Rubio Real Estate, succeeds Wolford as Chairman of the Board. In his speech to the standing-room-only conference room crowd, Rubio praised his predecessor, paid tribute to two mentors, Rennee Miller and Luis Lama, who had guided him on his career path, and promised to continue leading the association with the high ethical standards for which it is known. Rubio, the first Hispanic Army veteran to achieve this position, declared he is “passionate about this work” and also pledged to continue to seek out ways to serve the community as well as the membership.

In 2004 he established the Rubio Foundation, and in 2009 launched “Mi Casa es Su Casa,” holding public seminars, producing radio shows and now an on-line show aimed particularly at educating Spanish-speakers on the ins-and-outs of the real estate and home buying, “empowering them to make better real estate decisions.” Rubio also takes the association’s obligation to its membership to heart. “NVAR helps improve your bottom line,” is part of the mission that Rubio promises to uphold in his new role. Networking, political action, continuing education and an emphasis on communication are some of the lynch pins of Rubio’s approach.

Rubio and the 2014 Board of Directors were officially installed by past NVAR Chairman Tom Stevens. The Chairman’s Gavel was passed down a line-up of past chairpersons until it reached Stevens at the podium who handed it to the newest Chairman.

During the ceremony, Linda Wolf with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Alexandria was honored with the MRIS Adam D. Cockey, Jr. Community Leadership Award for her numerous charitable activities, presented by MRIS CEO David Charron. Virginia Delegate-elect Marcus Simon (District 53) was named the 2013 Affiliate Member of the Year. The association also welcomed three new members to their Hall of Fame – Susan Holbrook Daly of Springfield, Tom Meyer of Arlington, and George Mills of Burke.

Past Chairman Doris Barrell returned from her home in Florida to accept the honor of Honorary Lifetime Member. Barrell may not still be showing homes, but she is still putting her many years of experience to work for the association’s membership. Barrell has taught a number of real estate courses over the years, written textbooks on the subject and is now at work writing the curriculum for the NVAR’s online realtor school, Razorsharp. “You don’t just stop,” she said. “There’s a lot to pass on.”

After the official business of the day was concluded, the assembly took some time out to relax and re-connect at the reception following the installation, but being realtors, the attendees multitasked with wine glasses in one hand and cell phones in the other.