Doreen Spagnuolo Named Permanent CEO of LIBOR; Long Island’s Ruppert Named NYSAR Realtor of Year

WEST BABYLON—The Long Island Board of Realtors announced on Sept. 26 the appointment of Doreen Spagnuolo as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of the 30,000-member trade association.

In this role, Spagnuolo will spearhead LIBOR’s mission to be the trusted ally uniting its Realtor Members in promoting the benefits and ensuring the future of real property for all, the association stated in a press announcement.

Spagnuolo brings an impressive portfolio of experience to her role as CEO. Having served as General Counsel at LIBOR for 15 years, she has recently achieved the esteemed Realtor Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation, an accolade explicitly designed for dedicated association executives who possess ambition, extensive experience and a strong commitment to professional excellence. Spagnuolo has also held various attorney positions, including a nine-year tenure at Feldman, Rudy, Kirby & Farquharson, P.C., where she served as Partner, and at the Queens County District Attorney’s office as Assistant District Attorney.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law.

“We are thrilled that Doreen Spagnuolo has accepted the permanent CEO position at LIBOR,” stated LIBOR President Gina Marie Bettenhauser. “Doreen’s qualifications make her an ideal fit for this role, and we have every confidence that our members will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

The Board of Directors at LIBOR appointed Spagnuolo as Interim CEO in June, after the departure of Tessa Hultz, who had led the association as CEO since 2019.

Ruppert Named NYSAR 2023 Realtor of the Year

Mary Alice Ruppert

ALBANY—Mary Alice Ruppert, Realtor and Long Island Board of Realtors Secretary/Treasurer, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Realtor of the Year award by New York State Association of Realtors. The prestigious award was presented during the association’s recent Fall Business Meetings at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.

Ruppert, a Licensed Associate Broker and the Career and Business Development Leader of Coach Real Estate Associates Inc. in East Islip, has been a pillar of the local real estate community since 1990. Her extensive experience, combined with her ABR, AHWD, CRB, ePro, GRI, and SFR, real estate designations, has made her a trusted expert in the field.

Known for her heart and mission towards affordable housing opportunities, Ruppert has been a driving force behind raising awareness about homebuyer programs for consumers and educating fellow Realtors about funding and housing opportunities throughout Long Island. Her tireless efforts include serving on the state Housing Opportunities Committee and Housing Opportunities Foundation, where she led as President in 2022, following her role as Vice President in 2021. Additionally, her involvement with the Long Island Housing Crisis Task Force has facilitated open dialogue with LIBOR to aid distressed homeowners and expand first-time homebuyer housing opportunities.

In 2020, Ruppert served as the Chairperson of LIBOR’s Grievance Committee, where she took on the monumental task of handling the most extensive Grievance-led caseload in the National Association of Realtors history during the challenging COVID-19 period. Her commitment to fair housing and quality education led to NAR’s review of Article 11 to raise industry standards for Fair Housing instruction.

Ruppert also chaired LIBOR’s Bylaws Task Force from 2020 to 2022, advocating for revisions to LIBOR’s Bylaws and Policies related to Election and Board Composition to promote a more diverse leadership within the association. Her dedication to educating members and leaders alike has led to positive changes within the Association.

Currently serving as the 2023 LIBOR Secretary/Treasurer, Ruppert previously served as LIBOR President in 2016. Her willingness to take on leadership roles demonstrates her selflessness and commitment to the Association’s advancement.

Ruppert’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she received LIBOR’s Legislative Advocacy Award for her pivotal work with the Housing Task Force, aiming to overcome obstacles to homeownership and promote safe and affordable housing for all. She has also been honored with LIBOR’s Realtor Salesperson of the Year Award and is a member of NYSAR’s Realtor Honor Society and RPAC Hall of Fame.

“Mary Alice Ruppert’s integrity, professionalism, unwavering commitment to championing fair housing, and her extraordinary leadership within our community have set a shining example for all Realtors,” said Gina Marie Bettenhauser, LIBOR President. “It is with immense pride that we congratulate her on being named the 2023 Realtor of the Year by the New York State Association of Realtors. This recognition is truly well-deserved, and we are honored to have her as a member of our association.”