Tied to Success simply means we intend to tie every decision, every effort and every initiative to the success of every member of this association.
“This merger represents, in a word, opportunity,” said Lou Budetti.
Tied to Success simply means we intend to tie every decision, every effort and every initiative to the success of every member of this association.
NEW ROCHELLE—Approximately 280 colleagues, guests, friends and family gathered at the Glen Island Harbour Club here to celebrate the installation of veteran Realtor Rey Hollingsworth Falu of Hollingsworth Real Estate Group of White Plains as the 2026 President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
Hollingsworth’s installation was officiated by 2026 NYSAR President Ron Garafalo, who served as the 2019 HGAR President and is affiliated with John J. Lease Realtors in Middletown.
The gala program held on Jan. 29 also included the installation of HGAR’s 2026 Executive Officers and Directors by Previous Past President Carmen Bauman.
One of the highlights of the evening was the announcements by Immediate Past President Vlora Sejdi, Recognition Committee Chairperson Maryann Tercasio and Sponsor JoAnne Murray of Allan Block Insurance Agency of the top 2025 Award winners, which included Carole McCann being named Realtor of the Year and Alex Montalenti of Real Grader securing the Affiliate of the Year honor.
A somber point of the festivities was when HGAR officials and 2026 President Hollingsworth Falu paid tribute to HGAR Interim CEO Marty Nash, who passed away suddenly earlier this month. Hollingsworth noted that Nash, who only served in his position at HGAR for a short time, certainly “made his mark on New York.”
Hollingsworth Falu shared that his platform for 2026 is simply “Tied to Success.” He noted that HGAR was founded 110 years ago and has since grown to an association of 13,000 members representing Realtors from The Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Orange counties and Manhattan.
“Tied to Success simply means we intend to tie every decision, every effort and every initiative to the success of every member of this association,” he told the crowd assembled at Glen Island Harbour Club. “Because everything we do—from advocacy to education to networking—must connect directly to helping you grow your business, serve your community and build a better future for the Hudson Valley and beyond.”
He added that the 2026 platform is “simple and powerful” and has three overarching goals: Member Value, Advocacy and Growth.
“We’re going to re-imagine the new member experience, strengthen our partnerships with brokers and managers, and diversify how we communicate to you,” Hollingsworth Falu said. “This year’s events will blend education and connection to close more deals.’
Other components of the installation program included HGAR Chief Marketing Officer Liz Pollack opening the program, followed by remarks by Premier Sponsor Richard Haggerty of OneKey MLS; proclamations bestowed on the incoming HGAR President from Westchester County and the City of Mount Vernon and an invocation by Dr. Darren M. Morton.
Hollingsworth’s son Hunter Hollingsworth offered stirring renditions of the National and Black Anthems and also sang Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance” just prior to his father’s installation.
For the full list of 2026 HGAR Officers and Directors and Award Winners, see below.
President
Rey Hollingsworth Falu
Hollingworth Real Estate Group
President Elect
Anthony Ruperto
Ally Realty
Treasurer
Joseph Lippolis
BHHS River Towns owns Real Estate
Secretary
Shanese Williams
Real Broker NY LLC
Immediate Past President
Vlora Sejdi
HomeSmart Homes & Estates
2026 Regional Directors
Regional Director and Chapter Representative Bronx
Mackenzie Forsberg
Genesis Realty Group Inc.
Regional Director New York County (Manhattan) & Chapter Representative Manhattan
Tony D'Anzica
Dynamax Realty NYC Inc.
Regional Director Orange
Carole McCann
Hudson Heritage Realty
Regional Director Putnam
Myriam Ramos
Keller Williams Realty Partners
Regional Director Rockland
Soleil Jackman
Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
Regional Director Westchester
Crystal Hawkins Syska
Keller Williams NY Realty
Directors
Previous Past President
Carmen Bauman
Keller Williams NY Realty
Director
Layla Rose Boyles
Century 21 Realty Center
Director
Ernest Chi
Ernest Chi Real Estate LLC
Director
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
Director
Tiffany M. French
Clarke Realty
Director
Carolyn Fugere
William Pitt Sotheby’s Int. Realty
Director
Joseph Houlihan
Houlihan & O’Malley Real Estate
Director
Harding Mason
Houlihan Lawrence Inc.
Director
Don Minichino
KW MidHudson
Director
Roseann Paggiotta
Homesmart Homes & Estates
Director
Valerie Port
McGrath Realty Inc.
Director
Jennifer Rousset
Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
Director
Shtjefen "Steve" Saljanin
EXIT Realty Private Client
Director
Mark Seiden
Mark Seiden Real Estate Team
Director
Maryann Tercasio
Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
Director
Amalie Thomas
Amalie Industries LLC
Carole McCann, Hudson Heritage Realty: Realtor of the Year
Alex Montalenti, CEO, Real Grader: Affiliate of the Year
Barry Kramer: BHG Real Estate Choice Realty: Leah Caro HGAR Leadership Lifetime Legacy Award
Crystal Hawkins-Syska, Keller Williams NY Realty: Albert P. Schatz Legislative Advocacy Award
Anthony Ruperto, ALLY Realty: DEI Champion Award
Michelle Madaffari, Houlihan Lawrence Inc.: Edward I. Sumber Memorial Award
Don Minichino, KW Mid-Hudson: Excellence in Commercial Real Estate
Valerie Port, McGrath Realty: Extra Mile Award
Shanese Williams, Real Broker NY LLC: Spirit Award
Jeanne Shields, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Award
Dana Posner, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Up & Coming Award
Amy DelliPaoli, HGAR Chief of Staff & Engagement: President’s Award
“This merger represents, in a word, opportunity,” said Lou Budetti.
In its first phase, the Alliance will focus on building a common understanding of Westchester’s economic composition and the key sectors that drive the local economy.
“Our data shows the market is adjusting rather than declining,” said Richard Haggerty, CEO of OneKey MLS.
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