The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) announces the recipients of two of its highest honors: Melissa Degen, 2025 REALTOR® of the Year, and Todd Waller, 2025 REALTOR® Active in Politics. Formal recognition of the awards will take place at the GMAR Annual General Membership Meeting in November.
Each year, GMAR members are invited to nominate REALTORS® whom they believe should be recognized for their contributions to the industry.
The REALTOR® of the Year award honors a member for civic and association activity at the local, state, and national levels, business accomplishments, and member spirit. Recipients exhibit high professional competence and faithfulness to real estate principles, laws, and regulations outlined in the Code of Ethics.
The REALTOR® Active in Politics award honors a member who has contributed substantially to the REALTOR® Party which works to advance home ownership, property investment, strong communities and the real estate industry. Recipients are leaders in the political arena who generously provide their time and resources to further political causes that support the real estate industry.
Melissa Degen - REALTOR® of the Year
Melissa Degen is highly respected by her peers as a dedicated GMAR leader and volunteer, sharing her time and expertise and advocating for GMAR members and the real estate industry.
Melissa’s commitment to GMAR includes service on the Board of Directors, including her role as the 2025 Treasurer, as well as many committees and task forces: Member Engagement, Government Relations, Young Professionals Network (YPN), Finance, and Scholarships. Melissa is a strong supporter of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), and at the state level, she serves on the Michigan Realtors® YPN Task Force. Through the Women's Council of REALTORS® 275 Corridor, Melissa demonstrates her commitment to leadership and influence in real estate.
The GMAR 2025 REALTOR® of the Year prioritizes her professional education, regularly attending state and national conventions and workshops on leadership, broker issues, real estate law and legislation, professional development and standards. She has earned many professional designations and certifications including SRES, ABR, PMN, RENE, SRS, e-Pro, C2EX, and AHWD.
Melissa also dedicates herself to causes for the betterment of the communities she serves. As a member of the Greater Realtors® Foundation Board of Directors, she fundraises for and donates to charitable causes and led the foundation as its 2024 President.
Personal engagement with clients and providing valuable resources is key to Melissa’s business and results in many referral and repeat investor clients. Melissa earned the Sterling Award from her brokerage in 2024.
With her recognition as the GMAR REALTOR® of the Year, Melissa will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® of the Year Award in October.
Todd Waller - REALTOR® Active in Politics
Todd Waller’s involvement in real estate advocacy is a great benefit to the real estate industry. His knowledge of political affairs has made him a sound advocate for real estate and homeownership issues. With legislation affecting the real estate community a top priority, he takes the time to educate key players on important industry issues.
At the local level, Todd serves on advocacy-related committees (some for many years) including Government Affairs (served as Chair), Government Relations (current Vice Chair) and the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). He is also Vice Chair of the GMAR Ann Arbor Area Chapter Advisory Board. He participates on GMAR member panels interviewing candidates for public office and has hosted many coffee hours with legislative officials presented by the Government Affairs Committee. Todd is a strong supporter of RPAC and helps plan, attends and supports many RPAC fundraiser events.
At the state level, Todd serves on the Michigan Realtors® Public Policy Committee (2025 Chair) and is an RPAC Trustee. He regularly attends Michigan Realtors® events and conferences covering legislative, leadership, broker, and fair housing topics and participates in Capitol Hill visits. He also attended the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Prior to entering real estate and beginning in college, Todd held positions in State Senate and Representative offices, was on the Governor’s national convention staff, worked for the government affairs department of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, and was a field representative for the Michigan House Caucus Services.
With his recognition as the GMAR REALTOR® Active in Politics, Todd will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® Active in Politics Award.