The Greater Metropolitan Association (GMAR) is proud to announce the recipients of our two highest honors. Jaye Sanders has been named the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year, and Marybeth Jamieson has been recognized as the 2026 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.
Jaye Sanders - REALTOR® of the Year
Jaye Sanders is well-known as a dedicated leader, advocate, and volunteer whose commitment to the real estate industry extends from the local to the national level. With her service and leadership, she has championed housing opportunities and facilitated strong relationships between REALTORS®, elected officials, and the communities we serve.
Jaye’s dedication to GMAR spans more than a decade. She currently serves as the 2026 GMAR President and throughout her tenure has heavily contributed to the association as a member of the Board of Directors and numerous committees, including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Government Affairs. She played a key role in planning GMAR’s Fair Housing programs, including the association’s landmark 50th Anniversary Fair Housing celebration, and has worked to strengthen collaboration among neighboring REALTOR® associations to advance affordable housing initiatives.
At the state level, Jaye has been an active leader with Michigan REALTORS®, serving on the Public Policy, Fair Housing, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee where she served as chair.
As an RPAC Trustee and Major Investor, she is also a strong advocate for REALTOR® political engagement and public policy initiatives.
Nationally, Jaye has represented Michigan as an NAR Director since 2021, regularly participating in Legislative Meetings and advocating on behalf of homeowners, property rights, and the real estate industry with members of Congress. She also serves on the NAR Housing Opportunities Committee and is a member of the 2026 National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy, where she continues to develop her leadership skills. Jaye has earned the C2EX, At Home with Diversity, and Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designations, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jaye is deeply committed to serving her community. For more than a decade, she has organized and participated in Thanksgiving meal programs supporting residents of local men's and women's shelters, while also promoting fair housing, diversity, and affordable housing throughout southeast Michigan.
With this recognition, Jaye will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® of the Year Award later this year.
Marybeth Jamieson - REALTOR® Active in Politics
Marybeth Jamieson is a dedicated advocate for the real estate profession whose commitment to public policy, community engagement, and political involvement strengthens the voice of REALTORS® at all levels of government. She actively works to build relationships with elected officials and community leaders while promoting policies that support homeownership, property rights, and the communities we live and work in.
At the local level, Marybeth has served on the GMAR Board of Directors since 2024 and has been an active member of the Government Relations Committee since 2023. In 2026, she was appointed Vice Chair of the committee, where she helps advance GMAR's advocacy efforts and engages members on key legislative issues affecting the real estate industry. She is a regular panelist on candidate interviews and contributes heavily to our endorsement process. As a 2026 RPAC Major Investor, she further demonstrates her commitment to protecting the interests of REALTORS® through political advocacy.
Beyond the association, Marybeth has been actively involved in local government and civic leadership. She currently serves as Chair of the New Baltimore Arts and Culture Commission after previously serving as its Secretary, and she has been engaged with the Anchor Bay School Board since 2018. Her commitment to public service extends to supporting and advising numerous local and state political campaigns, while maintaining a strong focus on issues impacting real estate, education, and our communities.
Marybeth continues to expand her knowledge of public policy through programs such as the Michigan REALTORS® Key Contacts program and remains an active voice for the real estate profession. Her ongoing involvement with elected officials, community organizations, and advocacy initiatives reflects her dedication to ensuring REALTORS® have a strong presence in the legislative process.
With this recognition, Marybeth will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® Active in Politics Award later this year.