NAR offers awards, recognition, and scholarships specifically for state and local association executives. Read about the history, criteria, past winners, and apply. 

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2023 Magel Award Recipient

Michael Theo, RCE, CAE

Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

Michael Theo, RCE, CAE, CEO of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, is the 2023 Magel Award Recipient. NAR generally recognizes winners at the May REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, but Michael is retiring at the end of 2023. The Association Executives Committee will additionally recognize him at the AE Institute in San Diego in March 2024. 

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Read More About Michael

Mike Theo joined the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association staff in 1985, managing the association’s legal, legislative, political, research and public relations operations. In 2011 he was named President and CEO of the Association. He holds the REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of REALTORS® and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. In addition to being a past chair of NAR’s Association Executives Committee, Mike has been active in a number of organizations in the Madison community, including the following:

  • Board of Advisors, Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, UW-Madison School of Business
  • Past Chairman, Wisconsin Society of Association Executives
  • Board of Directors, The Madison Club
  • Board of Directors, Wisconsin Education Business Roundtable
  • Executive Committee, Competitive Wisconsin Inc.
  • Chairman, 2017 Association Executives Committee – National Association of REALTORS®

Mike will be recognized as the 2023 William R. Magel Award of Excellence recipient during the 2024 Joint AE Institute in San Diego in March.

2023 Smith Society Inductees

From left to right:

  • John Gormley, CEO, RCE, CAE, Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, IL;
  • Michele Holen, CEO, RCE, CAE, Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®, OR; 
  • Wil Riley, CEO, RCE, CAE, Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®, SC.