What is the C.O. Nelson Award?

Every year at GAAR's Awards Gala, we honor a GAAR REALTOR® for our lifetime achievement award – the C.O. Nelson Award.

While members may know that the C.O. Nelson is awarded for lifetime achievement, they may not know how the award got its name. 

C.O. Nelson was the first recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year Award. He was honored with the award in 1953 from the Albuquerque Board of REALTORS® (an early name for the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®).

In honor of our first REALTOR® of the Year, C.O. Nelson Award is bestowed annually to a GAAR REALTOR® who demonstrates longevity in the profession and service to the REALTOR® Association at the local, state, and/or national level.

Last year’s recipient was Kurstin Johnson, one of the youngest REALTORS® to be honored with the award.

Do you know a REALTOR® that deserves to be honored for their lifetime achievement and meets the criteria below?
  1. Must be a REALTOR® in good standing with GAAR, RANM, and NAR.
  2. Must have past and present service to the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® .
  3. Must demonstrate longevity and extensive achievement in the profession.
  4. Must consistently model professionalism.

Then download this quick form and nominate them!

To learn more about the Awards Gala and to download more nomination forms, please go the Awards Gala page in the Special Events section of gaar.com