ORLANDO, FLA (April 17, 2024) – Six members of the Hanna Family of Companies were named as recipients of the Anne Freyvogel Hanna Legacy Award. This prestigious award, given at the biannual HannaCon convention in Orlando, recognizes exemplary individuals in the real estate industry who demonstrate significant community involvement and leadership. This award pays tribute to the remarkable Anne F. Hanna, one of the co-founders of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, who was known for her dedication to community service, which is deeply embedded in the fabric of the company’s culture, and deeply rooted in the Hanna family as well. More than 60 nominations were received this year. The recipients are named below along with excerpts from their submitted nominations:
Amy Hanks
Executive Vice President of Sales, Howard Hanna Mortgage Services
Most who know Amy Hanks know her to be a savvy, intelligent and very competitive business woman. Those who know her well also know her to be a compassionate, caring servant leader. Beginning at home where Amy is mom to 4 adopted children and the matriarch of an extended family and extending into numerous areas of her local community and beyond, Amy has lived a life of service to others. For the last 18 years, Amy has served as a board member of WNC’s Ontrack financial service and counseling. She also has served on numerous committees and volunteers at her local church, has held a number of board seats and served in important leadership positions with the Buncombe County United way and is a longtime faithful supporter of the Four Seasons Hospice Center. But one of her greatest passions is serving on mission field trips, where, over the years, she has served in Africa, Guatemala, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and Honduras. She currently serves as a Board Member of Vapor Ministries, which operates in multiple countries serving hundreds of thousands of people on a weekly basis and employing hundreds of indigenous people. Amy is truly committed to serving others at home, in her community and literally around the world.
Heather Herndon
Howard Hanna Jackson Office in Jackson, Mich.
Heather Herndon stands as an amazing leader within the landscape of Michigan. In the Jackson area, she has definitely left her mark on the various facets of the community, where her commitment to faith-based initiatives is profound. She dedicates her time to organizations such as Family Life Radio, the Jackson Interfaith Homeless Shelter, and the Jackson Aware Shelter, providing sanctuary for women and children escaping abusive environments. Moreover, her involvement with Compassionate Ministries collaborates with schools, churches, businesses, and the wider community to address needs ranging from food security to special needs support. Heather is also a huge supporter of the arts, where she contributes to the Jackson Symphony and the Jackson College Potter Center for the Arts. Yet, through it all, Heather remains modest, unassuming and kind. Her impact resonates deeply within her community, where she quietly but consistently makes a difference in the lives of others.
Tammy Koleski
Howard Hanna Elyria Office in Elyria, Ohio
This remarkable individual, Tammy Koleski, is not defined by her wealth solely from being a top producer, but rather by her profound dedication to supporting schools in the Elyria and Northeast Ohio regions. Alongside her sister, Tammy initiated the Wee Care Closet to ensure underprivileged student athletes had access to cleats. Wee Care Closet has donated over 5000 pairs of cleats, in addition to providing essential items like clothing, shoes, toys, food, backpacks, and books. This single initiative has profoundly impacted numerous lives. Tammy’s commitment is evident in the extensive list of over 30 schools, districts, and student programs she supports, as noted by one of her nominators. Tammy’s dedication to uplifting her community is simply unmatched.
Barbara Alexander
Howard Hanna Morgantown Office in Morgantown, W.Va.
When you attend any sporting events at West Virginia University, it is easy to see that Howard Hanna Premier Properties is the #1 broker in the region… and if you ask anyone in the stands about Howard Hanna, they will tell you their agent is Barbara Alexander. Barbara’s team not only sells the most homes in that region, but under her guidance she has been a leader in her family, her community and in the industry. It is no surprise that she was named as one of the state’s top executives by West Virginia. As a business leader, she serves on the board of directors of the Monongahela Valley Bank. Personally, she has shared her abilities with the Community Foundation and too many additional charities to even mention. Plus, in keeping with our company’s commitment to children, Barbara serves on the Leadership Council of the WVU Children’s Medical Center. But most of all, Barbara is most recognized for her work with cancer. For many years, Barbara has given her time to the West Virginia Cancer Institute and today serves as Chair of the Leadership Council. Her efforts have raised millions for cancer research! And, most importantly, the institute’s medical staff and research have saved thousands of lives. People are living great lives because of Barbara’s efforts.
Joe Maymi
Branch Manager of the White Plains, N.Y., Office of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
How does a remarkable manager, mentor, and coach find the time to give back to his community? Just ask his agents, who will tell you that Joe Maymi’s commitment knows no bounds. Joe, deeply rooted in his Hispanic heritage, brings not only his managerial skill set, but also his cultural values of community and service to the forefront. Based in the vibrant New York region surrounding White Plains, Joe leads a largest office in Westchester County with more than 100 agents. Yet, his impact transcends the boundaries of his office. A true humanitarian, Joe is woven into the fabric of his community, serving as a mentor, coach, and leader across various local organizations. Joe’s influence shines brightly, reflecting not only his professionalism but his heartfelt commitment to uplifting those around him, embodying the spirit of Hispanic heritage and community service.
Vera Purcell
Howard Hanna Mt. Lebanon Office in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Vera Purcell embodies “family first” in every aspect of her life. As the daughter of a pastor, she holds leadership roles and serves as an elder in the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Church, dedicating herself to numerous church missions facilitated by Light of Light. On a personal level, Vera not only supports her husband’s band but also leads music initiatives throughout Pittsburgh, enriching the local cultural landscape.In her role as chair of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra annual house tour, Vera ensures that the joy of music reaches all corners of the community. Her journey with Howard Hanna began as an event coordinator, coinciding with the inception of the Children’s Free Care Fund, where her contributions were pivotal to its growth. As the Director of Training and Events, Vera led many of the company’s community engagement initiatives, including the development and structuring of the Free Care Fund, which has since raised more than $21 million. Vera’s impact extends beyond Howard Hanna’s endeavors; she played a significant role in setting up the company’s presence at the First Family House Polo Match, a cherished event close to the heart of the late Kathy Winghart. Vera’s commitment to community service remains steadfast, evident in her ongoing involvement in company-wide efforts.Today, Vera continues her unwavering dedication as part of the Mt. Lebanon office, staying true to the values instilled in her by her grandmother, Nana. Amidst her achievements in helping families achieve their homeownership goals and her stellar performance as a top producer, Vera’s core values of family, community, and service shine through brightly.
Congratulations to the deserving recipients!
