Over 150 members and guests gathered at the Four Oaks Country Club to celebrate the installation of Brandon Sweeney, a dedicated leader from Keller Williams Realty Success in Andover, as the 2025 President of the Northeast Association of REALTORS® (NEAR).

Brandon, a REALTOR® since 2017, has exemplified a commitment to professional growth and community service within the association. He began his leadership journey in 2018 with NEAR's Young Professionals Committee, where he served as Chair in 2020. Over the years, Brandon has held several key positions, including President-Elect, First Vice President, and Director, steadily rising through the ranks with his passion for elevating the profession and fostering collaboration among members.

 
"This past year has been challenging and with so many changes to our industry, there hasn’t been a better time to plug in and utilize the resources our association provides," Brandon shared during the ceremony. "Now is the time for us as REALTORS® to come together, to share our value with consumers, and to elevate professionalism throughout our industry!"

The evening was also marked by a heartfelt farewell from NEAR CEO Maria Brogan, who expressed her gratitude to the NEAR family for their support and collaboration during her nearly decade-long tenure as CEO and over 16 years of service to the association. Maria will be joining the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS® as Executive Vice President, effective January 2, 2025.

"Being part of NEAR has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," Maria shared. "I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and passionate professionals. NEAR will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited to continue serving the REALTOR® community in this next chapter."

From left to right: Ron Carpenito, Ruth Berube-Leach, Shalmai Hernandez, Shannon Forsythe, Brandon Sweeney, Tracy Callahan, Wendy Maguire, Kristen Keegan, Chris Rochon, Chris Doherty, Jeff Borstell, and Colleen Murphy (not pictured are Cheryl King and Neily Soto).

The election for the 2025 leadership team took place at NEAR's Annual Meeting in October. Joining Brandon on the leadership team are:

• President-Elect: Tracy Callahan, Coldwell Banker Realty, Westford
• First Vice President: Shannon Forsythe, Century 21 Your Way, Chelmsford
• Secretary-Treasurer: Wendy Maguire, LAER Realty Partners, Chelmsford

In addition, the 2025 NEAR Board of Directors includes newly elected members:

• Ruth Berube-Leach, Keller Williams Realty Merrimack Valley, Westford
• Lisa Sevajian, Compass, Andover

They join previously elected directors:

• Jeffrey Borstell, J. Borstell Real Estate, Tewksbury
• Chris Doherty, Doherty Properties, Chelmsford
• Shalmai Hernandez, Keller Williams Realty Merrimack Valley, Westford
• Stephanie Saunders, Compass, Andover

Several NEAR members will also represent the association on the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Board of Directors:

• Ron Carpenito, Keller Williams Realty Success, Andover
• Cheryl King, MRM Associates, Groton
• Chris Rochon, Lamacchia Realty, Chelmsford
• Neily Soto, Century 21 North East, Salem, NH

NEAR extends sincere appreciation to its 2024 leadership team and dedication committee volunteers and looks forward to an impactful year under Brandon’s presidency.

Thank you to our Premier Annual Sponsors:

• Movement Mortgage
• Landy Insurance

Special thanks to our Event Sponsors!

• Centerpieces: MLS Property Information Network
• Cheers to Success: Keller Williams Realty Success
• Entertainment: Lambert Randone, P.C.
• Favors: Mortgage Equity Partners
• Bronze Sponsor: A-1 Foundation Crack Repair