VAR Names its Realtor® of the Year and Good Neighbor
Congratulations to Jenifer Prouty Hoffman and Claudia Harris for being named the recipients of VAR’s two highest honors! We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate their accomplishments at the VAR 76th Annual Meeting on October 28 at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa! Meet our winners below.
VAR Realtor® of the Year
Jenifer Prouty Hoffman has been named the 2021 Realtor of the Year (ROTY) by the Vermont Association of Realtors. VAR’s Realtor of the Year recognition is the association’s highest honor and recognizes a realtor member for outstanding commitment to clients, the community and their profession. Jenifer is the principal broker/owner of Hoffman Real Estate.
Jenifer was named Realtor of the Year by the South Central Vermont Board of Realtors (SCVBR) earlier this year.
“Jenifer’s leadership has raised the level of professionalism for the Realtor® organization on a local and state level,” said VAR Chief Executive Officer Kathy Sweeten. “She is a shining example of the Realtor® spirit in her community, her work, and as a leader.”
In addition to her leadership in the real estate industry, Jenifer is known for her leadership throughout her community. She is a volunteer for the Bennington County Habitat for Humanity Shires Resale Store, and also spends time as a volunteer for numerous local chamber events, the Bennington School District, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union, and the School of Sacred Hart St. Francis. She spearheaded SCVBR’s 2019 community school supply drive, and most recently helped organize a successful Consumer Safety Day event in Bennington.
Jenifer has held leadership roles in SCVBR, including president of the board in 2020. She has been involved in numerous task forces on the local level, and recently served on VAR’s Education ad-hoc Committee and Professional Standards panel.
Jenifer is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her undergraduate senior thesis, “Brown vs. Board of Education: A Multi-Faceted Look at the Landmark Decision and the Three Men who Made it Happen,” earned several awards at Siena College. She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and Community Psychology. Prior to starting her real estate career, Jenifer served as a mental health and substance use counselor for women. In 2011, she launched her real estate career. Jenifer holds numerous professional designations and certifications from the National Association of Realtors, including NAR’s e-Pro Certification, the Green Designation, Real Estate Negotiation Expert Certification, At Home with Diversity Designation, e-Pro, and Commitment to Excellence Certification.
Prior to starting her real estate career, Jenifer served as a mental health and substance use counselor for women. In 2011, she launched her real estate career. Jenifer holds numerous professional designations and certifications from the National Association of Realtors, including NAR’s e-Pro Certification, the Green Designation, Real Estate Negotiation Expert Certification, At Home with Diversity Designation, e-Pro, and Commitment to Excellence Certification.
VAR Good Neighbor
VAR has named Claudia Harris as its 2021 Good Neighbor. Claudia is the broker owner of Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate in Weston, and is a member of the South Central Vermont Board of Realtors®.
Each year, VAR recognizes one individual who has made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work.
In addition to her full-time career as a Realtor®, Claudia also serves as an advanced EMT and is very active with the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad. She volunteers with various community organizations such as the Weston Business Council, Neighborhood Connections, and the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company. She also serves as Landgrove’s Town Moderator and Grand Juror.
“Claudia is making a difference in her community in many ways,” said VAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Sweeten. “During one of the most challenging periods in recent history, Claudia spearheaded a campaign that raised much-needed funds for food banks in her community. She leads by example in every aspect of her career and volunteer work.”
In 2020, Claudia chaired the SCVBR fundraising program. During the pandemic, when the services of Vermont’s food banks were in high demand, Claudia spearheaded the largest fundraising event in SCVBR’s history, raising over $18 thousand for local food banks.
Claudia serves on the board of directors for the Vermont Association of Realtors and is a past president of SCVBR. Claudia was recognized this year as SCVBR’s Good Neighbor recipient, and is also a past recipient of the board’s Realtor® of the Year Award.